In 1849, Schlitz started as a Milwaukee beer; 177 years later, Chicago’s supply ran dry, ending the brand’s local presence while preserving its unusual place in Midwestern brewing history

Schlitz beer has poured its last barrel in Chicago after 177 years. The iconic Midwestern beer is now on hiatus as rising production and shipping costs reshape its future. But Chicago's Schlitz story is much bigger than a final pint. The brand was tied to the Great Chicago Fire, the 1893 World's Fair and historic neighborhood taverns. Its beer may be gone, but its Chicago legacy remains.