Where To Find Schmidt's Beer: Availability And Locations

Schmidt's Beer, a full-bodied American-style lager, is still available for purchase. The beer, which is currently produced by the Pabst Brewing Company, has a long history dating back to the 19th century. While the original Schmidt's brewery in Philadelphia closed in 1987, the brand has changed hands several times and continues to be a popular choice for beer lovers, especially in certain regions of the United States.

Where to buy Schmidt's Beer

Schmidt Beer is still available for purchase, although it seems that its production has changed hands several times over the years. The beer is currently produced by Pabst Brewing Company, although it was previously produced by G. Heileman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Schmidt Beer is available in several states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. It can be purchased from liquor stores, grocery stores, and bars. In Minnesota, it is considered a staple beer and can be found in most local liquor stores. In Iowa, it can be found in country stores and small-town bars in the northern part of the state, particularly near the Minnesota border. In Pennsylvania, it is available at Hy-Vee stores.

The beer is typically sold in 30-packs, although 12-packs and 6-packs are also available. It is a popular choice for college students due to its affordable price.

The history of the Christian Schmidt Brewing Company

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company was an American brewing company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1860 by Christian Schmidt, a 27-year-old brewmaster from Germany, who acquired Courtenay's Brewery in Philadelphia. Christian Schmidt had spent three years in Stuttgart, learning the art of brewing, before emigrating to the United States at the age of 18.

Under Christian Schmidt's leadership, the company grew rapidly. By 1873, just 13 years after its founding, the brewery's production had increased five-fold, from 4,000 barrels to 20,0000 barrels per year. In 1887, a new brew house was built, doubling the brewery's capacity. In 1892, Christian Schmidt's three sons, Henry C., Edward A., and Frederick W., became partners in the firm, and the name was changed to C. Schmidt & Sons. By 1894, the company was the sixth-largest brewer in Philadelphia, producing a pilsner and a dark beer called Puritan.

Christian Schmidt passed away in 1894, and his son, Edward A. Schmidt, became the head of the company. Edward was a practical brewer and an innovator, leading the company for the next 50 years. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow and modernize. In 1902, the firm was incorporated as C. Schmidt & Sons Brewing Co. In 1914, a state-of-the-art brew house and power plant were opened, increasing the brewery's capacity to 200,000 barrels per year.

The company survived Prohibition by producing non-alcoholic cereal beverages. After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, C. Schmidt & Sons resumed selling alcoholic beer and continued to expand and modernize its facilities. During this time, the company introduced new packaging innovations, such as quart bottles, cans, and six-packs, which contributed to significant sales growth.

In the 1940s, Christian H. Zoller, a grandson of Christian Schmidt, served as president, and the company achieved regional distribution. By the 1950s, C. Schmidt & Sons was one of the largest breweries in the United States, with sales reaching nearly 2 million barrels in 1955.

However, the company began to face challenges in the 1970s due to increased competition from national and regional breweries. In 1976, Schmidt family ownership ended, and the company was sold to William H. Pflaumer. Despite efforts to boost sales, the company continued to struggle, and in 1987, the brewery closed, marking the end of a large brewery in Philadelphia. The G. Heileman Brewing Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin, acquired the Schmidt's brands, and they continue to produce a "Schmidt" beer to this day.

Reviews of Schmidt's Beer

Schmidt's Beer, also known as the "Official Beer of the American Sportsman", has a long history dating back to 1844. The beer is contract-brewed for Pabst Brewing and continues the quality and brewing tradition instilled by its founder, Jacob Schmidt. Here are some reviews of Schmidt's Beer from various sources:

One reviewer on BeerAdvocate gives it a 3.9/5 rating, praising its taste and price. They note that it has a more full-flavoured metallic taste compared to other beers, with a faint skunky smell that is not too offensive. They also mention that a 30-rack costs around $20, making it an affordable option.

Another reviewer on BeerAdvocate rates it 2.45/5, acknowledging that it has been around for a long time and falls into the category of classic beers that their grandfathers drank. They mention that it still sells well in college towns, mainly due to its price point. While it may not be the most exciting beer, they suggest giving it a try, especially considering its affordability. Additionally, they find the cans aesthetically pleasing with a "rednecky cool" design.

A reviewer on LandOfSkyBeerWaters expresses their pleasant surprise at the taste of Schmidt's Beer. They describe it as a typical pale straw colour beer with a smooth taste that lacks the overbearing corn flavour of an American adjunct lager or the hop bitterness of a Czech or German Pilsner. They also appreciate its easy drinkability, attributed to its 4.5% ABV.

A different reviewer on BeerAdvocate gives it a rating of 2.52/5, recalling that they used to drink it during their service days in Texas and Oklahoma. They describe the beer as nothing too exciting but adequate for quenching thirst.

One BeerAdvocate reviewer gives it a 4.11/5 rating, praising its crisp, clean, and refreshing taste. They appreciate its balanced flavour, biscuity notes, and medium to light body. This reviewer also highlights the beer's affordability, stating that they could easily go through a lot of it.

A BeerMenus user describes Schmidt's Lager as a full-bodied American-style lager that strikes a perfect balance between easy drinkability and traditional lager flavour. They mention that it is painstakingly brewed and leisurely aged, honouring the traditions and spirit of the Northwest.

Overall, while some reviewers find Schmidt's Beer unremarkable or mediocre, others appreciate its affordability, smooth taste, and easy drinkability. It seems to be a decent option for those looking for a budget-friendly beer that still offers a pleasant drinking experience.

The taste of Schmidt's Beer

Schmidt's Beer is a pale lager with an ABV of around 4.4% to 4.5%. It pours a pale straw colour and is described as having a typical "old man beer" smell. It is considered to be smoother than an American adjunct lager, lacking the "overbearing corn flavour" and hop bitterness of a typical Czech or German Pilsner.

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company, founded in 1860, was the largest brewing company in the history of Philadelphia, producing nearly 4,000,000 barrels of beer a year in the late 1970s. The company closed in 1987, marking the first time in over 300 years that there was no brewery operating in Philadelphia. However, the brand has since been acquired by other companies, and Schmidt's Beer is still available today.

The price of Schmidt's Beer

Schmidt's Beer is produced by the Pabst Brewing Company and MillerCoors LLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is a pale lager with an ABV of around 4.4% and approximately 100 calories. The beer is known for its retro packaging and outdoor-themed marketing, targeting consumers who enjoy "old man beers".

While the beer is available in some stores, it may be challenging to find in certain locations. Some retailers that carry craft beer or have a local focus may be more likely to stock Schmidt's Beer. Additionally, eBay offers a selection of collectible Schmidt's Beer cans for purchase, providing an alternative option for acquiring the product.

Frequently asked questions