Our Story

Falls City Beer barrel trucks delivering barrels to one of the best Louisville breweries.

It all begins with a purpose.

The Louisville beer scene in 1905: local breweries in Louisville, KY were being bought up by large beer conglomerates. Enter Falls City.

Brewery employees working at one of the best breweries in Louisville.

1900s-1910s

Founded in 1905 by Ben Schrader and a group of local tavern owners and grocers, the original Falls City was formed to fight a big beer takeover in Louisville.

In 1906, Otto Doerr was hired as our first brewmaster and our beer soon began appearing in local taverns. Shortly thereafter, a bottling plant was added and Falls City became one of the most popular breweries in Louisville, KY.

Old Falls City beer truck delivering Louisville beer.

1920s-1930s

When most breweries shut their doors at the onset of Prohibition, Falls City was able to not only remain open, but actually turn a profit by selling near beer, soda, and ice.

In 1933, the brewing equipment was fired back up and beer was flowing once again!

Brewer drinking beer from tank at Falls City Beer in Louisville.

1940s-1950s

The ‘40s and ‘50s saw Falls City become a dominant regional brewery in Louisville and throughout the southeast. As distribution opened up to seven states, we soon hit a peak 750,000 barrels of beer per year.

1960s-1970s

Sales began to decline as big beer (Budweiser, Miller, etc.) gained immense popularity. We cut corners on ingredients and failed with “Billy Beer” as well as other last-ditch marketing efforts. Finally, we closed our doors in 1978.

Old Falls City Beer delivery driver hat.

Present Day

When Louisville craft beer began its’ most recent resurgence in the late 2000s, the Falls City brand was revived with the same fighting spirit and passion for quality craft beer as our founders. We proudly hold space as a premier Louisville brewery.

As the times change, we learn and adapt. Please join us for a pint and celebrate our city’s rich history of independent beer with us. Cheers!