‘The beer that made Milwaukee famous’ is being brewed for the last time

MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Schlitz beer, a Milwaukee icon and once the largest brewer in America, is being retired after 177 years, as Pabst Brewing Company has ceased production.

Founded in 1849 in Milwaukee, Schlitz Brewing Company holds a legendary place in local history.

“Schlitz was sent down on train cars to Chicago after the great Chicago fire,” said Joseph Conforti, general manager of Milwaukee Brat House. “They didn’t have clean drinking water, so they were drinking Schlitz beer.”

The beer has been a source of pride for Milwaukee, with the brand often seen at local dives, restaurants, and the old brewery at Schlitz Park. Purchasing a pint of Schlitz has long been a way to honor a simpler time.

“It’s a nostalgia factor,” Conforti said. “People from out of town are surprised that they still make it. When we hosted the RNC (Republican National Convention) in Milwaukee, that was one of the top-selling products we had.”

Schlitz is still on tap at Milwaukee Brat House downtown, but its availability is coming to an end.

“About two months ago, my sales guy let me know that we’d be losing the brand,” Conforti said.

Pabst Brewing Company owns the brand and stopped brewing Schlitz months ago.

“Schlitz volume ...