Weideman Taproom – A Rich Cincinnati History

A Legacy Born in 1870

The Wiedemann brewing story began when German immigrant George Wiedemann Sr. arrived in the U.S. in the mid‑19th century, gaining brewing experience in New York, Louisville, and Cincinnati. In 1870, he established the George Wiedemann Brewing Company in Newport, Kentucky—a venture that quickly became Kentucky’s largest brewery.

By the 1880s, Wiedemann’s operation was a powerhouse. He expanded the brewery with state-of-the-art facilities, including a malt house, new brewhouse, and a fine bottling plant. Under his leadership, the brewery introduced popular brands like Bohemian Pilsner and Bavarian-style Lager, beloved locally and shipped across the nation—plus exported overseas.

Persevering Through Prohibition and the Twentieth Century

Despite the challenges of Prohibition, Wiedemann’s found ways to stay alive—producing industrial and medical alcohol, though a license violation in 1927 led to its shutdown. The brewery revived afterward but eventually succumbed to consolidation: acquired by G. Heileman Brewing Company in 1967, its Newport facility closed in 1983. Brewing continued under license in Pittsburgh until the brand faded in 2007.

A Crafted Rebirth in St. Bernard

A new chapter began when Jon and Betsy Newberry, a beer journalist couple, acquired the Wiedemann brand in 2012 and relaunched it as a craft beer (initially contract-brewed). Their dream expanded, and by June 2018, they had opened the new Wiedemann Brewery & Taproom in St. Bernard, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati

More than just beer, the Newberrys transformed a former funeral home into a 12,000‑square‑foot community-focused brewery and taproom—preserving historic charm while bringing it alive with modern features. Highlights include the former embalming room turned canning line, a spacious sundeck, and a tree‑lined beer garden adjacent to the historic Miami & Erie Canal

Craft + Tradition: A Brewery for Today

At Wiedemann’s today, tradition and innovation sit side by side. Their flagship Bohemian Special Brew, a tribute to the original recipe, continues the legacy—voted Cincinnati’s Favorite Beer in 2021 and 2022, runner-up in 2023

But they’re not just looking backward. Expect a wide rotation of creative, craft-forward beers—like hazelnut coffee stout, mango hefeweizen, and blood orange blonde, brewed on-site—and poured from an impressive 42 taps in the taproom. The space also offers live local music, full kitchen service, and big‑screen TVs for Reds games

Why Wiedemann’s Matters

• Rich brewing lineage dating back 150+ years, rooted in German-American heritage.
• A revival that honors tradition while pushing craft beer boundaries.
• A unique venue that turns a retired funeral home into a vibrant community hub.
• A diverse beer lineup, from classic lagers to inventive seasonal brews.
• An immersive experience featuring history, food, music, and ambiance.

Visitor Essentials

• Location: 4811 Vine Street, Cincinnati (St. Bernard)
• Atmosphere: Cozy old-school tavern feel inside, plus gorgeous outdoor seating.
• Offerings: Full food menu, beer flights, family-friendly with games, live entertainment.
• Heritage: Connected to a significant brewing legacy while fully modern in approach.

Wiedemann’s Brewery & Taproom isn’t just serving beer—it’s serving up history, local pride, and innovation in every pour. It’s a must-visit intersection of heritage and craft in the Cincinnati area. Let me know if you’d like help drafting event coverage, menu highlights, or pairing ideas for your blog!

Cheers!