MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pabst Brewing Company (“Pabst”), the world’s largest American owned brewer, announced today that it will open a new brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the site of the original Pabst Brewery, which was founded in 1844. Partnering with Milwaukee based developers Zilber, Ltd. (“Zilber”) and BRM, Pabst plans to sign a multi-year lease on a building within the Pabst brewery complex and expects to open the brewery to the public in the Summer of 2016, marking a return to its hometown and birthplace.
The brewery will serve as Pabst’s hub for innovation and new product ideas, and will be a central feature of Zilber’s redevelopment of the Pabst brewery complex. In addition to brewing many of Pabst’s iconic pre-prohibition brands, such as Old Tankard Ale, Kloster Beer, Bock, Andecker, and others, Pabst intends to brew new craft beers inspired by recipes from the Pabst archives. The venue will offer visitors brewery tours, historical memorabilia, a tasting room, beer garden, and a restaurant/bar, which will serve food and feature exclusive small-batch brews only available on-site.
Eugene Kashper, Chairman and CEO of Pabst Brewing Company, commented, “The launch of this brewery in Pabst’s original home represents a long-awaited return to our roots. Milwaukee is our home – the Pabst Mansion, the Pabst Theater, Pabst Farms, and this beautiful brewery complex – these are all part of Frederick Pabst’s amazing legacy, which we are honored to continue by returning to our hometown and birthplace.”
Ying Chan, President of BRM, said, “We could not have found a more fitting partner for the old Pabst brewery complex. Pabst is finally coming home and will be in the same complex it occupied so many years ago. We are thrilled to be a part of the revival of Milwaukee’s brewing heritage.”
Greg Deuhs, Pabst Master Brewer and longtime Milwaukee resident added, “Our brews will symbolize the historic progression of beer styles throughout our 171-year relationship with Milwaukee's beer lovers. We are looking forward to partnering with local residents and businesses and engaging with this community that has been so supportive and loyal to us over the years.”
A Letter of Intent has been signed and the lease is expected to be signed by August 15th, 2015. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About Pabst Brewing Company
Since 1844, Pabst Brewing Company has been American-owned and operated, and is North America’s largest privately held brewing company. Pabst’s portfolio includes iconic brands with deep ties to America’s heritage, such as its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and others such as Lone Star, Rainier, Ballantine IPA, Schlitz, Old Style, National Bohemian, Stag, Stroh’s, and Old Milwaukee . For more information about Pabst, please visit www.pabstbrewingco.com.
About Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (“PBR”) is a classic American lager and the flagship brand of the Pabst Brewing Company. After winning its first gold medal in 1876, PBR continued to earn recognition in competitions both in the U.S. and abroad. Originally called Best Select, and then Pabst Select, the current name comes from the blue ribbons tied around the bottle neck between 1882 and 1916. Dubbed “American’s Best” in 1893, today PBR is known as the original old school American lager. For more information about PBR, please visit www.pabstblueribbon.com.