After more than 175 years of brewing history, the iconic Schlitz beer brand is preparing for its final batch.
Wisconsin Brewing Company announced that it will brew one last 80-barrel batch of Schlitz beer on May 23 at its brewery in Verona. The company received permission from Pabst Brewing Company, which currently owns the Schlitz brand.
According to reports, the final batch will follow Schlitz’s original 1948 brewing recipe and specifications. Brewers described the project as a tribute to the brand’s historic legacy and its connection to Wisconsin’s beer culture.
Kirby Nelson of Wisconsin Brewing Company said the team wanted Schlitz to “go out with dignity and respect,” calling the final brew a “love letter” to the state of Wisconsin.
Local reports said Pabst had already stopped regular production of Schlitz several months earlier, and the upcoming batch will officially mark the brand’s farewell.
Here’s a quick look at the final release:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Final brew date | May 23 |
| Brewery location | Verona, Wisconsin |
| Batch size | 80 barrels |
| Recipe used | Original 1948 Schlitz formula |
| Pre-orders begin | May 23 |
| Release date | June 27 |
Beer fans who want to try the final batch will be able to pre-order it through Wisconsin Brewing Company’s website starting May 23.
The history of Schlitz goes back to 1849, when it began as a small tavern brewery in Milwaukee under founder August Krug. After Krug’s death in 1856, the business was purchased by Joseph Schlitz, who had worked as the company’s bookkeeper.
Although Joseph Schlitz died at sea just five years later, the brewery continued growing during Milwaukee’s beer industry boom and eventually became one of the largest brewing companies in the United States.
Over the years, Schlitz faced strong competition from rival beer giants including Miller Brewing Company and Pabst Brewing Company.
In 1981, Schlitz announced it would stop operations. The brand later returned after Pabst acquired it in 1999 and relaunched it in 2008. However, it never fully regained the popularity it once enjoyed during its peak years.
Now, with the final batch set to be brewed, one of America’s oldest and most well-known beer brands is officially coming to an end.
