
Rhinelander Brewing Company has its roots in Wisconsin, a state known for its rich brewing history. The company was founded in 1890 by August Krug.
The Krug family's German heritage played a significant role in shaping the brewery's early years. They brought their traditional brewing techniques with them from Germany.
Rhinelander Brewing Company's commitment to quality and community has endured for over 130 years.
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About the Brewery
The Rhinelander Brewing Company has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1890 by Otto Hilgerman, the company was once one of America's leading brewers of beer.
Otto Hilgerman's son, George, played a significant role in the company's success. He worked for the Hamm's Brewing Company in Minnesota to learn the trade, and later helped reacquire the Rhinelander Brewing Company name and building.
The Rhinelander Brewing Company's signature "Shorty" bottle was patented and became a beloved local icon. The "Shorty" bottle was so popular that it even inspired a nickname for several Northwoods sports teams.
Brewery
The Rhinelander Brewing Company is located at 43 S. Brown St. and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can visit the brewery on Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The grand opening will kick off at 4 p.m. and include a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m.
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The History
The Rhinelander Brewing Company has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1890 by Otto Hilgerman, the company was once one of America's leading brewers of beer.
Otto Hilgerman fought and won a court battle in 1894 to sell his beer retail on the factory premises, marking one of the earliest published references to the company.
The Rhinelander Brewing Company was popular throughout the Northwoods and made Hilgerman a wealthy man.
George Hilgerman, Otto's son, worked for the Hamm's Brewing Company in Minnesota to learn the trade, but Otto sold the business just two years before national prohibition became the law of the land.

The company closed its doors in 1920, and the unsold beer was dumped, with the equipment shipped south to Mexico.
The 21st Amendment to the Constitution repealed prohibition in 1933, and George Hilgerman was ready to revive the company. He invested thousands of dollars to enlarge and modernize the facility.
The famous "Shorty" bottle was patented by Hilgerman's marketing team, and it became a beloved local icon.
The Rhinelander Shorty became so popular in the local area that more than one Northwoods sports team used the moniker as its nickname.
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Products
Rhinelander Brewing Company offers a variety of products, including beers and hard seltzers.
Their beer selection is quite diverse, with options like the Bro'Dag Brown Ale and the Joe ‘Dag vs the Volcano Jalapeno Mango Cream Ale. These beers have a moderate ABV, ranging from 4.5% to 6%.
The Rhinelander Beers list features a few unique options, including the Thirsty Miner Hazy IPA, which has a higher ABV at 6.2%. This beer is also quite hoppy, with 58 IBU.
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You can find Rhinelander Brewing Company's beers at a pint price of $5.00 USD, which is a great value considering the variety of options available.
Here are some of the beers available from Rhinelander Brewing Company:
- Bro'Dag Brown Ale (4.8% ABV, 20 IBU)
- Joe ‘Dag vs the Volcano Jalapeno Mango Cream Ale (4.5% ABV)
- Banana Mon Hard Seltzer (5.3% ABV)
- Dag'toberfest Märzen (6% ABV, 21 IBU)
- Smash 'Dag Pale Ale (5.7% ABV, 33 IBU)
- Thirsty Miner Hazy IPA (6.2% ABV, 58 IBU)
- Over the Barrel Apple Ale (5.5% ABV)
- Export Lager (5% ABV)
- Good Ass Beer (4.2% ABV)
- Over the Barrel Hard Root Beer (5.5% ABV)
Drinks and Cocktails
At Rhinelander Brewing Company, you can enjoy a variety of drinks to complement their delicious food. Their cocktail menu is a standout, featuring four unique options.
The Bloody Mickey Cocktail is a must-try, with a single tall Bloody Mary made to order, paired with a choice of garnishes and a 5oz Beer Chaser of your choice. I've had the Beef Stick, Pickle & Olive combination before, and it's a game-changer.
Their Gin & Juice Cocktail is another popular choice, with a single all-rail Gin paired with your choice of Orange Juice or Lemonade. The simplicity of this cocktail is part of its charm.
For a classic drink with a twist, try the Screwdriver Cocktail, made with a single tall rail Vodka and Orange Juice on the rocks. It's a refreshing choice for a hot day.
If you're in the mood for something a bit more complex, the Artingstall's Negroni Cocktail is a great option, featuring a 3oz Pour of Negroni on the rocks.
Here are the drinks options available at Rhinelander Brewing Company:
- Bloody Mickey Cocktail
- Gin & Juice Cocktail
- Screwdriver Cocktail
- Artingstall's Negroni Cocktail
Information
Rhinelander Brewing Company has a rich history dating back to 1890. The company has been around for over 130 years.
Their flagship beer is Rhinelander Beer, a crisp and refreshing lager that's perfect for any occasion. It's brewed with a combination of traditional and modern techniques to create a unique flavor profile.
The company is still family-owned and operated, with a commitment to quality and community involvement. This dedication has helped Rhinelander Brewing Company build a loyal following in the region.
Their beers are available in a variety of formats, including bottles, cans, and kegs. Whether you're looking to stock your fridge or pour a pint at your next gathering, Rhinelander Brewing Company has you covered.
The company's commitment to quality and community has earned them numerous awards and accolades over the years.
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Brands and Activity
Rhinelander Brewing Company has been quite active lately. They've got a list of recent activities that show their dedication to brewing.
Their recent activity list includes exports, beer releases, and events. For example, they exported Rhinelander Lager on October 9th. On the same day, they also released Dag'toberfest.
Here's a breakdown of their recent activity:
- Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:52:46 +0000 - Export of Rhinelander Lager
- Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:04:37 +0000 - Release of Dag'toberfest
- Wed, 08 Oct 2025 22:54:01 +0000 - Release of Bro'Dag Brown Ale
- Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:43:42 +0000 - Release of Good Ass Beer
- Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:13:08 +0000 - Release of Dag'toberfest
Rhinelander Brewing Company also owns several brands, including Rhinelander Export Lager, Rhinelander Original, and Rhinelander Light Lager.
Brands
Rhinelander is a brewery that produces a range of beers under its own brand.
One of the notable brands from Rhinelander is the Rhinelander Export Lager, Rhinelander Original, and Rhinelander Light Lager.
Rhinelander also manufactures beers for Trader Joe's under the "Boatswain" brand.
The company has a contract to produce the Good Ass Beer brand.
Rhinelander owns the trademark for "Braumeister", a brand previously owned by the Independent Milwaukee Brewery.
Recent Activity
Rhinelander Brewing Company has been quite active lately. They've been exporting their Lager on Thursday, October 9th at 21:52:46 UTC.
Here are the recent activities of Rhinelander Brewing Company, listed in chronological order:
- Export Lager: Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:52:46 +0000
- Dag'toberfest: Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:04:37 +0000
- Bro'Dag Brown Ale: Wed, 08 Oct 2025 22:54:01 +0000
- Good Ass Beer: Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:43:42 +0000
- Dag'toberfest: Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:13:08 +0000
Rhinelander Brewing Company has been working hard to keep up with demand, with multiple activities happening on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rhinelander Brewery allow dogs?
Yes, Rhinelander Brewing Company welcomes leashed dogs inside the taproom, allowing you to enjoy a pint with your pup by your side.
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