Buffalo Brewing Co. - 1934 dated Brewery Stock Certificate

Brewery Stock with great buffalo vignette!

The Buffalo Brewing Company of Sacramento, California, was founded in 1888 by Herman Grau. In 1890, the company officially released its first beer to the public. Located at 21st and Q Streets, the massive industrial complex quickly grew into one of the largest brewing operations west of the Mississippi River. Grau, later joined by prominent local brewer Frank Ruhstaller, capitalized on Sacramento’s expanding railroad infrastructure, regional hops, and fresh Sierra Nevada snowmelt to dominate the West Coast market. Their flagship lagers achieved global recognition, securing extensive distribution networks that spanned the United States, Nevada, Hawaii, Central America, and parts of Asia.

However, the onset of National Prohibition in 1920 halted the company’s momentum. The brewery had to pivot to manufacturing ice, soft drinks, and a non-alcoholic “near beer” tonic called Buffo. Despite actively campaigning against dry laws and successfully modernizing its facilities to resume alcohol production after the repeal in 1933, the brewery struggled to regain its historic market dominance. In its final years, the business faced shifting ownership, including acquisition by Grace Brothers Brewing. However, corporate consolidation and aggressive competition from national brands forced the brewery to close permanently in 1949. The landmark facility was subsequently razed in the 1950s to build the new headquarters for the Sacramento Bee. Despite its closure, the Buffalo Brewing Company remains an iconic chapter of California’s early craft history.