Rediscover the Lager That Built America
In a world full of fruit sours and double dry-hopped hazies, it’s easy to forget what made America a beer-drinking nation in the first place: the humble lager. At East Brother Beer Co., we’re honoring that legacy with our own interpretation of the Pre-Prohibition Lager, a crisp, clean, and flavorful beer that brings history into your glass.
There’s no strict industry definition for this style—and that’s the point. Our version is inspired by tradition but made our own: uniquely East Brother, proudly Californian, and rooted in the craft and culture of the Bay Area.
What Is a Pre-Prohibition Lager?
Before the beer industry changed with Prohibition, American lagers had more character. These beers were brewed with a touch more malt, traditional ingredients, and a commitment to flavor that often gets lost today.
A Pre-Prohibition Lager is a slightly stronger, fuller-bodied version of the standard American lager. Expect a golden color, mild bitterness, and a smooth finish—all brewed with classic techniques that celebrate the origins of U.S. beer culture.
The Malt That Makes It Matter: Atlas 6-Row from Admiral Maltings
The soul of our Pre-Pro Lager lies in its malt, and not just any malt. We brew it with Atlas, a California-grown 6-row barley sourced from Admiral Maltings, one of the few traditional floor malt houses in the U.S.
But this isn’t just any grain. Atlas barley has a story that goes back 500 years. It originated as a Mediterranean landrace brought to California by Spanish settlers, believed to trace its roots to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Thriving in California’s climate, it became a local landrace barley. Around 1900, UC Davis selected and refined this grain into its first malting barley variety—Atlas.
By the mid-20th century, Atlas was a key player in American brewing. Today, thanks to multigenerational farmer Ben Work in Paso Robles, this barley lives again.
A Classic for the Bay Area
As one of the few Bay Area craft breweries dedicated to traditional styles, East Brother Beer Co. has carved out a place for people who love beers that are straightforward and well-made.
From our Richmond, CA brewery, we produce a lineup of lagers and ales that pair with any occasion, and our Pre-Prohibition Lager might just be the one that brings you back to the basics in the best way.
Where to Find Pre-Pro Lager
Looking for craft beer near you that actually delivers on quality? Our Pre-Prohibition Lager is now available at:
Whole Foods
Safeway
Raley’s
Independent bottle shops and specialty grocers across Northern California
Use our Beer Finder to locate a retailer near you or visit our Richmond taproom for the freshest pour.
Why This Lager Deserves a Spot in Your Fridge
When you're browsing the beer aisle, overwhelmed by choice, reach for something that stands the test of time. Our Pre-Pro Lager is a beer you can trust. Crafted with care, rooted in tradition, and brewed to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re lighting up the grill or just unwinding after work, it’s the classic American lager reimagined for today.
East Brother Beer Co. – Classic Styles. Crafted with Purpose.
