The story of Victory Brewing Company actually starts on a school bus in 1973 when fifth-graders Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet stepped aboard, on their way to a new school. The two became fast friends and remained so as they grew up, went to college on opposite coasts, and stayed connected through a newfound love of home brewing in their early 20’s.

28

Years in Business

5

Locations

19

States

1

Family

Pour Proudly


After a whirlwind of a few years, we pause to reflect on what’s helped us get to this point: a little luck, hard work, commitment to quality, and a focus on innovation. But most importantly, it’s people that have had the most significant impact on our success. Our employees, our families, our communities, and you. Thank you.

Over the last 28 years, we have grown into a world-renowned craft brewery, and the second largest craft brand family* in our home state of Pennsylvania. We have released iconic beers that have made a significant mark on the craft industry and created lifelong fans.

From Prima PilsHopDevil, and DirtWolf, to Summer Love, and of course the immensely popular Golden Monkey, Sour Monkey and now Juicy Monkey and Berry Monkey. It’s been a lot of fun and we’re so proud of the memories we get to help you create with those you love.

Our Story

Over the Years

^
1973
Bill & Ron Meet
Fifth-graders Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet met on a school bus. The two became fast friends and remained so as they grew up and went to college on opposite coasts.
^
1985
Love for Brewing
Bill and Ron graduated college and developed an appreciation for good beer. Bill had access to his father’s home brewing equipment and was inspired to explore this hobby. That same year, Bill gave Ron a home brewing kit as a Christmas gift.
^
1989
Beginnings in Brewing
Ron left his job as a financial analyst and started an apprenticeship at Baltimore Brewing Company (BBC). After working there for nearly a year, Ron had the necessary prerequisites to move on to study at the Technical University of Munich at Weihenstephan.
^
1990
Studies in Germany
Bill took over Ron’s role at Baltimore while Ron went to study in Germany to enhance his German brewing knowledge. Bill was expanding the line of beers produced at the BBC to include several German specialty beers, many of which went on to win multiple awards at the Great American Beer Festival. In 1993, Bill completed his brewing studies by traveling to Munich, Germany to attend Doemens Institute.
^
1991
Returning Stateside
After Ron’s year of education in Munich, he returned stateside and took a role at Old Dominion Brewing Company in Virginia. Over the course of four years as the brewer, then Brewmaster, he helped to increase production from 1,500 barrels annually to nearly 15,000.
^
1996
The Road to Victory
With the right knowledge, experience and a love for quality beer, Bill and Ron opened Victory Brewing Company in what was once a Pepperidge Farm factory in Downingtown, PA.
^
2009
Downingtown Expansion
Downingtown brewery expands its fermentation, clarification and kegging capabilities, increasing its total capacity to 100,000 barrels 
^
2013
Parkesburg Growth
A brand-new, state-of-the-art brewery in Parkesburg, PA opens, boasting a capacity of 200,000 barrels
^
2015
Kennett Square Opening
Victory opens its second and third taprooms, to further connect with the loyal and loved community, in Parkesburg, PA and Kennett Square, PA
^
2016
Teaming Up
Victory teams up with New York’s Southern Tier Brewery, forming parent company Artisanal Brewing Ventures
^
2018
Artisanal Brewing Ventures
Brooklyn-based Sixpoint Brewing joins forces with Victory and Southern Tier under the partnership platform of Artisanal Brewing Ventures to further solidify brand love in the Northeast
^
2019
The Family Grows
Bold Rock joins the family to become a rounded craft company with offerings in all alcohol segments
^
2021
25 Years of Victory
Victory Brewing Company celebrates 25 Years of craft brewing and opens their fourth taproom in downtown Philadelphia, PA as part of their Brew Forward efforts. Victory also established the Brotherly Love Community Fund to support organizations that have the courage to drive positive change in local communities.
^
2022
Brew Forward
Victory Brewing Company stands today as one of the most decorated craft breweries thanks to award-winning brands such as Golden Monkey, Sour Monkey, Prima Pils, and DirtWolf. Victory continues to drive innovation and change through ingenuity in brewing, steadfast commitment to the community, and forward-thinking initiatives.
^
2024

Gallery

Become Part of Our story

Victory Brewing Company

Downingtown, PA

420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335

Parkesburg, PA

3127 Lower Valley Rd
Parkesburg, PA 19365

Philadelphia, PA

1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Kennett Square, PA

650 West Cypress St
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Charlotte, NC

4001-A Yancey Rd
Charlotte, NC 28217