Schlitz
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Tasting Notes
The aroma is faint and grainy, with a mild sweetness from corn adjuncts and little hop presence to speak of. On the palate, it's light-bodied with a soft cereal grain flavor, a touch of sweet corn, and minimal bitterness. The finish is short and clean, fading quickly without leaving much residue or complexity. It's honest about what it is: a straightforward, unfussy lager designed for uncomplicated drinking.
About the Brewery
Pabst Brewing Company is based in Los Angeles and operates primarily as a brand-holding company, contracting out actual production rather than brewing on its own premises. The original Schlitz brand dates to Milwaukee in the 19th century and was once one of the best-selling beers in the United States before a series of cost-cutting decisions in the 1970s tanked its reputation. Pabst acquired the brand and produces it today alongside a portfolio of legacy American lager labels including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Style, and Stroh's.
Food Pairings
This style pairs well with ballpark-style hot dogs because the mild grain sweetness doesn't compete with the mustard and brine. Thin-crust pizza with salty toppings like pepperoni works because the light body cuts through grease without overwhelming the flavors. Fried chicken benefits from the same principle — the carbonation scrubs the palate between bites. Salty snacks like pretzels or chips are a natural match since the beer's low bitterness lets the salt do the heavy lifting. Mild cheddar or American cheese also works, as neither the beer nor the cheese is asking to dominate the pairing.
Style Guide
American Adjunct Lager is defined by the use of cereal grains — most commonly corn or rice — alongside barley malt to lighten the body and reduce production costs. It traces its commercial roots to large American breweries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming the dominant national style through the mid-20th century. Compared to a German or Czech lager, it carries far less hop character and malt depth, prioritizing a neutral, approachable profile. The ABV typically falls in the 4–5% range, and the overall effect is a beer with minimal friction — low bitterness, light body, and a clean finish.