Pabst Brewing Co. Places Schlitz Premium on Indefinite Hiatus

Pabst Brewing Co. announced it is placing Schlitz Premium on indefinite hiatus, ending production of the lager first brewed in Milwaukee in 1849. The company cited rising storage and shipping costs along with softening demand for the value-priced brand as reasons for the decision.

Verona will produce a final 80-barrel batch on May 23. A limited release is scheduled for June 27, with pre-orders opening this week.

"Unfortunately, we have seen continued increases in our costs to store and ship certain products and have had to make the tough choice to place Schlitz Premium on hiatus," Pabst brand manager Zac Nadile told Milwaukee Magazine. "Any brand or packaging configuration that is put on hiatus is still a cherished part of our history and hopefully our future," Nadile added.

Brewmaster Kirby Nelson of Wisconsin Brewing Co. said the brewery wanted to give the brand a proper sendoff. "We decided that, Schlitz being what Schlitz was, it deserved a proper sendoff. One with dignity and respect," Nelson said.