Brewing Companies in Lancaster PA are Rooted in History—Star Brewery

Frank A. Reiker emigrated from Wurttemberg Germany to America in 1860 at the age of 20, and settled in the predominantly German Cabbage Hill section of Lancaster PA. By the mid 1870’s, Frank Reiker started the Star Brewery on West King Street and by the early 1900′s, he and his son, Frank Reiker Jr., built probably the most technologically advanced brewery in the city, capable of putting out over 40,000 barrels (much of its output walked back to Cabbage Hill homes in growlers). Frank Reiker Sr. eventually returned to Germany and Frank Jr. lost control of the operation going into Prohibition. Reiker Star struggled on a few years after Prohibition ended but shut for good in 1938 and the buildings were razed in 1941. The historic Blue Star tavern, which was the brewery tied house, and a small park are all that remains of this facility.

Reiker Makes a Comeback at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant

However, brewing history in Lancaster City came full circle when 28 year old Chad Reiker became head brewer at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, 781 Harrisburg Pike, about a mile from the old Reiker brewery. Born and raised in Lancaster, Chad is the sixth and fifth generation direct descendant of the father and son Frank Reikers. Chad is justifiably proud of his brewing heritage, much of which was passed on to him by his grandmother. “They were the Dogfish Head of their day,” he exclaimed, and said Reiker beers were sought after from Boston to Washington, DC. Which is not to say they produced unusual varieties; rather they excelled in brewing the predominate style of the time and their “exported” beers commanded a high price. Lagers brewed by Reiker Star Brewery were also favorites of renowned Baltimore Sun newspaper columnist Henry L. Mencken. When asked, Chad confirmed the notorious “fire hose” story wherein dwarfs allegedly ran fire hoses through city tunnels to pipe beer to local speakeasies. He said that this occurred only after unsavory elements gained control of the business.

Chad will go back to his roots in the brew house as one of his next beers will be a Schwartz based on a Kulmbacher Export brand recipe from the early Reiker Star days. Chad says he’s staying put in Lancaster and hopes to carry on the Reiker brewing tradition in Lancaster for quite some time. The local Iron Hill patrons say, “Great!



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