The Birth of Duquesne Brewing Company 1899
  • A group of six South Side businessmen, led by Henry Miller, envisions a new independent brewing powerhouse.
  • In April 1899, Duquesne Brewing Company is officially incorporated with
    plans for multiple breweries.
  • September 1899: The first brewery, Plant #1, is completed—a six-story
    Romanesque-style structure
    at 21st and Mary Streets.
  • 2025 1900
    Innovation & Expansion 1900-1905
  • July 1900: Duquesne markets its first beer, brewed using cutting-edge
    technology
    including mechanical refrigeration, steam heat, and electric
    delivery trucks.

  • July 1901: Duquesne becomes one of the first breweries to pasteurize bottled
    beer,
    introducing Silver Top, a premium lager that dominates the market.
  • 1899 1920
    Prohibition & Survival 1920-1933
  • January 1920: Prohibition begins, forcing Independent Brewing to pivot with
    "near beer" and asset sales.
  • The company closes its doors as Prohibition takes its toll.

  • 1932: Longtime company leader John H. Friday passes away.
  • 1905 1933
    The Rebirth of Duquesne 1933-1940
  • December 1933: Prohibition is repealed, and The Duquesne Brewing
    Company is once again producing their iconic beers.

  • 1933: The brewery reintroduces Duquesne Pilsener, solidifying its reputation as a premier Pittsburgh beer.

  • 1930s: The "Duke" makes its first advertising appearance, later evolving into the "Prince of Pilseners".
  • 1933 1940
    Pennsylvania’s Largest Brewery 1940
  • 1940: Duquesne produces 690,000 barrels annually, making it the largest
    brewery in Pennsylvania
    and 8th largest in America.

  • 1941: World War II: Despite wartime challenges, Duquesne expands across 12
    states.
  • 1940 1950
    Competition & Resilience 1950 - 1960
  • 1950: Duquesne invests $10 million in a state-of-the-art brewhouse, with a 2
    million barrel capacity.

  • 1952: The company consolidates operations into its South Side plant.

  • 1965: Facing competition from national brands, Duquesne launches blue-
    collar-focused ad campaigns,
    helping reverse years of declining profits.
  • 1950 1972
    The End of an Era 1972
  • Labor strikes and financial challenges force the sale of Duquesne Brewing.

  • C. Schmidt & Sons purchases the brand, closing the South Side brewery
    after 73 years.

  • 425 workers lose their jobs, and Duquesne Brewing Company ceases
    operations.
  • 1950 2008
    The Duquesne Revival 2008 - 2010
  • 2008: Mark J. Dudash and his wife, Maria, incorporate the new Duquesne
    Brewing Company.

  • 2010: Duquesne Pilsener is officially reintroduced, brewed at Latrobe
    Brewing Plant,
    the former home of Rolling Rock.

  • August 2010: The first batch of the iconic Duquesne Pilsener hits the market.

  • 2011: Duquesne Pilsener wins a Silver Medal at the World Beer
    Championships,
    becoming an internationally recognized pilsener.
  • 1972 2021
    Duquesne Brewing Company Owners Pass the Torch 2021-2025
  • 2021: Mark J. Dudash and Maria Dudash retire at the end of 2021.

  • 2024: Long time beer industry businessman, Bill Clevenger and his wife, Paula make the acquisition of the Duquesne Brewing Company.

  • 2025: The Duquesne Brewing team hits the ground running by rolling out the highly anticipated new look for the Duquesne Pilsener and Duquesne Pilsener LT.

  • March 2025 – The team worked closely with the brewmaster to produce the iconic, award-winning taste of “The American Original”. The first pallets of 30pks were packaged in early March 2025. Through a vast network of elite distributors, “The Beer For The American Worker” will be hitting shelves for America’s enjoyment.
  • 2010 1899
    Duquesne Pilsner Logo

    Hold on there young'un!

    To hang with the prince you must be 21!

    Duquesne prince of pilsner holding a glass of beer saying Are you 21?

    We Turned 21 in 1920

    How about you?

    Are you over 21 years old?