McSorley's Old Ale House is a historic bar in New York City's East Village. It is known for serving only one beverage in its 170-year history: Ale. The bar has a rich history, dating back to the mid-19th century, and has been featured in various books, articles, and films. The beer served at McSorley's has changed hands several times over the years, but it is currently owned by the Pabst Brewing Company. So, if you want to buy McSorley's beer, you'll need to head to the iconic bar in Manhattan or look for it in stores in the East.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Brewery | Fidelio Brewery, Greater New York Brewery, Rheingold Brewery, Schmidt's Brewers of Philadelphia, Stroh Brewery, Pabst Brewing Company |
Year Established | 1854 |
Location | East Village, Manhattan, New York City |
Beer Type | Ale, Lager, Porter |
Beer Colour | Golden, Light, Dark |
ABV | 5.5% |
Calories | 150 |
Beer Availability | Kegs, Bottles |
Payment Method | Cash Only |
What You'll Learn
- McSorley's Ale is available at the McSorley's Old Ale House in NYC
- You can also buy it in kegs and bottles throughout the East
- The beer is currently brewed by the Pabst Brewing Company
- The McSorley's Old Ale House only serves two types of beer: a house ale and a porter
- The bar is cash only and does not take reservations
McSorley's Ale is available at the McSorley's Old Ale House in NYC
The ale served at McSorley's is famous, with a rich, wax-like colour, as described by author Joseph Mitchell in his 1943 book, "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon." The beer was originally brewed by the Fidelio Brewery on First Avenue, which was founded two years before the saloon. However, with the enactment of the 18th Amendment, Fidelio was forced out of the beer-making business, and brewing operations moved to the basement of McSorley's Old Ale House.
After Prohibition ended, the Fidelio Brewery returned as the official brewer of McSorley's Cream Stock Ale. The brewery expanded and changed its name to The Greater New York Brewery, but it soon went into receivership, and the McSorley's account went to the Rheingold Brewery in Brooklyn. Rheingold carried on with the product for more than thirty years before finally passing the brand to Schmidt's Brewers of Philadelphia. This marked the first time that the ale was made without New York's legendary water.
In the early 1990s, the Stroh Brewery purchased the McSorley's brand, and it was later bought by the Pabst Brewing Company, which still owns the rights to brew McSorley's Ale today. The ale is available to consumers in both kegs and bottles throughout the East, and of course, at McSorley's Old Ale House, where it is said to taste a little different.
So, if you're looking for a taste of history and a unique beer experience, be sure to visit McSorley's Old Ale House in NYC. Belly up to the bar, enjoy the camaraderie, and savour the famous ale that has been a staple of the bar for over 170 years.
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You can also buy it in kegs and bottles throughout the East
McSorley's Ale is available to consumers in kegs and bottles throughout the East. The beer is also served at McSorley's Old Ale House in Manhattan's East Village, where it has been served for 170 years.
The ale is described as faintly cool with a thick head and a delicate maltiness. The bar itself is steeped in history, with the walls covered in pictures, none of which were taken after the introduction of colour photography. The windows are dusty, and the light bulbs are weak. The floor is strewn with sawdust, and the bar only accepts cash.
McSorley's Ale was originally brewed by the Fidelio Brewery on First Avenue, which was founded two years before the saloon opened in 1854. However, Prohibition forced Fidelio out of the beer-making business, and brewing operations moved to the basement of McSorley's Old Ale House. After Prohibition ended, Fidelio Brewery returned as the official brewer of McSorley's Cream Stock Ale.
The beer has changed hands several times over the years, with the Rheingold Brewery in Brooklyn, Schmidt's Brewers of Philadelphia, and the Stroh Brewery all taking turns as the brewer. Eventually, the brand was purchased by the Pabst Brewing Company, which still owns the rights to brew McSorley's Ale today.
So, if you're looking to buy McSorley's Ale in kegs or bottles throughout the East, keep an eye out for the Pabst Brewing Company label. And if you're ever in New York City, be sure to stop by McSorley's Old Ale House to try the ale in its original setting.
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The beer is currently brewed by the Pabst Brewing Company
Pabst Brewing Company's association with McSorley's Ale began in the early 1990s when they acquired the brand from Stroh Brewery. McSorley's has a unique history of its own, serving only ale for over 170 years. The ale has been brewed by various breweries, including Fidelio Brewery, The Greater New York Brewery, Rheingold Brewery, and Schmidt's Brewers of Philadelphia, before landing in the hands of Pabst.
Pabst Brewing Company's acquisition of McSorley's brand expanded the distribution of this historic ale. McSorley's Ale is now available to consumers in both kegs and bottles throughout the East Coast of the United States, and of course, at the iconic McSorley's Old Ale House in New York City. The ale has a rich, golden hue and a unique flavour that has endured through the decades.
In addition to McSorley's Ale, Pabst Brewing Company's portfolio includes a wide range of beer brands, such as Pabst Blue Ribbon Extra, Pabst Easy, and Pabst Non-Alc, as well as Ballantine XXX Ale, Schlitz, Old Milwaukee, Colt 45, and many others. The company has also ventured into hard coffee, hard tea, hard seltzers, and even whiskey under the Pabst Blue Ribbon name.
Pabst Brewing Company's mission has always been to "make a good beer at a fair price." They pride themselves on being defined by their audience and aim to provide a cold, refreshing beverage at the end of a hard day for beer enthusiasts across the country.
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The McSorley's Old Ale House only serves two types of beer: a house ale and a porter
The McSorley's Old Ale House in New York City has a long and storied history. Established in 1854, it is the city's oldest continuously operated saloon and has served as a gathering place for everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon. The pub gained notoriety when civil rights attorneys Faith Seidenberg and Karen DeCrow took their case to the Supreme Court to gain access for women, who were finally allowed in during the 1970s.
Today, McSorley's maintains its old-timey atmosphere with sawdust-strewn floors, grey, dust-covered walls, and a lack of modern amenities like jukeboxes or televisions. The bar serves only two types of beer: a house ale and a porter, both of which are custom brews. The ale is described as faintly cool with a thick head and a delicate maltiness, while the porter boasts notes of dark chocolate.
The beer is served in tiny mugs holding about six ounces each, and patrons typically order two beers at a time, as a "single" is considered ordering two mugs of the same beer. The custom mugs, which are smaller than traditional serving vessels, make it easier for staffers to carry multiple beers through the crowded bar. The cost is $7 for two beers or $4 for a single, with cash being the only accepted form of payment.
The house ale has a long history, having been brewed by several different breweries over the years, including Fidelio Brewery, The Greater New York Brewery, Rheingold Brewery, Schmidt's Brewers of Philadelphia, Stroh Brewery, and, most recently, Pabst Brewing Company. Despite the changes in brewers, the ale has remained a consistent fixture at McSorley's, with the bar even continuing to serve it during Prohibition by brewing it in-house.
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The bar is cash only and does not take reservations
McSorley's Old Ale House, established in 1854, is a bar steeped in history and tradition. It is known for serving only one beverage in its entire existence—ale! This famous ale, with its rich, wax-like colour, has been a staple of the bar and has drawn people from all walks of life, including notable figures such as Abe Lincoln and John Lennon.
The bar has a unique character and atmosphere that sets it apart. It boasts sawdust-strewn floors, history-patched walls, and a lively clamour of clanking glasses and cheerful patrons. It is a place where people come for camaraderie and the unique beer experience. The bar only serves its signature ale in pairs, with each mug holding about six ounces of beer, making it a unique and memorable drinking experience.
However, one important thing to note about McSorley's is that it is a cash-only establishment and does not accept reservations. This means that patrons need to ensure they have enough cash on hand when visiting, and they may need to be prepared to wait for a seat during busy times. The bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis, adding to the sense of exclusivity and authenticity that has made it a beloved institution in New York City.
The cash-only policy is a remnant of the bar's long history and adds to its old-world charm. Patrons are advised to come with at least $20, ensuring they can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about running out of cash. This policy also encourages a lively and social atmosphere, as patrons tend to order multiple rounds at once, leading to a more vibrant and convivial setting.
While the no-reservation policy may be a slight inconvenience for those who like to plan ahead, it is part of the bar's enduring appeal. The line to get into McSorley's becomes a community in itself, with people bonding over their shared anticipation of the unique experience that awaits them. This policy also ensures that everyone has an equal chance of enjoying the bar, regardless of their status or connections.
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Frequently asked questions
McSorley's beer is available in both kegs and bottles throughout the East and at McSorley's Old Ale House in New York City.
McSorley's sells a house ale and a porter. The ale is faintly cool with a thick head and a delicate maltiness, while the porter has notes of dark chocolate.
Two beers cost $7, or $4 for a single, although no one orders a single.
No, McSorley's does not take reservations. It is first come, first served.
No, McSorley's is cash only.