Schlitz beer brews its final batch in Wisconsin

Schlitz beer, once the largest brewer in America and a Milwaukee icon, has brewed its last batch.

Brewmaster Kirby Nelson started the final brew at 12:30 p.m. May 23 at Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona, Wis.

Founded in 1849 in Milwaukee, the Schlitz Brewing Company built a legacy that earned it the nickname “the beer that made Milwaukee famous.”

Wisconsin Brewing Company received permission from Pabst Brewing Company to brew Schlitz with it’s original recipe one final time. A farewell celebration is planned at WBC’s Lake Louie location on June 27.

Milwaukee Brat House marked the occasion with a “Last Schlitz on Earth” goodbye party, hosting events at its Shorewood location May 30 and its downtown Milwaukee location May 31, drawing down the last of its supply.