HISTORY

In 1856, Joshua C. Gray, of Irish Decent, founded Gray’s Bottling Works in Janesville, Wisconsin. J.C. Gray had experience in the industry and was involved in the Cottage Tavern which helped him to start the company in Janesville. He brought with him family recipes that were the cornerstone of the company. His original book, which stressed using only the finest ingredients and time-proven techniques, is still in possession and used by the brewery. 

Throughout the generations, the family business has adopted several names. Starting with Gray Bottling Works, it changed to Chas. C. Gray Beverages and then Gray’s Beverage Company before adopting the current name of Gray Brewing Company. In the late 1890s, the Gray family discontinued brewing beer to focus solely on soft drinks. This decision was based on the strength of soft drink sales and the ever-growing temperance movement.