Pabst Brewing Co. Halts Production of 177-Year-Old Schlitz Beer

"Schlitz Premium has been placed on hiatus due to rising costs."
— Zac Nadile, Pabst head of brand strategy

Pabst Brewing Co. announced it is ceasing production of Schlitz beer, a brand that has been in the market for 177 years. The company cited increased storage and shipping costs for the decision.

The hiatus also affects other retro brands in the Pabst portfolio, including Blatz and Old Milwaukee.

Final Batch in June 2023

One final batch of Schlitz will be brewed on June 3, 2023, by Wisconsin Brewing Co. using a 1948 recipe.

Historic Background

• Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. was founded in 1849 in Milwaukee.
• The brand gained national prominence after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
• By the 1950s, Schlitz was the largest brewery in the U.S. , but was later overtaken by Budweiser.
• A recipe change in 1976, known as the "Schlitz Mistake," led to widespread customer dissatisfaction.
• The brand was sold to Stroh Brewery in 1982 and then to Pabst in 1999.

After 177 years on the market, the final batch of Schlitz will be brewed from a 1948 recipe — a return to its roots before the end.