Pabst Blue Ribbon

Pabst Brewing

Milwaukee, WI


Pabst - The brewery that lived on survival

Pabst Brewing Company, one of the oldest of the great brewing companies in America, is celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 1994 . Since its humble beginning in 1844, the Pabst Brewing Company has maintained a leading position in the brewing industry as a survivor. Jacob Best and his four sons would be amazed if they could see the progress of their brewery today.

In 1842, Jacob and Charles Best established a vinegar factory in Milwaukee. (Remember when Wisconsin was still a United States territory?) Charles Best returned to Mettenheim, Germany and brought the rest of the Best family to Milwaukee in early 1844. Rather than starting new when moving to Milwaukee, Jacob Best essentially relocated his German brewery. He was immediately ahead of much of his competition.
Upon returning to Milwaukee, Jacob made the first real estate purchase on Chestnut Street Hill, the present site of Pabst Brewing Company...