After more than a century, H. Obernauer & Co., a Pittsburgh historic whiskey company founded in 1885, is returning from its 1915 closure with a tasting room in the Strip District as a new generation of the Obernauer family carries the legacy into a its next chapter.
H. Obernauer & Co. Brings a Historic Pittsburgh Whiskey Legacy Back to the Strip District With a New Tasting Room
In the 19th century, Herman Obernauer, a German immigrant, whiskey rectifier, and blender, sought out to create a product he could go to bat for with a quality that stands on its own. The end result was H. Obernauer & Co., a beloved whiskey at the time till its closure in 1915 when the name slowly faded from view. The thing about family legacies is that they never truly end and they live on as long as someone is willing to carry them forward. That’s why Herman Obernauer’s great-great-grandson, Matthew Obernauer, set out to revive the company and bring it back to its home in Pittsburgh.
“I’ve been asked before if I’m living my dream,” says Matthew. “I am, but that’s not my dominant day-to-day feeling. Instead, I feel a deep sense of responsibility, not just to Herman Obernauer and others who have come before, but to Obernauers who are still around, both in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. It’s their name as much as mine. When you put the family name on a label, there’s a standard that comes with it. That drives me as much as anything.”
Why Pittsburgh?
A Pittsburgher through and through with two boys of his own, Matthew uses the revival of H. Obernauer & Co. not only to honor his family but also to bring the culture of that time into the new age. For him, a glass of H. Obernauer & Co. whiskey represents a different time when a booming steel industry meant endless opportunities, especially for those coming from practically nothing.
“It’s not only a family tale, but also one that tells the story of a city at a moment in time,” explains Matthew. “It’s 1885, Industrial-era Pittsburgh, when this was the center of cutting-edge industries like coal, steel, glass, and electricity and when immigrants from across Europe joined Black Americans from southern states, arriving with hopes of work and dreams of a better life. I think it’s the perfect time to revive H. Obernauer & Co. because I believe there’s another revival happening in Pittsburgh today. It may not look like the Pittsburgh of Herman’s era, but I think it will be no less special and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”
Experiencing the Past Through a Glass
In order to bring H. Obernauer & Co. back from the past, Matthew focuses as his great-great grandfather did on the craftsmanship of blending and rectifying the whiskey. These processes allow whiskey makers to hone in on the flavors, adjust proof, and refine the spirit’s overall character, resulting in a smoother and more consistent final product.
“We don’t have a prominent whiskey brand from this region specializing in blending and rectifying, even though there’s a long tradition of this kind of whiskey-making – in Pennsylvania, throughout America, and internationally,” says Matthew. “We are working in that tradition and honoring those pre-Prohibition rectifiers like Herman Obernauer and we hope to show the unique and appealing flavors that can be created with this method.”
Taste for Yourself
But, don’t worry if you have absolutely no clue what blending and rectifying does to whiskey, that’s what H. Obernauer & Co.’s new tasting room in the Strip District is for. In the coming months, you’ll be able to sit down and experience a glass one slow sip at a time with professionals on hand to help you curate your night. Not to mention, the whole set up on Smallman Street will take you back to the time of Herman Obernauer, letting you understand the whiskey on a deeper level than just taste.
“We hope guests feel the character and history of the building,” explains Matthew. “We have tried to honor its architecture while introducing thoughtful elements that make the space feel distinctive, welcoming, and unexpected. We’re highlighting original features while layering in rich materials, warm lighting, natural stone, leather, wood, and custom furnishings that create depth and texture. And we’re collaborating with several talented local tradespeople and artisans to bring that vision to life. We also want to honor Herman’s legacy and the original H. Obernauer & Co. As we studied historical photographs, documents, and artifacts, we looked for opportunities to thoughtfully weave those stories into the design as meaningful references, giving people a chance to learn more about our past as we chart a new future for the brand.”
When Will Obernauer & Co. Open?
While there is no current relaunch date or opening for the tasting room, you can stay up to date through their website or by following along on their social media. In the meantime, Matthew remains focused on more than just bringing a historic whiskey brand back to life. He dedicates his time to honoring his great-great-grandfather’s legacy by creating a product that reflects the values Herman built the company on.
“First and foremost, it [the goal] is to honor Herman by making the best whiskey we can and to live up to his motto: ‘My word is as good as my bond.'”
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photos Courtesy of H. Obernauer & Co.
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