Historic Flavor, Revived
After 83 years, we’re bringing back a taste of history. Reclaiming a significant part of Michigan City heritage. Come be a part of the return to glory, at the Zorn Brew Works Co.
The legacy began in 1871, when Bavarian immigrant Philip Zorn Jr., the son of a brewer, migrated to Michigan City to start his own brewing venture. After managing Busch & Brandt Brewery in Chicago for over 20 years, he settled at the corner of 9th & York Streets, where the P.H. Zorn Brewing Company used a spring-fed well to produce up to 15,000 barrels of beer a year. These included iconic brands such as Golden Grain, Grain State & Pilsenzorn under the slogan “It’s good for you!” even during prohibition, the Zorn name survived by using the facility to produce the soft drink Zoro, marketed as a “temperance beverage.” as the brewery was passed down To Philip’s son, Ron, the name was changed to the Dunes Brewery, before eventually closing its doors in 1938. In 2015 after 79 years idle, brewing operations resumed with Zorn Brew Works. The taproom occupies the former carriage house on the grounds of the historic brewery. Michigan City’s oldest brewery is now its newest!
Meet Our Brewing Team
We have big shoes to fill…..
We began stirring the mash, as home-brewers, as early as 2003. For us, the most enjoyable beers are a hearty balance of fresh & local ingredients. With an extensive collection of recipes and ideas ready to brew, our brews pay homage to not only historic happenings of Zorn Brew Works, but also the greater legacy of those times and places in Michigan City’s history as well. As a small, independent ,and local company, we couldn’t be more proud of the progress we’ve made in the past years, but are even more thrilled for all prosperous things to come…Cheers!