Final Batch of Schlitz Beer to Be Brewed in Wisconsin on May 23

Wisconsin Brewery in Verona will brew the final batch of Schlitz beer on May 23. The brewery is using a recipe drawn from 1948 brewhouse logs to match the original formulation. The batch will total 80 barrels. Pre-orders are open and the beer will be available to drink starting June 27.

Schlitz was first brewed in 1849 at Milwaukee Tavern Brewery, founded by August Krug. Joseph Schlitz acquired the company after Krug’s death in 1856 and renamed it Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. The brand grew after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire destroyed many local breweries. Schlitz shipped beer by rail to Chicago, where clean drinking water was unavailable.

Co. acquired Schlitz in 1999.

The company placed the brand on hiatus, citing higher storage and shipping costs, according to Zac Nadile, Pabst’s head of brand strategy. Kirby Nelson received permission from Pabst to revive the original recipe. Nelson will discuss the brand’s history before brewing begins on May 23. The finished beer will be served at Old World Wisconsin’s 50th anniversary celebration in Eagle on July 4.