Pabst does not own Miller. In fact, Pabst Brewing Company does not even brew its own beer. This may come as a surprise to many people who have enjoyed a Pabst Blue Ribbon, as the brand has a long history and is often associated with an independent, small-town brewery.
However, the truth is that for the past 20 years, Pabst Blue Ribbon has been manufactured by MillerCoors, a major brewing company. This arrangement between Pabst and MillerCoors began in 1999 when the two companies signed an agreement that stated Pabst would pay MillerCoors to brew its beer for the next two decades.
This outsourcing of production is not uncommon in the brewing industry. Many smaller or regional breweries do not have the capacity or resources to brew their own beer on a large scale. Instead, they enter into contracts with larger breweries, like MillerCoors, to produce their beer under their own brand name.
The decision for Pabst to rely on MillerCoors for production was likely driven by a combination of factors, including cost-effectiveness and the need to meet consumer demand. By partnering with a larger brewery, Pabst could ensure that its beer could be produced and distributed on a national scale, reaching a wider audience.
While some beer enthusiasts may view this arrangement as a disappointment or a departure from the brand’s roots, it is important to remember that the taste and quality of a beer can be influenced by many factors beyond where it is brewed. The recipe and ingredients used by Pabst remain the same, regardless of who is actually brewing the beer.
In my personal experience, I have come across similar situations in the food and beverage industry. Many well-known brands outsource the production of their products to larger companies, which may have the infrastructure and expertise to handle large-scale manufacturing. This allows the brand to focus on marketing, distribution, and maintaining its brand image, while leaving the production process to a trusted partner.
Pabst Brewing Company does not own Miller, and for the past two decades, Pabst Blue Ribbon has been brewed by MillerCoors. This is a common practice in the brewing industry, where smaller breweries often rely on larger ones for production. While this may come as a surprise to some, the taste and quality of the beer remain consistent, as the recipe and ingredients used by Pabst are unchanged.