The end of Schlitz production marks a quiet close to a brewing legacy, useful context for a colleague or friend who remembers its cultural footprint.
Schlitz Beer Ends U.S. Run After 177 Years Story flow and key facts
Schlitz Premium, one of America’s oldest beer brands, is being discontinued after 177 years due to rising storage and shipping costs. Pabst Brewing Co., which owns the brand, confirmed the decision, citing economic pressures rather than declining sales. The final batch will be brewed by Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona, Wisconsin, on May 23, with a limited release set for June 27.
Founded in 1849 as the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Schlitz once held the title of the nation’s largest brewery, famously known for its slogan, 'the beer that made Milwaukee famous.' It gained national prominence after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire by supplying beer when clean water was scarce. However, its popularity declined in the 1970s after recipe changes altered its flavor.
The brand changed hands multiple times, sold to Stroh Brewing in 1982 and later acquired by Pabst in 1999. Despite its nostalgic appeal and regional loyalty, especially in the Midwest, Pabst has placed Schlitz Premium 'on hiatus'—leaving open the possibility of a future return based on customer feedback and market conditions.
Facts
- Schlitz Premium beer is being discontinued after 177 years due to rising storage and shipping costs.
- Pabst Brewing Co. announced the brand is being placed 'on hiatus' as of May 2026.
- The final batch of Schlitz will be brewed at Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona, Wisconsin, on May 23, 2026.
- Schlitz was founded in 1849 and was once the largest brewery in the U.S. before Anheuser-Busch overtook it in the 1950s.
- The brand declined in the 1970s after recipe changes affected its taste and was later sold to Stroh Brewing in 1982.
- Pabst acquired Schlitz in 1999 and says customer feedback could influence a potential return.
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