The history of Hamm's beer begins in 1865 when Theodore Hamm, a German immigrant, took over the Excelsior Brewery in St. Paul, Minnesota. This brewery was originally established by A. F. Keller, a friend and business associate of Hamm. Keller had built the brewery over artesian wells in an area known as Swede Hollow, which was located in the Phalen Creek valley.
When Hamm inherited the brewery, he saw great potential in its location and resources. The artesian wells provided a reliable source of high-quality water, which is crucial for brewing beer. Hamm recognized the importance of water in the brewing process and understood that the pristine water from the wells would contribute to the exceptional taste and quality of his beer.
Under Hamm's leadership, the brewery flourished and became one of the largest and most successful breweries in the Midwest. Hamm's commitment to quality and his dedication to the craft of brewing beer earned him a reputation for producing exceptional brews.
In addition to its quality, Hamm's beer also became known for its unique advertising campaigns. The brewery used catchy slogans, memorable jingles, and iconic imagery to promote its beers. One of the most famous slogans was “From the Land of Sky Blue Waters,” which became synonymous with Hamm's beer and was featured in their advertisements for many years.
During Prohibition, Hamm's brewery faced significant challenges. Like other breweries, they were forced to halt beer production and find alternative ways to stay afloat. Hamm's managed to survive by producing non-alcoholic beverages and other products. However, the Prohibition era had a lasting impact on the brewing industry, and many breweries did not recover.
After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Hamm's brewery resumed beer production and continued to thrive. The brewery expanded its distribution and gained popularity across the United States. Hamm's beer was known for its smooth, crisp taste and became a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Hamm's beer experienced a surge in popularity due to its iconic commercials featuring animated characters like the Hamm's bear. These commercials further cemented Hamm's beer as a beloved brand and contributed to its success during that time.
However, like many traditional breweries, Hamm's faced challenges in the face of changing consumer preferences and the rise of craft beer. In the 1990s, Hamm's brewery was acquired by the Stroh Brewery Company, which later sold the brand to Miller Brewing Company.
Today, Hamm's beer continues to be produced and enjoyed by beer enthusiasts who appreciate its rich history and distinct flavor. While the brewery's ownership may have changed over the years, the legacy and tradition of Hamm's beer live on.
The history of Hamm's beer is a story of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to brewing excellence. From its humble beginnings in Swede Hollow, the brewery grew to become a beloved and iconic brand. The commitment to quality, unique advertising campaigns, and ability to adapt to changing times have all contributed to the enduring success of Hamm's beer.