Try new Penguin City brew honoring Renner legacy at Youngstown’s 229th birthday

By Kelcey Norris
Celebrating the city of Youngstown’s birthday is a tradition that’s been going on for nearly a decade, according to Youngstown CityScape director Sharon Letso.
Celebrating the city of Youngstown’s birthday is a tradition that’s been going on for nearly a decade, according to Youngstown CityScape director Sharon Letso.

The city of Youngstown is gearing up for its birthday celebration on June 27 with the help of several local organizations and the release of a new brew from Penguin City.

This year, the city of Youngstown’s birthday party is being thrown by Youngstown Cityscape, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the team at Penguin City Brewing Company.

It’s a tradition that’s been going on for nearly a decade, according to Youngstown CityScape director Sharon Letson.

This year, the city of Youngstown’s birthday party is being thrown by Youngstown Cityscape, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the team at Penguin City Brewing Company.
This year, the city of Youngstown’s birthday party is being thrown by Youngstown Cityscape, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the team at Penguin City Brewing Company.

“This landmark collaboration is a great way to mix history, tradition and our beautiful downtown,” Leston said.

Penguin City handcrafted a new beer called Renner: Old Bavaria in homage to Renner Brewing.

Renner Brewing is Youngstown’s original and oldest brewery which was open Pike Street on the south side of the Mahoning River between 1913 and 1962.



Renner Brewing is Youngstown’s original and oldest brewery which was open Pike Street on the south side of the Mahoning River between 1913 and 1962.
Renner Brewing is Youngstown’s original and oldest brewery which was open Pike Street on the south side of the Mahoning River between 1913 and 1962.
Historically, Youngstown has a long tradition of great breweries and great brewing, according to MVHS director Bill Lawson.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate John Young and our city’s 229th birthday,” he said.

The beer will be released at 5 p.m. on June 27 in the taproom, according to the brewery’s co-owner Aspasia Lyras.

“This collaboration is about more than beer—it’s about legacy,” Lyras said. “We’re proud to work with the Renner family to honor Youngstown’s brewing history and bring this iconic name back to life.”

Kelcey Norris
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Aaron Moody is a sports and general reporter for the News & Observer. Here is a second sentence for the bio because it will probably be longer than this. Maybe even longer I don't know. Support my work with a digital subscription

This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 11:28 AM