VERONA, Wis. — Wisconsin Brewing Company announced today a new collaboration with Pabst Brewing Company (“Pabst”), the world’s largest American-owned brewer. Beginning on October 1, 2015, under the guidance of Greg Deuhs, Pabst’s Master Brewer, the Wisconsin Brewing Company began brewing Old Tankard Ale, a classic post prohibition American Ale from Pabst’s heritage portfolio that was originally enjoyed in the 1930s.
Under the terms of the agreement, Wisconsin Brewing Company will brew Old Tankard Ale in kegs and the brew will be sold on draft in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Michigan initially, before rolling out to additional states in the future.
Pabst’s deep ties to Wisconsin date back to 1844, when the Company was established in Milwaukee. Pabst’s portfolio includes a wide range of over 30 iconic heritage brands – many of which were founded in Wisconsin including Schlitz, Old Milwaukee, Blatz, Old Style and its flagship brand, Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Carl Nolen, President and CEO of Wisconsin Brewing Company, stated, “From the beginning, we’ve been dedicated to brewing a variety of beers loaded with awesome flavor. Pabst has deep Wisconsin roots and we’re honored to have been chosen to work with them to bring such a beloved legacy brand to life. Although we’ve had other inquiries about contract brewing, none have been in alignment with our vision and strategy until now. This historic opportunity to work with an iconic Wisconsin brand like Old Tankard is a perfect fit for us. We are really excited.”
Eugene Kashper, Chairman and CEO of Pabst Brewing Company, commented, “This partnership represents the newest chapter in our storied history of brewing exceptional beers in Wisconsin – the birthplace of Pabst Blue Ribbon. We believe Wisconsin Brewing Company represents a fantastic partner to brew Old Tankard Ale which is being brewed based on the authentic recipe from the 1937 Pabst Brewing Company Brewers Log.”
Pabst’s Master Brewer and Wisconsin Native Greg Deuhs stated: “We have a rich craft brewing heritage at Pabst that dates back to the 19th century and are truly proud to resurrect this classic American ale.”
About Wisconsin Brewing Company
Wisconsin Brewing Company is a craft beer production and brand marketing company located in Verona, Wisconsin. Founded by brothers Carl and Mark Nolen and Brewmaster Kirby Nelson, WBC began brewing in 2013. For more information, please visit www.wisconsinbrewingcompany.com.
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. In 2015, Pabst won the Great American Beer Festival’s award for Large Brewing Company of the Year and Pabst’s Master Brewer Greg Deuhs won the title of Large Brewing Company Brewer of the Year. For more information about Pabst, please visit www.pabstbrewingco.com.
About Old Tankard Ale
Old Tankard Ale is a classic American Ale that was first produced in Wisconsin in the 1930’s. Today, based on a recipe from Pabst’s 1937 brewers log, Old Tankard is brewed using an authentic ale yeast, with an alcohol content of 5.8% and 35 bitterness units. This top fermented brew has 2-row, imported Cara-Munich and Cara-Aroma malts with Nugget, Liberty, Willamette and Cascade hops. The result is a well-balanced, sessionable American ale with the fruitiness and maltiness of an extra special bitter.