Schlitz 12Pk

Schlitz 12Pk is a twelve-pack of the iconic American adjunct lager, brewed at 4.7% ABV in 12-oz cans using the brand's revived 1960s-era recipe. Relaunched in 2008 with the original formula that once made it one of America's top-selling beers, Schlitz stands apart in the budget lager segment for its deliberate return to archival brewing methods.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7%  |  Origin: San Antonio, Texas, USA  |  Style: American Adjunct Lager  |  Brewer: Pabst Brewing Company (contract brewed by Miller Brewing Co.)

Production & Heritage

The Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company was founded in Milwaukee in 1849 and grew into one of the largest breweries in the United States, famously marketed as "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous." After decades of recipe changes and corporate decline, Pabst Brewing Company — which now owns the Schlitz brand — returned to the original 1960s formula in 2008, restoring the traditional grain bill of malted barley and corn along with a finishing hop blend of Cascade, Mt. Hood, and Willamette varieties. The beer is currently contract brewed by Miller Brewing Co. at its San Antonio, Texas facility, using the longer fermentation process associated with the classic recipe rather than the cost-cutting shortcuts that damaged the brand's reputation in the 1970s.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean and uncomplicated, with light corn grain sweetness and subtle grassy, slightly vegetal hop character. There is no skunky or off-putting character — just a muted, straightforward cereal nose.

Taste: The entry is light and sweet with a gentle corn adjunct backbone. At mid-palate, grassy Cascade hops emerge alongside faint lemon zest and very lightly toasted grain. A moderate bitterness builds through the finish, balancing the residual sweetness without overwhelming it.

Finish: Crisp and medium-bitter with a clean fade. The carbonation lifts any lingering sweetness quickly, leaving a dry, refreshing close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Schlitz

Schlitz is best served ice-cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pilsner glass to appreciate its clear pale-gold color and frothy white head. Its clean, neutral profile also makes it a practical cocktail ingredient. A Beer Margarita (blended with lime juice and tequila over ice) benefits from the beer's light sweetness and carbonation. A Michelada works well here because the crisp bitterness holds up against tomato juice, hot sauce, and lime. And a classic Boilermaker — dropped alongside bourbon or rye — pairs naturally, as the mild corn sweetness complements barrel-aged spirits without competing.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and summer gatherings where easy-drinking, cold beer is essential
• Stocking a party cooler with a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly option
• Exploring classic American beer history through a revived heritage recipe
• Pairing with casual bar food like burgers, wings, or pizza

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Schlitz taste like? Schlitz is a clean, lightly sweet American lager with corn adjunct character, grassy hop bitterness, hints of lemon zest, and a crisp, dry finish.

How does Schlitz compare to Pabst Blue Ribbon? Both are value-tier American adjunct lagers owned by Pabst Brewing Company, but Schlitz tends toward a slightly more pronounced hop bitterness from its Cascade, Mt. Hood, and Willamette blend, while PBR leans sweeter and smoother. The two compete directly on price and shelf placement in the heritage lager category.

Is Schlitz good for sipping on its own? Schlitz is a straightforward, refreshing beer designed for easy drinking — served ice-cold, it delivers clean flavors and enough hop balance to remain interesting across multiple cans.

Where is Schlitz made? Schlitz is owned by Pabst Brewing Company and contract brewed by Miller Brewing Co. at its facility in San Antonio, Texas. The brand originated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it was founded in 1849.

What foods pair well with Schlitz? Grilled burgers and hot dogs complement the beer's light malt sweetness. Spicy chicken wings contrast nicely with its crisp carbonation. Fish tacos echo the subtle citrus zest in the hop profile. Classic bar pretzels with mustard play off the grainy backbone. And pepperoni pizza mirrors the beer's no-fuss, satisfying character.

What sizes does Schlitz come in? Schlitz is commonly available in 12-oz cans sold in 12-packs, as well as single tall cans and other multi-pack configurations depending on market availability.

Is Schlitz worth the price? Schlitz positions as a budget-tier American lager, and its revived 1960s recipe delivers more character and hop complexity than many competitors at the same price point, making it a strong value in the heritage lager category.

Why Schlitz?

What separates this twelve-pack from the crowded field of budget American lagers is the 2008 recipe restoration. Pabst went back to the original 1960s archives and rebuilt the grain bill and hop schedule from scratch, replacing the cost-reduced formulas that nearly destroyed the brand. The triple-hop finish of Cascade, Mt. Hood, and Willamette gives Schlitz a grassy, citrus-tinged bitterness rarely found at this price tier. For drinkers curious about what made a single beer synonymous with an entire American city, this twelve-pack is the closest thing to a time machine Milwaukee ever produced.