Long before Slinger became the community it is today, the smell of hops and malt drifted through town from the Storck Brewery. Founded in 1868 as the Benedict Kornburger Brewery, the operation sat along the railroad tracks and quickly became a gathering place and point of pride for the village, then known as Schleisingerville.
In 1877, H. Charles Storck and William Hartig took ownership. A few years later, Storck was running it alone, and his name would soon be known across Wisconsin. His “Slinger Beer” was shipped as far as Stevens Point and became a staple in local taverns. The brewery steadily grew, adding new facilities and employing townspeople who helped build its reputation.
When Prohibition arrived, many small breweries shut their doors for good. Storck, however, adapted. The company launched the Storck Products Co. and produced ice cream that became wildly popular. Children lined up for cones, often unaware that beer was still quietly brewed in the back room. Rumors even swirled of Chicago mobsters using the site as a hidden distillery during the 1920s.
After Prohibition ended, Storck returned to brewing beer, refreshed its labels and tried to compete with Milwaukee’s giants. However, the mid-20th century was particularly challenging for small breweries. Despite decades of ingenuity and loyal customers, Storck poured its last beer in 1958.
Today, Blaine’s Auto & Truck Parts occupies the site, but the story of Storck Brewery still lingers. Collectors cherish its bottles, labels and anything featuring the iconic name, while longtime residents recall a time when Slinger’s name was proudly stamped on every bottle of beer. Storck Brewery may be gone, but its spirit remains woven into the history of Wisconsin brewing.
Share Your Storck Brewery Memorabilia
Do you have any Storck beer memorabilia you are looking to sell? Contact me at contact@danthebeerman.com or reach out via Facebook.
