Nestled in the heart of St. Marys, Straub Brewery is one of the oldest family-owned and operated breweries in the United States. Its story begins in the mid-19th century, a time when German immigrants were bringing Old World brewing traditions to the mountains of Elk County.

The Founding Years

In 1872, Peter Straub, a German immigrant from Felldorf, arrived in St. Marys with little more than his brewing knowledge and an unshakable work ethic. He married into the Sorg family, who already operated a small local brewery, and eventually took over operations. By 1873, Straub Brewery was officially born, blending European craftsmanship with the resources of the Elk County.

From the start, Straub focused on quality ingredients and traditional lager brewing. The brewery drew pure water from local springs and utilized nearby farmland for barley and hops. Peter Straub’s philosophy was simple: make beer that was honest, consistent, and refreshing for working families.

Growth and Community Ties

As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, Straub Brewery became deeply woven into the fabric of St. Marys. It was never a massive operation like the brewing giants of Milwaukee or St. Louis. Instead, it thrived by serving the regional community of miners, loggers, and factory workers who found in Straub Beer a taste of home and heritage.

The brewery weathered the storm of Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, shifting to near-beer and other products until full brewing could resume. After repeal, Straub reemerged with its signature Straub American Lager, strengthening its reputation as a straightforward, easy-drinking beer.

The Eternal Tap and Tradition

One of Straub Brewery’s most beloved traditions is the “Eternal Tap,” where visitors can sample beer directly from the source. Generations of locals and travelers alike have made pilgrimages to St. Marys to enjoy a glass poured fresh at the brewery which is a symbol of Straub’s hospitality and family spirit.

The Straub family has also maintained an unwavering commitment to staying fiercely independent. Now operated by the sixth and seventh generations, the brewery continues Peter Straub’s vision of small-scale brewing rooted in tradition.

Today and Legacy

Straub Brewery stands as a living legacy of American and Pennsylvania brewing history. Recognized for its American Lager, Amber, and seasonal varieties, the company honors its heritage while embracing modern tastes. Its beers are still brewed in St. Marys, still tied to the same community that supported Peter Straub more than 150 years ago.

Timeline of Straub Brewery

• 1872 – Peter Straub, a German immigrant, arrives in St. Marys, PA, and begins brewing beer with the Sorg family.
• 1873 – Straub takes over the Sorg Brewery, founding what becomes known as Straub Brewery.
• Late 1800s – The brewery builds a strong local reputation, producing traditional lagers for workers in the booming logging and coal industries of Elk County.
• 1920–1933 (Prohibition) – Brewing operations are restricted; Straub survives by producing “near beer” and other beverages until full-scale brewing is legal again.
• 1933 – Repeal of Prohibition; Straub resumes brewing its flagship American Lager.
• 1940s–1960s – Straub maintains steady growth, continuing as a family-owned operation while many independent breweries across the U.S. close or consolidate.
• Mid-20th Century – The Eternal Tap tradition is born, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh beer directly from the brewery taproom.
• 1970s–1990s – While larger national breweries dominate the market, Straub endures by staying loyal to its community and offering consistent, straightforward lagers.
• 2000s – Straub expands its lineup, introducing seasonal and specialty brews alongside its iconic American Lager.
• 2010s – The brewery embraces the craft beer movement while staying rooted in tradition, producing award-winning styles like Straub Amber and seasonal limited editions.
• Today – Straub Brewery remains one of the oldest independent, family-owned breweries in the United States, with its heart still in St. Marys, PA.

Straub Beer is more than a beverage, it is a legacy of perseverance, family, and tradition. From its modest start in 1872 to its status today as a landmark of Pennsylvania brewing, Straub represents the enduring spirit of both St. Marys and the American brewing story.