The Pig's Eye Brewing Company was a beer brand and beer brewing company established in 1992 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They brewed the Pig's Eye brand of beers and the Pit Bull beer. The company folded in June 2002 due to financial troubles but was re-established in December 2002 when two former employees purchased the recipes. Unfortunately, the company is no longer in business. While there are mentions of people drinking Pig's Eye beer in 2024, it is unclear where they purchased it.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Brewery Name | Pig's Eye Brewing Company |
Location | St. Paul, Minnesota, United States |
Beers Brewed | Pig's Eye, Pit Bull, Pilsner, Ice, Amber Ale, Lean, Lean Light |
ABV | 4.1% |
Calories | ~100 |
Carbohydrates | Low-carb |
Availability | No longer in business; no nearby places on BeerMenus have this beer |
What You'll Learn
The Pig's Eye Brewing Company is no longer in business
The Pigs Eye Brewing Company is no longer operational. The company was established in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1992 and brewed the "Pig's Eye" and "Pit Bull" brands of beer. The company folded in June 2002 due to financial troubles.
In December 2002, the company was re-established when two former employees, Phil Gagne (the brewmaster) and Jeff Crawford (the vice president of sales), purchased the recipes. The new company brewed four beers: Pig's Eye Lean Light, Pit Bull Ice Malt Liquor, Pig's Eye Light, and Pig's Eye Amber Ale. The beers received awards at several festivals, including the Great American Beer Festival, the Between The Bluffs Beer Festival, and the World Beer Championships.
Despite this success, the Pigs Eye Brewing Company ultimately shut down during the coronavirus pandemic due to restrictions and financial difficulties. As of 2024, the company is no longer in business, and its beers are not available on platforms such as BeerMenus.
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The company was established in 1992 in Saint Paul, Minnesota
The Pig's Eye Brewing Company was established in 1992 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The company was a beer brand and beer brewing company that crafted the "Pig's Eye" brand of beers and the "Pit Bull" beer. The company was named after Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant, a French-Canadian man believed to be the first resident of Saint Paul. Parrant operated a tavern out of Fountain Cave, which is located near what is now downtown Saint Paul.
The Pig's Eye Brewing Company first launched its beer in 1992, and by 1994, it had reached a volume of 35,000 barrels, which were brewed by the Minnesota Brewing Company. The company's beers received awards at several prestigious festivals, including the Great American Beer Festival, the Between The Bluffs Beer Festival, and the World Beer Championships.
Despite its early success, the Pig's Eye Brewing Company faced financial troubles and was forced to close its doors in June 2002. However, the story didn't end there. In December of the same year, two former employees, Phil Gagne (the brewmaster) and Jeff Crawford (the vice president of sales), stepped in and purchased the recipes, reestablishing the company.
The reestablished company continued to brew four beers: Pig's Eye Lean Light, a pale lager with 4.1% ABV and fewer carbs and calories than other low-carb light beers; Pit Bull Ice Malt Liquor, a strong and smooth brew; and two varieties of pilsner. Unfortunately, the company once again faced financial difficulties and was forced to close down during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The beer was named after Pierre Pig's Eye Parrant
The beer was named after Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant, a French-Canadian settler who set up a successful whiskey distillery and trading post on the banks of the Mississippi River in the early 19th century. Parrant was a colorful character, known for his distinctive glass eye, which earned him the nickname "Pig's Eye." He was a shrewd businessman and a bit of a rogue, often getting into trouble with the law for his illicit whiskey trading and brawling.
Parrant's settlement, known as "Pig's Eye Landing," became a bustling hub for fur traders, settlers, and travelers. It was a wild and lawless place, full of saloons, brothels, and gambling dens. Despite its unsavory reputation, or perhaps because of it, Pig's Eye Landing thrived and became an important stop for steamboats traveling along the Mississippi.
The Pig's Eye beer brand was established in the 19th century to pay homage to this colorful character and the rich history of the region. The beer was first brewed by a local craft brewery, which sought to capture the spirit of Parrant's enterprise and the unique character of the settlement he founded. The beer was positioned as a premium, full-flavored lager, appealing to those with a taste for adventure and a appreciation of history.
Over time, the brand gained a loyal following, not only for its flavorful beer but also for the intriguing story behind its name. The brewery offered tours and tastings, attracting both local enthusiasts and tourists eager to learn about Pig's Eye Parrant and the colorful history of the Mississippi River settlement. The brand also played a role in fostering a sense of community, with its products becoming a popular choice at local events and gatherings.
Today, Pig's Eye beer is widely available in stores and pubs throughout Minnesota and beyond. It has become an iconic brand, not only for its enduring connection to the state's past but also for its consistent quality and distinctive flavor. The story of Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike, ensuring that his legacy lives on through each sip of this beloved brew.
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The company brewed four beers
Pig's Eye Lean Light, a pale lager with 4.1% ABV, is back with less carbs and more flavour than other low-carb light beers. It is handcrafted with a balance of fine 6-row robust malt and a unique blend of domestic hops, giving it a distinctively smooth, refreshing taste.
Pit Bull Ice Malt Liquor is described as "strong and smooth", allowing drinkers to enjoy strength without sacrificing taste.
Pig's Eye Light, a pale lager with 4.1% ABV and ~100 calories, was replaced by Pig's Eye Lean.
The fourth beer brewed by the company is unknown.
The Pig's Eye Brewing Company was established in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1992. The beer was named after Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant, a French-Canadian man who became the first resident of Saint Paul and operated a tavern out of Fountain Cave, which is now downtown. The company faced financial troubles and folded in 2002, but it was re-established later that year when two former employees purchased the recipes. The beers brewed by the company received awards at several festivals, including the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Championships. However, the company shut down again during the coronavirus pandemic due to restrictions and financial difficulties.
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The beers received awards at several beer festivals
The Pig's Eye Pilsner is the flagship brand of the award-winning Pig’s Eye Family of brands. It is contract-brewed by Stevens Point Brewing (and possibly City Brewing) with 6-row robust barley malt and a combination of Cluster, Cascade, and Fuggle hops. This balance of ingredients achieves a harmony of bitterness, aroma, and malt sweetness.
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Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, the Pig's Eye Brewing Company is no longer in business.
The company was established in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1992.
The company brewed the Pig's Eye brand of beers, including Pig's Eye Lean Light, and the Pit Bull beer.
Yes, the Pig's Eye beers received awards at the Great American Beer Festival, Between The Bluffs Beer Festival, and the World Beer Championships.