All About Listermann Brewing Company
Listermann started out its life as a homebrew supply manufacturer. They started making equipment for homebrewers all the way back in 1991. From that, a homebrew shop was born, and in 2008, the Listermann that we know today was created (or at least the brewery that would become the Listermann we know today). They did things their way, covering every possible nook and cranny of what craft beer is, not afraid to explore styles and ideas. If brewing medals are your thing, they certainly won their fair share of them to prove that they’ve got the beers to back up their tagline of “it’s too tasty!”
The brewery never really stopped evolving through the years (alongside craft beer’s evolution). In 2021, they opened up a long-awaited expansion in the form of the Listermann Trail House, a second taproom (no brewing on-site) down the street from their first location. This pizza place/taproom brought an entirely different aesthetic and feel to the brand… but coming out of the pandemic, it wasn’t able to survive very long, and closed just a year later.
What Was Listermann Like?
Listermann underwent a ton of changes over its history, with the size and scope of its taproom taking on a whole new dimension. The space itself was split into two very distinct areas, divided by its on-site kitchen. The “bottom side” of Listermann is the bar. A massive hand-built wooden bar stretches across one side of the room. Think dark wood, copper, and nerdy beer discussions. This is where you go if you want to sit and chat.
Upstairs is what they call their indoor beer garden. Giant Jenga, Arcade games, picnic tables… this is your space if you want to hang out with your friends and have a few pints and eat some grub. It’s a little louder, and a little brighter, and more “airy”.
Tucked into the side of the building is their homebrew shop, which, although it’s shrunk a bit over the years, was always a massive part of what made Listermann who they were.
The Listermann Timeline
- 1991 – Listermann was founded as a Homebrewer’s equipment manufacturing company.
- 1995 – The Homebrew shop was opened in it’s current location.
- June 2008 – Listermann Brewing Company opens and starts selling their own beer on a 2bbl brewhouse.
- 2011 – Kevin Moreland comes on board at Listermann and starts revamping their product line.
- 2012 – Listermann’s high gravity side, Triple Digit launches.
- 2012 – The brewery upgrades to their 10bbl brewhouse.
- 2014 – Kevin Moreland leaves to start Taft’s Ale House, and Patrick Gilroy takes over.
- August 2014 – The taproom and brewing expansion is announced, the patio is added in the front of the brewery.
- October 2014 – Nutcase wins a bronze medal at GABF
- September 2015 – Listermann launches their “Fermatorium” with Danny Spears, focusing on cider, wine and other “weird fermentations”
- May 2016 – The Renegade Street Eats kitchen opens inside the newly renovated Listermann taproom.
- July 2016 – The brewery hires it’s new head brewer, Jared Lewinski
- November 2016 – Chickow! wins not only a gold medal, but best in show at FoBab.
- January 21 2017 – Listermann kicks off their ‘Hip Hop Series’ of NE IPAs, marking not only their first ever can release, but a series of can releases every single month.
- Summer of 2021 – Listermann promotes a new head brewer, Matthew Daniel
- 6/11/21 – Listermann opens their second taproom, called the Trailhouse
- Spring 2022 – Just Frites opens in the former Renegade Street Kitchen Space
- Summer 2022 – Unfortunately the Listermann Trail House closes after just one year of business.
- October 2022 – Tickle Pickle opens in the kitchen space formerly occupied by Just Frites.
- February 2023 – Founders Dan and Sue Listermann announce their retirement and the addition of new owners, Terrie and Steve Ipson.
- 1/11/2024 – The Listermann kitchen hosts a grand opening celebration
- 8/16/2025 – After making a very short announcement the day before, the brewery closed for business.
