More than a century after closing its doors, H. Obernauer & Co., a historic Pittsburgh whiskey company originally founded in 1885, is returning home. 

As part of the brand revival, the company will establish its future home at 2613 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, where a tasting room is planned to open in the coming months.

The announcement marks the return of a forgotten Pittsburgh whiskey name. At a time when Pennsylvania was among the nation’s leading whiskey-producing regions, a German immigrant named Herman Obernauer built a successful whiskey business based on a simple principle: “My word is as good as my bond.” 

As a whiskey rectifier and blender, he earned a reputation for quality and integrity; he personally stood behind the quality of his products by putting his name on the label.

After the company’s closure in 1915, the H. Obernauer & Co. name gradually faded from memory.

That changed when Herman’s great-great-grandson, Matthew Obernauer, uncovered the family’s forgotten whiskey legacy and set out to restore a piece of Pittsburgh history.

“As a whiskey-maker, Herman was successful thanks to his dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and integrity,” Obernauer, owner and Chief Revival Officer of H. Obernauer & Co., said in a news release. “We’re proud to revive his legacy and begin a new chapter for a name that still upholds those values.”

Additional details regarding the tasting room experience, whiskey portfolio, and opening plans will be announced in the coming months.

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About H. Obernauer & Co.

H. Obernauer & Co. is reviving Pittsburgh’s whiskey culture with a brand the city can call its own. Owner Matthew Obernauer has set out to revive his great-great-grandfather’s legacy brand, originally founded in 1885. H. Obernauer & Co. returns with a renewed commitment to quality, sourcing the finest barrels available to create unique and inviting blends, just as Herman did over 140 years ago. The H. Obernauer & Co. Tasting Room is located in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District and will soon open its doors for tastings and craft cocktails. For more information, visit hobernauer.co.