It’s the end of an era for Schlitz beer, a cultural icon in Milwaukee, as Pabst Brewing Co. announces the cessation of its production. Pabst, which acquired Schlitz in 1999, is set to conclude brewing the famous beer, leaving fans with limited opportunities to enjoy it one last time.

Kirby Nelson of Wisconsin Brewing Co. received permission from Pabst to produce a final brew using historical brewhouse records that emulate the original Schlitz formula from the 1950s. The following events are scheduled for those eager to participate in the farewell of this beloved brand:

• On May 23, Wisconsin Brewing Co. will brew the final 80-barrel batch of Schlitz in Verona, with a talk by Nelson at 1 p.m. at 1079 American Way, Verona.
• Pre-orders for the last batch will be available on Wisconsin Brewing Co.’s website starting May 23, with deliveries commencing on June 27.
• A "tasting extravaganza" for this final brew is scheduled at Wisconsin Brewing Co. on June 27.
• On July 4, the batch will be featured at Old World Wisconsin’s 50th anniversary celebration in Eagle.
• "Last Schlitz on Earth" parties will occur at Milwaukee Brat House locations in downtown Milwaukee and Shorewood on May 30 and 31, where the last keg served will grant the customer a custom jacket stating: “I Got Schlitzfaced One Last Time at Milwaukee Brat House” at 1013 North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and 4022 North Oakland Avenue.
• Enthusiasts willing to travel to South Dakota can visit Madame Peacock’s Beer & Bling, a leading Schlitz retailer with 170 cases available at 638 Main St, Deadwood.

For those hosting farewell events for Schlitz, please reach out to add to the list at jsmetro@jrn.com.