Schlitz Beer's 177-Year Chicago Run Ends with Final Barrel at Glunz Tavern
On Wednesday afternoon, Glunz Tavern tapped the last barrel of Schlitz beer in Chicago, marking the end of its 177-year history in the city. This occasion was part of celebrations themed around Schlitz, following Pabst Brewing Company's announcement in May about a brand hiatus due to increasing costs. Christopher Donovan, co-owner of Glunz Tavern, obtained the final barrel for fans. John Almonte, co-owner of Electric Funeral Bar, reminisced about Schlitz's significance in beer culture. Established in Milwaukee in 1849 by August Krug and renamed after Joseph Schlitz in 1856, the brand gained immense popularity after the Great Chicago Fire, constructing 57 tied-houses in the city from 1897 to 1905, with 41 still in existence.
Key facts
- Final barrel of Schlitz beer in Chicago tapped at Glunz Tavern on Wednesday afternoon.
- Pabst Brewing Company announced hiatus for Schlitz in May due to rising costs.
- Schlitz founded in Milwaukee in 1849 by August Krug; renamed after Joseph Schlitz in 1856.
- Schlitz's Chicago sales doubled by 1872 after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
- Schlitz spent $20,000 on a pavilion at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
- Richard W. Bock designed the Schlitz pavilion, influencing his later work with Frank Lloyd Wright.
- Schlitz built 57 tied-houses in Chicago between 1897 and 1905; 41 still stand.
- Ten former Schlitz tied-houses are designated Chicago landmarks.
Entities
Artists
- August Krug
- Joseph Schlitz
- Richard W. Bock
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Donald P. Hallmark
- Christopher Donovan
- John Almonte
Institutions
- Pabst Brewing Company
- Glunz Tavern
- Electric Funeral Bar
- Schlitz Brewing Company
- Library of Congress
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- Chicago
- Milwaukee
- Old Town
- Bridgeport
- New York