Celebrating Independent Spirits since 1939
Rolling Rock History
In 1939, the Tito Brothers, owners of the Latrobe Brewery, decided they wanted to do their own thing. That thing became Rolling Rock. From its complex blend of simple, traditional ingredients (water, malt, rice, hops, corn, brewer’s yeast) to its iconic green bottles, Rolling Rock has always been comfortable being what it is – unique.
Keep doing your thing, and we’ll keep doing ours.
1933
The Tito family purchases the Latrobe brewery.
The family bet that the Roosevelt Administration would repeal the 18th Amendment, and the gamble paid off.
1939
Rolling Rock is introduced.
Its name was reportedly adopted as a tribute to the smooth pebbled streams from which the beer was made.
1974
Production reaches record high.
Rolling Rock produces 720,000 barrels on the 35th anniversary of the brand's inception.
1985
Rolling Rock Light-n-Lo introduced.
The first of many variants produced over the years.
1992
Latrobe brewing ranked as the eight-largest brewer in the United States.
Brewery has the capacity to produce 800,000 barrels annually.
1994
One million barrel mark reached.
Capacity at the brewery at an all time high.
1998
Rolling Rock Poster Series
Our first collaboration with artists.
2000
Rolling Rock Town Fair
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Moby and Fuel headlined our first alternative rock music festival.
2013
#HowWeRoll
Independent spirits began tagging their photos to show the world how they roll.
“33” Mystery
Every bottle of Rolling Rock comes with a ‘33’ on its back. And since the very beginning, there has been
speculation about what it means. Is it some kind of secret code? Is it a simple mistake?
Nobody knows. But what we do know is that there are lots of people out there interested in what ‘33’ could
mean. Call them conspiracy theorists, if you will. But here are some of the most popular ideas about ‘33’.
A day at the track
Legend has it that one of the founding members of the brewery bet $33 on Horse #33 (Old Latrobe) and won. Then, in 1939, he took his earnings and founded the Latrobe Brewery.
It's a process
Rolling Rock’s first brewmaster once said, “There are 33 steps” involved in going from water to beer. The ‘33’ salutes this craft.
Horse sense theory
Each of the brothers who founded the brewery loved and owned racehorses. They flipped a coin to see whose horse would be featured on the bottle. The winner owned horse 33.
Take your temperature
Thirty-three degrees is the temperature at which Rolling Rock is brewed. It’s also the temperature at which it should be served.
One step at a time
Many believe that the original brewery had 33 steps that separated the brewmaster’s office from the brewery floor.
Holiday theory
Rolling Rock was founded in Pennsylvania, where Groundhog’s Day is a very popular day. It’s also the 33rd day of the year.
It's in the bottle
If you add the letters in Rolling Rock’s ingredients (water, malt, rice, hops, corn, brewer’s yeast), it equals 33.
A sign of quality
There is a 33-word quality statement on each bottle of Rolling Rock. “Rolling Rock – From the glass lined tanks of Old Latrobe, we tender this premium beer for your enjoyment as a tribute to your good taste. It comes from the mountain springs to you.” An incidentally scribbled ‘33’ was on the label sent to the bottle printer, noting its brief length. The printers used this in the final copy and printed it as part of the label.
Bye bye prohibition
Prohibition ended in December 1933. Although Rolling Rock wasn’t produced until 1939, the owners wanted to celebrate the 21st amendment that allowed them to make beer.
33 streams theory
Natural spring water is a key ingredient in Rolling Rock. It’s believed there are 33 different springs that all flow into the reservoir where the brewery drew its water. Some even say the taste varies from year to year based off the different levels of runoff each season.
Freemasons theory
The Freemasons are an international fraternal society that conspiracy theorists say is made up of prominent politicians and businessmen.
The Rolling Rock 33 is a nod to them.
OR