The Beer That Put Rockford On The Map, That You Will Never Drink

The beer was so good, it made Milwaukee jealous.

Have you ever heard of Nikolob?

It was once an extremely popular beer right here in Rockford.

The original Rockford Brewing Company, now the Prairie Street Brewhouse, was one of the nations first breweries.

In 1849, an English man by the name of Jonathan Peacock came to America. In 1849, with 200 dollars, he bought a small home next to the Rock River and started Rockford Brewery.

In 1857 after outgrowing his little brewery, he built a brewhouse next to the Rock River at 200 Prairie Street... the birth place of Nikolob.

At first, Jonathan brewed only cream and stock ales, but then in 1860 he introduced his first lager.

One of Jonathan's lagers became the favorite of Rockford. It was Nikolob which had quite the catchy slogan.

"Nikolob, You'll find good cheer in Nikolob, the beer that made Milwaukee jealous."

Ha! I just love that. I'm sure it did make Milwaukee jealous. According to Forest City Brewers, Nikolob became the flagship brand for Rockford Brewing Company.

Unfortunately, with Jonathan's death, prohibition and Federal authorities shutting down the brewery, Nikolob was brewed no more.

I wish I could have been around in the early 1900s to try Nikolob. I bet it wasn't anything like the beer we drink now.