Where To Find Schmidt's Beer In Erie, Pa?

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company was an American brewery founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1860. It was the largest brewery in the history of Philadelphia, producing nearly four million barrels of beer a year in the late 1970s. The company was headquartered in Philadelphia until 1987, when it closed down, marking the first time in over 300 years that the city had no operating brewery. The G. Heileman Brewing Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin, then purchased the Schmidt's brands and produced the beer in Baltimore.

So, can you still buy Schmidt's beer in Erie, PA? Read on to find out.

Is Schmidt's beer still available in Erie, PA?

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company was an American brewing company founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1860. It was the largest brewing company in the history of Philadelphia, producing nearly 4,000,000 barrels of beer a year in the late 1970s.

In 1978, the company expanded its product line and introduced several new beers under the Schmidt's name, including Schmidt's Bavarian and Schmidt's Oktoberfest. In the same year, the brands of the Erie Brewing Company, which was founded in 1847 in Erie, Pennsylvania, were acquired.

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company closed in 1987, marking the first time in over 300 years that there was no brewery operating in Philadelphia. The G. Heileman Brewing Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin, reached an agreement to purchase Schmidt's brands, but did not purchase the brewery, which was later demolished.

Heileman began producing Schmidt's at its brewery in Baltimore, and later moved production to Wisconsin and then Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 1996, Heileman's brands, including Schmidt's, were acquired by Stroh Brewing Co., and in 1999, Stroh's closed and its Schmidt's-related brands were sold to Pabst.

As of 2019, a "Schmidt" beer was produced by Pabst, but its packaging was derived from the Minnesota beer. Some other old Schmidt's of Philadelphia brands are still owned by Pabst, while the trademarks of some other Schmidt's brands have been sold or allowed to lapse and have been acquired by other brewers.

While I could not find specific information about whether Schmidt's beer is still available in Erie, PA, it seems likely that it is, as it is still produced by Pabst and distributed across the country.

The history of Schmidt's beer

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company was an American brewing company founded in 1860 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its founder, Christian Schmidt, was a 27-year-old brewmaster from Württemberg, Germany, who had learned the art of brewing in Stuttgart. After emigrating to Philadelphia at the age of 18, he worked for Courtenay's Brewery and eventually acquired it, putting up a sign that simply said "C. Schmidt".

Under Christian Schmidt's leadership, the company grew rapidly. By 1873, just 13 years after its founding, Schmidt's production had increased five-fold from 4,000 to 20,000 barrels per year. The company continued to expand, and by 1892, Christian Schmidt's three sons, Henry, Edward, and Frederick, had become partners in the business. The company was then renamed C. Schmidt & Sons.

Following Christian Schmidt's death in 1894, his son Edward took over as head of the company and led it for the next 50 years. During this period, the company continued to innovate and expand, acquiring other breweries and introducing new products. By the 1930s, Schmidt's had become a leading brand in Philadelphia and had achieved regional distribution along the Atlantic Coast and in Ohio.

The company continued to grow and modernize under subsequent leaders, including Christian H. Zoller and Carl E. von Czoernig, a great-grandson of Christian Schmidt. By the 1960s, Schmidt's was the 13th largest brewery in the country, with a capacity to produce 2,200,000 barrels across all its plants. The company continued to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences, introducing light beers and low-calorie options.

However, Schmidt's began facing financial troubles in the 1970s due to increased competition and rising costs. The company was sold multiple times during this period, and its Philadelphia brewery, which had been in operation for over 300 years, finally closed in 1987. The brand was then acquired by the G. Heileman Brewing Company, and Schmidt's beer continued to be produced and sold in various regions.

Today, Schmidt's beer is still available, although its packaging and recipe may have evolved. The brand is currently owned by Pabst, and while it may be challenging to find it in Erie, PA, enthusiasts can try online beer retailers or local stores with a wide selection.

The taste of Schmidt's beer

One reviewer said that Schmidt's beer has a metallic taste right off the top and a faint skunky smell, but that it is very full-flavored. Another reviewer said that the beer is not too bad and actually not too bad. Especially for its price.

Schmidt's beer has a 4.4% to 4.5% ABV, which adds to its easy drinkability.

The packaging of Schmidt's beer

Early Packaging Innovations:

Schmidt's beer, founded by Christian Schmidt in 1860, quickly established itself as an innovative brewer. One of their earliest and most successful packaging innovations was the introduction of the quart bottle, which pioneered large-format containers in the industry. This move catered to the cost-consciousness of beer drinkers, offering more beer for their money. The quart bottle played a significant role in Schmidt's growth and set them apart from competitors.

Expansion and Modernization:

During the 1930s and 1940s, under the leadership of Edward A. Schmidt, the company underwent significant expansion and modernization. They introduced a 16-ounce bottle to complement their quart offering. Additionally, they were early adopters of can packaging, launching their beer in cans and six-pack cartons. This move solidified their position as a forward-thinking brewer and contributed to their regional expansion.

Post-Prohibition Era:

Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Edward A. Schmidt wasted no time in resuming beer sales. The company introduced a full-strength "Repeal Beer" and embarked on an extensive modernization program. They invested in new buildings, equipment, and large-capacity storage facilities. This period marked a shift towards standardized packaging, with the introduction of the "Schmidt's Light Beer" and "Schmidt's Dark Beer" labels, which would become mainstays in the market.

The 1950s and 1960s:

The 1950s and 1960s witnessed a continued focus on modernization and expansion. Carl E. von Czoernig, who took over as president in 1958, steered the company towards new marketing techniques and distribution improvements. The packaging designs underwent a modernization effort, aiming for a more contemporary look. The company also introduced new brands, such as Schmidt's Tiger Head Ale, Schmidt's Bock Beer, and seasonal offerings.

The 1970s and 1980s:

The 1970s and 1980s were a tumultuous period for Schmidt's, marked by financial troubles, ownership changes, and ultimately, the closure of the Philadelphia brewery in 1987. During this time, the brand expanded its product line with offerings like Schmidt's Bavarian, Schmidt's Oktoberfest, and light beer options. However, their financial woes and distribution challenges impacted their ability to maintain a consistent presence on shelves, and their market share gradually declined.

Retro Packaging Comeback:

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro packaging for beer brands. Schmidt's has capitalized on this trend by reintroducing their classic packaging. The new cans feature the iconic "The brew that grew with the great northwest" slogan, along with "Best Outdoors" and "Brewed for Big Spaces." The design includes a vintage Schmidt logo and an art scene of three pine trees and a crescent moon. This retro packaging has been well-received by consumers who appreciate the nostalgic appeal.

The advertising of Schmidt's beer

Early Years:

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Christian Schmidt, the founder, took a simple approach to advertising, putting up a sign that simply said "C. Schmidt" outside his brewery. As the company grew, it adopted more aggressive promotional and advertising policies, including erecting billboards in downtown Philadelphia. The slogan "None Better Since 1860" was used to promote sales after the repeal of Prohibition.

Post-Prohibition Era:

During the 1930s and 1940s, under the leadership of Edward A. Schmidt, the company expanded its marketing reach. The slogan "Beer as Beer Should Be" became popular during World War II. The company also introduced quart bottles and 16-ounce bottles, catering to the thrift-consciousness of beer drinkers.

Modern Marketing Techniques:

In the 1950s and 1960s, Schmidt's introduced modern marketing techniques under the leadership of Carl E. von Czoernig, the great-grandson of Christian Schmidt. The company redesigned its packaging to present a modern image and focused on improving distribution methods. They also hired a specialized public relations firm for the first time. Their advertising campaigns targeted men, as research showed that 70-80% of beer was consumed by men, with women buying the beer their men preferred.

Decline and Attempts at Revival:

In the 1970s and 1980s, Schmidt's faced financial troubles and declining sales due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences. William H. Pflaumer, who acquired the company in 1976, attempted to revive the brand with new products and advertising campaigns featuring celebrities. However, these efforts were not successful, and the company's reputation was further damaged by Pflaumer's criminal convictions and ties to organized crime.

Recent Developments:

In recent years, there have been attempts to bring back Schmidt's beer with retro packaging and a focus on its heritage. The current owners, G. Heileman Brewing Company, have kept the classic slogans and logo while making some updates to the can design. While the beer is still available, there is no active advertising campaign beyond the new packaging.

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