Schlitz beer, a historic Milwaukee brand and former leader in American brewing, has been discontinued after 177 years. Pabst Brewing Company, which owns the brand, ceased production due to declining sales volume, falling below the minimum thresholds required by its contract brewer, Busch. Founded in 1849, Schlitz once dominated the U.S. beer market and was famously shipped to Chicago after the 1871 fire when clean drinking water was scarce.

Though no longer brewed by Pabst, Wisconsin Brewing Company received special permission to produce a final batch in honor of the brand’s legacy. The last brewing will take place on May 23, with pre-orders available online and in person. Farewell events are planned at Milwaukee Brat House and Wisconsin Brewing Company’s Lake Louie location later in May and June.

Schlitz has long been a symbol of regional pride, with its signs still visible in dive bars across Chicago and Milwaukee. Its discontinuation marks the end of an era for Midwestern beer culture, closing a chapter that once defined American brewing.