Beer has been one of the most fondly-loved drinks throughout all of history. This is especially true in America, where a number of famous beer companies all reside. Many of these large breweries were begun many years ago, during the late 19th Century, well before Prohibition struck the country. These breweries were located all around the United States, most of them started by many famous American citizens of German heritage. Some of the most famous of there were Captain Frederick Pabst, Adolphus Busch, and George Ehret. Their breweries grew into large, respected makers of fine beers and ales that have come to be enjoyed all over the world.

Pabst began his factory in Milwaukee. His influence in the city is said to have turned this city into the large brewing center that it is known to be today. Setting up his factory in the city, hiring numerous German workers to help him run it, and selling his personal brew of Pabst Select brand helped put Milwaukee on the map as a great location for producing quality beer. Pabst Select brand eventually grew into Pabst Blue Ribbon, a brand which is still enjoyed to this day.

Adolphus Busch began his brewery in St. Louis, taking his father-in-law's failing brewery and turning it into a successful enterprise once more. Promoting his brand, Budweiser, Busch began to show the world his vibrant personality which he effectively used to push the Budweiser brand. His efforts helped to make Budweiser a brand which is still very popular today, as it is one of the biggest selling brands of beer in the world. Without Busch's eccentric personality and passion for brewing, this beer may not be in existence to this day.

George Ehret began his brewery in 1866 in New York City. His brewery, Ehret's Hell Gate Brewery, named for the neighborhood it was located in, was the largest producing brewery only 12 years after it was first founded. All of his profits from the brewery were put into real estate development, turning Ehret into one of the largest and richest men in New York City. His value was placed near the Astor's in terms of money and influence over New York City, showing that German American beer magnates were a founding force behind a great deal of the economy of this country.