Hudepohl Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy It

Hudepohl Beer has had a long and tumultuous history in the United States. Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1885 by Ludwig Hudepohl II, the Hudepohl Brewing Company quickly became a staple in the city's beer culture, thriving alongside other local breweries in the years before Prohibition. After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Hudepohl resumed its beer production and soon became the dominant brewer in Cincinnati. However, increased competition from national brands in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as well as a failure to expand regionally, led to a slow decline for the company. Despite merging with rival Schoenling Brewing Company in 1986 and introducing new brands, Hudepohl-Schoenling struggled to maintain its market share. The brand changed hands several times before finding its current home with the Cincinnati Beverage Company, which also owns Little Kings, Christian Moerlein, and more. Today, Hudepohl beers, including seasonal offerings like the Festival Bock and Summer Pils, can be found at various locations in Cincinnati, including the Christian Moerlein tap room and the Bengals stadium.

Hudepohl beers at the Bengals stadium

Hudepohl beers are sold all over the Bengals stadium, but there is a specific Hudy High Point in Section 335. Here, fans can enjoy Hudy Delight, a beer that is said to have inspired the famous "Who Dey!" Bengals chant. The Hudepohl Brewing Company is a proud partner of the Bengals and has been since the team's establishment in 1967. The brewery was founded in 1885 by Ludwig Hudepohl II and is one of the oldest in Cincinnati.

Hudepohl has released special edition cans of "Hu-Dey" beer to commemorate the Bengals' Super Bowl runs in 1981, 1989, and 2022. The cans feature the team's colours of orange and black with a tiger face and stripes, and the chant "Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?". The beer has become a collector's item, with fans dusting off their cans and sharing them on social media during the Bengals' playoff runs.

In 2022, Hudepohl released another limited-edition Hu-Dey beer to celebrate the Bengals' Super Bowl appearance. The cans were designed by local creative agency Borne Content, blending the old and new designs with orange and black stripes and a classic Hudepohl font. The beer was a light, easy-drinking ale, and only 3,000 six-packs were produced, selling for $10 each.

Hudepohl beers can also be found at various bars and restaurants near the stadium, including Nation Kitchen & Bar, Blind Pig, O’Malley’s in the Alley, and The Setback.

Hudy Finder

The Hudepohl Brewing Company, established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1885, is one of the city's oldest and most beloved breweries. After Prohibition, Hudepohl quickly returned to brewing beer and soon became the dominant brewer in Cincinnati.

Over the years, Hudepohl has faced competition from national brands and regional competitors, leading to a decline in its market share. However, the company has survived and continues to operate today.

If you're looking to buy Hudepohl beers, the company's website recommends using their "Hudy Finder" feature to locate retailers near you. Additionally, Hudepohl beers can be found at various establishments in and around Cincinnati, such as Nation Kitchen & Bar, Blind Pig, O'Malley's in the Alley, The Setback, and many more.

Hudepohl beers are also available at the Cincinnati Bengals stadium, where you can visit their Hudy High Point in Section 335 to enjoy a drink and some Bengals nostalgia. So, whether you're a local or a visitor to Cincinnati, you can easily find and enjoy a refreshing Hudepohl beer at multiple locations throughout the city.

Hudepohl's history

The Hudepohl Brewing Company was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1885 by Ludwig Hudepohl II, the son of Ludwig Hudepohl, a German immigrant who arrived in the US in 1838. Ludwig II initially worked in the surgical tool business before starting his brewery.

In 1866, Ludwig Hudepohl II and George H. Kotte started a wholesale whiskey business. In 1885, they purchased the Koehler Brewery and changed its name to Buckeye Brewery. By 1890, the brewery had more than five brands of beer and 100 employees. After Kotte's death in 1899, Hudepohl bought out Kotte's widow and created the Hudepohl Brewing Company, which was an instant success. In 1890, Hudepohl sold more than 40,000 barrels.

Hudepohl died in 1902, and the brewery continued to operate as a family business for 100 years. After Prohibition, it bought out the Lackman Brewery on Sixth Street. By 1947, Hudepohl brewed 900,000 barrels, and by 1949, it was the best-selling beer in 14 states. In 1953, Hudepohl's 14K beer was the best-selling beer in Cincinnati. The company also created a draft Beer Ball, which held five gallons and was packaged in an insulated box. Beer drinkers just had to add ice to the box. Hudepohl marketed the Beer Ball around college campuses.

However, by the late 1950s and early 1960s, national brands like Schlitz, Pabst, Blatz, and Budweiser began to infiltrate the market, slowly chipping away at Hudepohl's dominance. In 1978, Hudepohl introduced Hudy Delight to compete with Miller Lite. In 1981, they launched Christian Moerlein Cincinnati Select Lager, a super-premium brand of beer. Despite these efforts, the company's sales continued to decline. In 1986, Hudepohl and Schoenling combined operations, and Hudepohl's production was moved to the Schoenling plant.

In 1997, the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Company was sold to the Boston Beer Company, and different companies brewed beer under the Hudepohl labels. In 2004, Greg Hardman bought the Christian Moerlein brand and started buying back lost Cincinnati brewery brands like Hudepohl, Burger, and Schoenling. In 2019, a new ownership group bought a stake in Christian Moerlein, renaming it Cincinnati Beverage Company (CinBev).

Hudepohl's contract brands

The Hudepohl Brewing Company was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1885 by Ludwig Hudepohl II, the son of a German immigrant. Over the years, the company has gone through several mergers and acquisitions, leading to a variety of contract brands.

In 1973, Hudepohl purchased the brands and recipes of Burger Beer, headed by new president Thomas Zins. This included Burger Beer, Bohemian Tap, and Red Lion Malt Liquor, with Burger Beer becoming Hudepohl's budget-priced brand.

In 1981, Hudepohl introduced the super-premium brand Christian Moerlein Cincinnati Select Lager, soon followed by the companion brand Christian Moerlein Doppel Dark beer. However, despite the popularity of these brands, they could not compete with the market share of Budweiser, Stroh's, Schlitz, and Pabst.

In 1986, Hudepohl merged with Schoenling Brewing Company, forming the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Company. The new company continued to operate independently until 1997 when it was sold to Boston Beer Company, brewers of Samuel Adams Beer. This arrangement lasted until 2001 when the contract was not renewed.

In 1999, the dominant ownership group, the Lichtendahl family, decided to exit the beer business, selling the domestic beer brands to the Crooked River Brewing Company, which later became the Snyder International Brewing Group. In 2004, Gregory Hardman, a Cincinnati resident, purchased the brands and recipes of Christian Moerlein, bringing local ownership back to the city.

In 2006, Hardman's company and a private investment group purchased all remaining brands and recipes of the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Company. In 2019, a new ownership group bought a stake in the company, renaming it the Cincinnati Beverage Company (CinBev).

Hudepohl's taproom

Hudepohl Brewing Company, established in 1885 by Ludwig Hudepohl II, is one of the oldest breweries in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brewery has a rich history, surviving Prohibition by producing near beer and soft drinks and becoming a beloved fixture in the city. Today, the company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company, and its beers continue to be brewed and sold in the Christian Moerlein taproom on Moore Street in Cincinnati.

The Christian Moerlein taproom is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing Hudepohl beer. The taproom is located in the heart of Cincinnati, just a short walk from the Great American Ball Park and other popular attractions. The taproom offers a wide variety of Hudepohl beers on tap, including their classic Hudy Delight, a light lager, and seasonal favourites like the Festival Bock and Oktoberfest Bier.

Stepping into the taproom, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space is designed with a mix of industrial and rustic elements, paying homage to the brewery's long history. Comfortable seating and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for beer enthusiasts and novices alike.

In addition to their standard offerings, the taproom also features limited-edition brews and experimental batches, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore new flavours and styles. The taproom also hosts special events, such as beer releases, live music nights, and community gatherings, creating a vibrant and engaging space for locals and tourists alike.

For those looking to take their Hudepohl experience home, the taproom offers a variety of options. From growlers and cans to limited-edition merchandise, visitors can purchase souvenirs and enjoy their favourite beers at home. The taproom also provides information on local retailers and restaurants serving Hudepohl beers, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy their favourite brews long after their visit.

Frequently asked questions