About | Victory Brewing Company

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 Pils, HopDevil, 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.