Full Breakdown
Schlitz Beer Production Ends After 175 Years
5/24/2026, 2:20:50 AM
Final Batch at Verona
On May 23 2026, Wisconsin Brewing Co. brewed an 80-barrel batch of Schlitz at its Verona plant, marking the brand’s final production after 175 years. Brewmaster Kirby Nelson oversaw the brew from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; pre-orders opened at midnight and sold out by 9 a.m., generating a waiting list of over 300. The beer will be served on tap at Old World Wisconsin’s July 4 celebration.
Historical Overview
Founded in Milwaukee in 1849, the brewery became Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. after Joseph Schlitz’s acquisition and passed to the Uihlein family in 1875. By the end of Prohibition it was America’s largest brewer and a major civic sponsor, funding Fourth-of-July fireworks, the Circus Parade and events that later became Summerfest. The Milwaukee plant closed in 1981; Stroh acquired the brand in 1982, and Pabst purchased it in 1999, relaunching it in 2008 without regaining its former prominence.
Key Figures
Robert Lux, a 71-year-old former bottling-house employee, attended the Verona brew in his original Schlitz uniform. Kirby Nelson, the brewmaster, led the final batch. Abe Vucekovich, owner of the Friends of Friends bar in Chicago’s West Town, organized a local send-off. Beer historian Liz Garibay provided context on Schlitz’s architectural legacy.
Cultural Significance
Schlitz’s branding remains visible in Milwaukee’s skyline and in Chicago’s historic tied houses—ornate taverns bearing the belt-and-globe logo, many designated landmarks. The brand’s architecture, commissioned for events such as the World’s Fair, reflects its historic role in shaping urban identity in both cities.
Criticism of Past Decisions
In the 1970s, Schlitz’s cost-cutting recipe change replaced key ingredients, alienating longtime customers and contributing to its market decline. Industry analysts cite this move as a pivotal factor that allowed competitors Miller and Pabst to overtake the brand.
Official Statements & Future Outlook
Pabst Brewing Co. announced that Schlitz is placed on “indefinite hiatus,” ending production after the Verona batch. Wisconsin Brewing Co. framed the final brew as a tribute to the brand’s “golden era” and confirmed tap service at Old World Wisconsin on July 4. No schedule for future production has been provided.
On-the-Ground Remembrances
Lux recalled a “real bond” among Milwaukee brewery workers and expressed sadness at the closure. Vucekovich offered specials and memorabilia at Friends of Friends, inviting patrons to share memories as the last pints are poured. Community members gathered to swap stories, underscoring the brand’s lasting emotional resonance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was a real bond between all the brewery workers in the city of Milwaukee,” “You can feel the tradition there.” — Robert Lux, former Schlitz bottling-house worker
- “That’s what we want to represent – Schlitz’s glory days, its golden era,” — Kirby Nelson, brewmaster, Wisconsin Brewing Co.
- “When you see these orbs and these tied houses around town, you feel a sense of place. You feel like this is Chicago,” — Abe Vucekovich, owner, Friends of Friends
- “They actually hired highly respected architects to design beautiful façades, to design beautiful buildings,” — Liz Garibay, beer historian
