Where To Buy Sterling Beer?

Sterling Beer, a classic American beer, has been around for years and years. It was first brewed in 1863 in Louisville, Kentucky, by Henry Schiender. The small brewery was later taken over by John Hartmetz, who ran it with his sons, all of whom became master brewers. The company changed hands several times over the years, and the beer was eventually produced by the Pabst Brewing Company. It is unclear if Sterling Beer is still in production, but reviews of the beer on the internet are from as recently as 2019.

Sterling Beer's history

Sterling Beer has a long history that dates back to the Civil War in 1863. It was first started brewing by Henry Schiender, who began the brewery in Louisville, Kentucky, near the river, taking advantage of the traffic of the time.

However, by the time John Hartmetz took over the business, it was struggling financially. John and his sons managed to turn it around, and all of his children became master brewers. In the 1890s, the brewery became embroiled in a price war with the F.W. Cook brewery, based in Evansville. To compete, the Hartmetz and Son brewery joined with the Fulton Avenue Brewery, creating the Evansville Brewing Association in March 1894, with its headquarters at the more modern Fulton Avenue site.

When Prohibition hit Indiana, the association created two new companies: the Sterling Products Company and the Sterling Refining Company. These companies produced cider, soft drinks, near beer, and malt extract. After Prohibition ended, the company was renamed Sterling Brewing, and they returned to brewing beer.

Sterling Brewery opened a second facility in Freeport, Indiana, in 1937, and in 1972, the company was sold to Associated Brewing G. Heileman, which began producing Sterling Beer at a lower price point.

Where to buy Sterling Beer

Sterling Beer, an American craft European-style pilsner, is a classic beer that has been around for years. It was first brewed in 1863 in Louisville, Kentucky, by Henry Schiender. The brand has changed hands several times since then, and it is unclear if it is still being produced.

You can try finding Sterling Beer at antique stores, as one person reported finding an old aluminium can there. It is also possible that you may come across Sterling Beer at a bar or tavern in Louisville, as some tavern signs still hang outside taverns in the city.

If you are looking to purchase Sterling Beer, you can try checking with local businesses that sell craft beer, as they may be able to order it for you. Additionally, some online beer retailers may carry it or be able to special order it for you. It may be worth checking with larger retailers or online marketplaces that carry a wide variety of beers, as they may have it in stock or be able to source it for you.

Alternatively, you can try contacting the Pabst Brewing Company, which has been associated with Sterling Beer in the past, to inquire about where to purchase it. They may be able to provide information on where it is currently sold or if it is still in production.

Reviews of Sterling Beer

Sterling Beer has been around for many years and is considered a classic beer. It was first brewed in 1863 by Henry Schiender in Louisville, Kentucky, during the Civil War. The brand has changed hands several times since its inception, with John Hartmetz taking over the business when it was facing financial difficulties. The beer is said to have a unique recipe that most people would choose over any other. It is described as a premium pilsner beer in the American standard style.

Reviews for Sterling Beer are mixed. Some drinkers have fond memories of drinking Sterling Beer, with one reviewer on Untappd noting that they drank a lot of the beer "many years ago". Another reviewer mentions that Sterling Beer has a place on Bardstown Road in Louisville and has "been there for 5 or so years". This suggests that the beer is still available for purchase in some locations.

However, other reviews are more negative. One reviewer on Untappd expresses uncertainty about whether the beer they drank was Sterling Beer, but recalls that it "sucked". Another reviewer mentions that they received Sterling Beer as a gift and is unsure of the year it was produced, indicating that the beer may not be widely available.

In addition to the beer, Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton, Massachusetts, has received positive reviews for its food and atmosphere. It is described as a local brewery that serves food and provides games for adults and children to enjoy. The brewery also features live music and sports screenings.

The brewing process

It is unclear whether Sterling Beer can still be purchased. However, the Pabst Brewing Company has been mentioned in reviews of the beer.

Malt Preparation

The first step in brewing beer is preparing the malt, which provides the sugars necessary for fermentation. Barley grains are germinated in a malt house, allowing the grain to sprout and activate enzymes that will break down starches during mashing. The germinated barley, known as green malt, is then dried in a kiln to halt germination and preserve the enzymes. This step also adds colour and flavour to the malt.

Milling

The dried malt is then milled to crack open the kernels and expose the starches inside. This process, known as grist milling, prepares the malt for the mashing process. Large-scale brewers may also employ steep milling, which involves soaking the grain before milling to ensure uniform moisture content.

Mashing

Mashing is the process of combining the milled malt, known as grist, with water to create a mixture called mash. The mash is heated to temperatures between 100°F and 170°F (37.8°C and 76.7°C). During mashing, natural enzymes in the malt break down starches into fermentable sugars, which will later be converted into alcohol. The temperature and duration of mashing affect the flavour and fermentability of the wort.

Lautering

After mashing, the wort (sugar-water solution) needs to be separated from the spent grain. This process, known as lautering, is typically done in a lauter tun, which has a perforated or slotted bottom. The solids from the mash settle and form a natural filter, allowing the wort to be drawn off while retaining the grain.

Boiling

The wort is then boiled in a brew kettle, usually for 60 to 120 minutes. This step sterilizes the wort, halts enzyme activity, and condenses the liquid. Hops are added during the boil to contribute bitterness, flavour, and aroma to the beer. The timing of hop additions depends on the desired flavour profile.

Whirlpool

After boiling, the wort undergoes whirlpooling to remove protein and hop solids, known as trub. This step helps clarify the wort and prepare it for fermentation. A separate container, such as a whirlpool tank or a hop back, may be used for this process.

Cooling and Fermentation

The wort is then cooled to the desired temperature for fermentation. Yeast is pitched (added) to the wort, and fermentation begins. The type of yeast used determines whether the beer will become an ale or a lager. During fermentation, sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in the production of beer.

Conditioning and Lagering

After primary fermentation, the beer undergoes conditioning, where it matures and smoothens. By-products of fermentation diminish during this stage, and additional steps like dry hopping or barrel ageing may be employed to enhance flavour and complexity. For lagers, a secondary fermentation process known as kräusening is used, where actively fermenting beer is introduced to the dormant beer to aid carbonation and eliminate unwanted compounds.

Packaging and Carbonation

Finally, the beer is packaged into kegs or bottles and carbonated, either naturally or through force carbonation. Force carbonation involves adding CO2 under high pressure, while methods like krausening and bottle conditioning use yeast and sugar to generate carbonation during the packaging stage.

The company's marketing and branding

Sterling Beer has been a staple in the American and Canadian beer markets for well over a century. Founded in 1863, the brand has weathered significant historical events, including the Civil War, Prohibition, and multiple ownership changes. The company's marketing and branding strategies have evolved over the years, adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends.

In the early days, Sterling Beer positioned itself as a classic, premium beer, appealing to the tastes of home-steaders. The brand was known for its unique recipe, using choice-grown hops, select 2-row barley, and filtered pure water, resulting in a fine beer with a loyal customer base. During this time, the company also expanded its production to meet growing demand, demonstrating its ability to scale while maintaining the quality of its product.

One notable aspect of Sterling Beer's branding is its association with durability and resilience. The company has showcased its ability to withstand challenging times, such as the world wars and economic downturns, positioning itself as a stable and reliable brand. This messaging was particularly evident in their marketing campaigns, reinforcing the idea that Sterling Beer remains strong despite the world's uncertainties.

Over the years, Sterling Beer has also embraced innovation and expansion. For example, they were early adopters of Edison's incandescent light bulbs, installing them in their facility as early as 1880. This forward-thinking approach carried over into their product line as well. When Prohibition hit, the company quickly pivoted by creating two new entities: the Sterling Products Company and the Sterling Refining Company. These new companies allowed them to diversify their offerings, producing cider, soft drinks, near beer, and malt extract while they waited for Prohibition to end.

Another significant shift in Sterling Beer's marketing and branding occurred when G. Heileman bought the brewery. Heileman utilized the facilities to produce various brands acquired from other breweries, including Cooks Champagne Velvet, Drewry's, Drummond Brothers, 9-0-5, Falls City, Lederbrau, and more. This move positioned Sterling Beer as a versatile and adaptable brand, capable of catering to diverse consumer tastes and preferences.

In recent years, Sterling Beer has continued to evolve its marketing strategies while staying true to its roots. The company has emphasized safe and responsible drinking in its campaigns, setting itself apart from traditional trends followed by other breweries. Additionally, Sterling Beer has focused on exceeding customer expectations, hosting competitions, contests, and prize giveaways to engage and excite its consumers.

Overall, Sterling Beer's marketing and branding strategies have played a crucial role in the company's longevity and success. By adapting to changing times, embracing innovation, and staying true to their commitment to quality, Sterling Beer has established itself as a classic, resilient brand with a dedicated customer base.

Frequently asked questions