Old Milwaukee 24Pk

Old Milwaukee 24Pk is a 24-pack of 12 fl oz cans of American adjunct lager brewed at approximately 4.5% ABV. Originally launched in 1934 by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company and now produced under the Pabst Brewing Company banner, Old Milwaukee has remained one of the longest-running value lagers in the United States, earning recognition at the Great American Beer Festival in 2001.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: United States  |  Style: American Adjunct Lager  |  Brewer: Pabst Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Old Milwaukee was first introduced in 1934 as a value-priced lager by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company, one of the most prominent American breweries of the 20th century. Production was suspended in 1942 due to wartime grain shortages during WWII and reintroduced in 1959. Now brewed under the ownership of Pabst Brewing Company, the beer uses a 6-row barley malt base blended with corn adjuncts that can comprise up to 40% of the fermentable sugars. That high adjunct ratio contributes to the pale golden color, clean fermentation profile, and light body that define the style. Corn syrup—not high fructose corn syrup—is used in the brewing process, a distinction the brand has emphasized for years.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with dry hay and raw grain, followed by a subtle saltine-cracker quality. A faint floral hop presence sits in the background, barely perceptible but enough to keep the aroma from going one-dimensional.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is light and slightly sweet with corn and pale malt driving the flavor. Mid-palate, a white-cracker graininess comes through, joined by low-to-medium hop bitterness that provides just enough structure. The overall impression is clean, uncomplicated, and sessionable.

Finish: The finish is short and dry with a lingering grainy note and the faintest suggestion of corn sweetness. A mild, husky grain character lingers briefly before the palate resets.

How to Drink Old Milwaukee

Old Milwaukee drinks best ice cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pint glass. Its light body and neutral profile also make it a reliable base for beer cocktails. A Michelada pairs well here because the mild corn sweetness balances the Clamato and hot sauce without fighting for attention. A Shandy—mixed half-and-half with fresh lemonade—turns this lager into a refreshing warm-weather drink. A Beer-garita, combining the lager with frozen margarita mix, works because the low bitterness and clean finish let the lime and tequila flavors lead.

Best For

• Stocking a cooler for a backyard barbecue or tailgate
• Keeping an affordable, everyday lager on hand in the fridge
• Hosting a casual game-day watch party for a crowd
• Introducing someone to classic American-style adjunct lagers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Milwaukee taste like? Old Milwaukee is a light, grainy American lager with mild corn sweetness, subtle cracker-like malt, and low hop bitterness that finishes dry and clean.

How does Old Milwaukee compare to Pabst Blue Ribbon? Both are American adjunct lagers owned by Pabst Brewing Company, but Old Milwaukee leans slightly more corn-forward and lighter-bodied, while Pabst Blue Ribbon carries a touch more malt backbone and hop presence. PBR also holds a 1893 World's Columbian Exposition blue ribbon distinction, giving it stronger brand recognition among craft-adjacent drinkers.

Is Old Milwaukee good for casual drinking? Old Milwaukee's low ABV of approximately 4.5% and mild flavor profile make it highly sessionable, well-suited for long afternoons, cookouts, or any occasion where a crowd needs reliable, easy-drinking beer.

Where is Old Milwaukee made? Old Milwaukee is brewed at facilities throughout the United States under contract by Pabst Brewing Company, which does not own its own breweries but partners with domestic brewing facilities to produce its portfolio of legacy brands.

What foods pair well with Old Milwaukee? Grilled hot dogs and bratwurst complement the corn-malt sweetness. Fried chicken works well because the beer's carbonation and dry finish cut through the oil. Classic cheeseburgers are a natural match, and light fare like tortilla chips with salsa or mild queso lets the lager function as a palate cleanser between bites.

What sizes does Old Milwaukee come in? Old Milwaukee is widely available in 12 fl oz cans sold in 6-packs, 12-packs, 18-packs, 24-packs, and 30-packs, as well as single-serve tall cans in 16 fl oz and 24 fl oz formats depending on the market.

Is Old Milwaukee worth the price? Old Milwaukee positions squarely in the budget tier of American lagers, consistently priced below most major domestic competitors. For drinkers seeking a straightforward, no-frills beer in quantity, the 24-pack delivers strong value relative to the category.

Why Old Milwaukee?

Old Milwaukee has been in continuous production—save for a wartime interruption—since 1934, giving it nearly nine decades of history in the American beer landscape. Its grain bill, featuring up to 40% corn adjuncts alongside 6-row barley malt, produces a deliberately light and clean lager designed for volume drinking rather than contemplation. That straightforward approach has earned it a loyal following among drinkers who value consistency and economy over novelty. In a category crowded with heritage brands competing for budget shelf space, Old Milwaukee's endurance speaks for itself.