Minnesota Breweries History: Fitger Brewing Company
In 1881, Michael Fink built his second brewery in Duluth on
Superior St. between East 5th and 6th Aves., naming it the Lake Superior
Brewery. Two years later, he took on a young brew master, August Fitger,
as a partner. In 1885, Michael Fink sold his share in the brewery, and
the business operated as A. Fitger & Co., (though the Lake Superior
Brewery name was retained). The first refrigerator machine in the state
of Minnesota was installed at the brewery in 1890.
In 1906, the brewery was incorporated as the Fitger Brewing Company
in Duluth Minnesota and continued as such until 1972. Fitger's considered
purchasing the closed Northern brewery (Superior, Wisconsin) in 1968
after the Interstate Commission threatened to build 1-35 through Firger's
historical brewery grounds. The Northern brewery, as it turned out, was
too small and despite Fitger's closing in 1972, its buildings stil stands
(the freeway was tunneled below and around it). It is now a tourist shopping
mall and hotel.
In 1985 the historic Fitger's Brewery Complex was saved from the
wrecking ball by a group of investors that envisioned its current use as a
four diamond hotel and shopping center. Fitger's Brewhouse opened in 1995
to continue the tradition of quality hand-crafted beer. Fitger's Brewhouse
offers more than seven quality handcrafted ales on tap, including five
full-time pours and more than twenty seasonal beers in rotation. Their
popular brews include WitchTree Extra Special Bitter and Big Boat Oatmeal Stout.
|
Fitger's Brewhouse (Brewery & Grille)
"Current Fitger's" - Opened 1995
