Western Pennsylvania has always had a rich tradition of craftsmanship and innovation, especially in brewing. Though many of the breweries that once dotted our region are no longer producing, their legacy lives on, remembered fondly by those who got to enjoy their distinctive brews. At Yinzylvania, we’re proud to celebrate these classic brands with our Retro Brew Collection, offering designs that bring back the flavors and spirit of these beloved, forgotten breweries. Let’s take a journey back in time and lift a glass to some iconic Western PA breweries!
These forgotten breweries may have closed their doors, but their stories live on. So next time you crack open a cold one, raise a glass to the breweries that came before, the people who made them special, and the memories that last a lifetime. Cheers!
Moose Brewing Co. - Roscoe, PA
Tucked in the heart of the Monongahela Valley, Moose Brewing Co. in Roscoe brought folks together with its welcoming atmosphere and quality beer. Known for its **Duckpin Pilsner** and **Moose Beer**, the brewery was a local favorite, especially during Pittsburgh’s industrial boom. Duckpin Pilsner, with its crisp, refreshing taste, was likely a big hit with weekend bowling leagues. Moose Beer, the brewery’s flagship, had a fuller-bodied flavor that kept patrons coming back for more. Though the brewery has long since closed, the spirit of Moose Brewing Co. lives on in Roscoe, where memories of shared stories and laughter over a cold Moose Beer remain.Tube City Brewing Co. - McKeesport, PA
McKeesport’s **Tube City Brewing Co.** earned its name from the city’s storied history with the steel industry. Tube City Brewing gave the hardworking men and women of the area something to look forward to after a long shift. Its **Tube City Pilsner** was a local classic—a light, easy-drinking beer perfect for winding down after a day at the mill. The pilsner had a clean taste with just a touch of sweetness that left you ready for another. Tube City Brewing was more than a business; it was part of McKeesport’s identity, serving as a reminder of the city’s industrious spirit and the strength of its people.Indiana Brewing Co. - Indiana, PA
The **Indiana Brewing Co.** in Indiana, PA, might be best known for its **Tropical Pilsner Beer**. This pilsner was unique in that it offered a bright and slightly fruity flavor—a hint of the tropics right in the heart of Western Pennsylvania. Indiana Brewing was a small operation but had a loyal following who appreciated its inventive take on classic beer styles. Indiana Brewing Co. was a community hub, bringing people together with a common love of craft beer and friendship. Though it’s now part of our history, Tropical Pilsner Beer continues to inspire today’s brewers who want to offer something a little different.Dubois Beer - Dubois, PA
Named for the town itself, **Dubois Beer** was a staple for residents of this small city. This lager was smooth and simple, brewed with care by local artisans who took pride in their work. It was more than just a drink; it was a Dubois tradition. There was something comforting about knowing that every sip of Dubois Beer carried the same quality and craftsmanship from one generation to the next. Though the brewery no longer operates, the town of Dubois still honors its brewing legacy, and the memories of those who enjoyed Dubois Beer remain alive.Altoona Brewing Co. - Altoona, PA
For fans of **Horseshoe Curve Beer**, **Altoona Brewing Co.** was a cherished part of local history. Named after the iconic Horseshoe Curve railroad landmark, the beer was a favorite among locals who celebrated Altoona’s industrial achievements and its pivotal role in the railroad industry. Horseshoe Curve Beer had a bit of a kick, perfectly embodying the power and grit of the railroad town it called home. The brewery may have closed, but the legacy of Altoona Brewing Co. and its tribute to the iconic Horseshoe Curve lives on in the hearts of many Western Pennsylvanians.Fort Pitt Brewing Co. - Pittsburgh, PA
No list of historic Western PA breweries would be complete without a nod to **Fort Pitt Brewing Co.** and its legendary **Fort Pitt Beer**. A staple in Pittsburgh, Fort Pitt Beer was known as the “Fort of Quality.” During the early-to-mid-20th century, it was practically a household name, popular not only for its taste but also for its ties to Pittsburgh’s history. As one of the largest breweries in Pennsylvania at the time, Fort Pitt Brewing Co. was a gathering place, an icon, and a part of Pittsburgh’s identity. Even though Fort Pitt Beer is no longer around, Pittsburghers still remember it fondly and take pride in their brewing heritage.Celebrating the Past with Yinzylvania’s Retro Brew Collection
At Yinzylvania, we believe that these breweries helped shape the spirit of Western Pennsylvania, creating not only great beers but a sense of community that endures. That’s why we’ve created our **Retro Brew Collection** to pay tribute to these classic brands. From Moose Brewing’s Duckpin Pilsner to Fort Pitt Beer, each design celebrates a different part of our region’s rich brewing history. Browse the collection at Yinzylvania.com, where you can find t-shirts and apparel that bring a piece of Western PA’s brewing legacy into the present.These forgotten breweries may have closed their doors, but their stories live on. So next time you crack open a cold one, raise a glass to the breweries that came before, the people who made them special, and the memories that last a lifetime. Cheers!
