Heritage of Excellence

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1819
The Aqueduct Spring Brewery – Rochester 's first brewery – opens on South Water Street near the east bank of the Genesee River . Three decades later, one in seven U.S. citizens will be German. By the end of the 19th century, fifty breweries will have opened in Rochester , a reflection of the city's vibrant German heritage.

1857
Charles Rau establishes the Rau & Reisky Brewery, later changed to Reisky & Spies, renowned as a lager brewer with "a first class saloon."

1878
Mathius Kondolf, one of Rochester 's early entrepreneurs, takes control of Reisky & Spies, changing its name to Genesee .

1889
Louis A. Wehle is born September 22nd. That year English investors purchase the stock of three Rochester breweries - Genesee, Rochester, and the city's largest, Bartholomay Brewery Company. Wehle's grandfather, Casper , and his father, John, both work at Bartholomay. While still in high school, young Wehle will begin assisting his father at the brewery.

1909
Bartholomay sends Louis A. Wehle to brewmaster's school in New York City . Upon graduation – in 1911- he is promoted to assistant brewmaster.

1916
Genesee names Louis A. Wehle the youngest brewmaster in New York State . Wehle's first son, John L. "Jack" Wehle, is born December 21st on the brewery's property, where it is customary for a home to be maintained for the brewmaster. .