Where To Buy Schmidt Beer? Availability And Purchase Options

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company, founded in 1860 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was once the largest brewing company in the city's history, producing nearly 4,000,000 barrels of beer annually in the late 1970s. Despite closing in 1987, the company's legacy lives on, and you can still buy Schmidt's beer today. The brand has changed hands several times, with G. Heileman Brewing Company acquiring it after the closure, followed by Stroh Brewing Co. in 1996, and finally Pabst Brewing Company in 1999. While the packaging and recipes may have evolved, you can still enjoy a cold glass of Schmidt's beer and savour a piece of American brewing history.

Where to buy Schmidt beer

Schmidt beer is available for purchase at various online retailers and in physical stores. One source mentions that they found Schmidt beer at an old liquor store near them, while another mentions that they found it in Minnetonka, MN.

You can also buy Schmidt beer online from websites such as Drizly, where you can get it delivered in under 60 minutes by entering your delivery address. Total Wine & More is another online retailer that offers Schmidt beer, although availability may vary by store.

Additionally, one source mentions that the beer is typically sold in packs of 30, and it is brewed by the G. Heileman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The history of the Christian Schmidt Brewing Company

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

By the late 1850s, he had become associated with the brewery of Robert Courtenay, which he eventually acquired and renamed Christian Schmidt, Kensington Brewery. In its early years, the brewery produced around 500 to 4,000 barrels of ale and porter annually. By 1873, production had grown significantly to 20,000 barrels per year, and the company continued to expand its operations over the following decades.

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. The company continued to grow and, by 1896, had acquired the Robert Smith India Pale Ale brewery, which was America's oldest brewing concern at the time. This purchase allowed Schmidt's to produce ales under the Tiger Head brand.

The company survived significant challenges, including Prohibition, by producing non-alcoholic beverages and, after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, quickly resumed selling full-strength beer.

In the post-Prohibition era, Edward A. Schmidt, who led the company for 50 years, implemented extensive modernization and expansion efforts. The company introduced new packaging, such as quart bottles and six-packs, and became known for its technical innovations, using custom-made equipment designed by Chief Engineer Richard Slama.

By the 1970s, Schmidt's was facing increasing competition from national and regional breweries and began acquiring other brewing companies' brands to boost sales. However, financial troubles persisted, and the company was sold to William H. Pflaumer in 1976, ending Schmidt family ownership. Despite these efforts, Schmidt's sales continued to decline, and the company was eventually sold to G. Heileman Brewing Company in 1987, bringing an end to the large brewery in Philadelphia.

Today, a "Schmidt" beer is produced by Pabst, although the packaging and recipe have evolved over time, incorporating elements from both the Philadelphia and Minnesota beers.

The taste of Schmidt beer

Schmidt beer is an American-style lager that is painstakingly brewed and leisurely aged. It is a full-bodied lager that balances easy drinkability with a traditional lager flavor. It is described as having a deep gold color, good malty aroma with hops noticeable only in the background, a bright and crisp beer with lots of character, good hop-malt balance, clean and zesty, a good aftertaste.

The beer is also said to have a light and corny, simple and airy taste, with a mix of mild sweet corn and a slight sourness. It is described as having a very modest priced refresher taste after drinking higher-quality beers.

Some reviews describe the beer as not something to get excited about and not too bad, especially considering its price. It is said to be a good option for those looking for a cheap beer or wanting to stray from typical hipster beers.

The advertising campaigns of Schmidt beer

The Christian Schmidt Brewing Company, founded in Philadelphia in 1860, was the largest brewing company in the history of the city, producing nearly 4,000,000 barrels of beer a year in the late 1970s. The company was known for its innovative marketing techniques and its ability to produce capable, imaginative, and vigorous executives.

The company's advertising campaigns evolved over the years, with different slogans and strategies employed to promote its beer. Here is a brief overview of some of the notable advertising campaigns of Schmidt beer:

Early Years:

During the early years of the company, the advertising efforts were more traditional and focused on showcasing the quality and heritage of the beer. The slogan "None Better Since 1860" was used in the years immediately following the repeal of Prohibition. This slogan emphasized the long-standing reputation of the brand.

World War II Era:

During World War II, the company introduced the highly successful slogan, "Beer as Beer Should Be." This campaign resonated with consumers and helped establish Schmidt beer as a trusted and reliable brand during a time of uncertainty.

Post-World War II Expansion:

In the post-World War II era, Schmidt's continued to build on its success with aggressive promotional and advertising policies. Edward A. Schmidt, the company president, was known for his innovative approach, including the erection of early spectacular billboards in downtown Philadelphia. The company also introduced new packaging designs, such as quart bottles and cans, which contributed to their success.

1950s and 1960s:

In the 1950s and 1960s, Schmidt's continued to adapt its marketing strategies to stay competitive. They hired specialized advertising and public relations firms to help boost sales. The advertising agency Ted Bates was engaged to develop campaigns that focused on the unique selling propositions of the beer. One such campaign was built around the theme "Full taste beer for the one man in four," targeting male consumers as research showed that a significant proportion of beer was consumed by men.

1970s and 1980s:

During the 1970s and 1980s, Schmidt's faced increasing competition and financial troubles. Their advertising campaigns reflected the need to differentiate the brand and appeal to a wider audience. They introduced new packaging designs, such as the "The brew that grew with the great northwest" slogan, emphasizing the beer's connection to the outdoors. They also sponsored sporting events and used celebrity endorsements, such as comedian David Brenner and singer Lou Rawls, to attract a younger demographic.

Throughout its history, the Christian Schmidt Brewing Company demonstrated a commitment to innovation and adaptability in its advertising campaigns. From traditional billboards and slogans to modern marketing techniques, the company consistently sought to engage with its consumers and stay relevant in a competitive market. These advertising campaigns played a crucial role in establishing Schmidt beer as a prominent brand in the United States.

The packaging of Schmidt beer

The cardboard packaging has also been revamped, and the beer is typically sold in 30-packs, encouraging customers to "go big or go home". The new packaging has been well-received, with some suggesting that it will boost sales and attract new customers. The retro design pays homage to the brand's long history, which dates back to the 19th century when German-born brewer Christopher Stahlmann founded the Christopher Stahlmann Cave Brewery in Minnesota.

The packaging also plays a crucial role in differentiating Schmidt beer from its competitors. The vibrant red cans with images of wildlife, such as pheasants, deer, and bears, stand out on store shelves and appeal to the brand's target audience, which includes outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a budget-friendly, easy-drinking lager. The updated packaging is a strategic move by the brand to stay relevant in a highly competitive market, and it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this blast from the past.

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