Pabst Brewing Company announced the release of Old Tankard Ale nation-wide. The classic post-prohibition brew has been available on draft in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Michigan since October 2015. After a highly successful trial run, Old Tankard Ale will now be available on draft and in 16-ounce cans across the country.
Old Tankard is a classic American Ale that was first produced in Wisconsin in the 1930s, eventually becoming the No.2 ale in America. Today, Old Tankard is brewed based on a recipe from Pabst's 1937 brewer's log, using an authentic ale yeast with an alcohol content of 5.8% and 35 bitterness units. The top fermented brew has 2-row, imported Cara-Munich and Cara-Aroma malts with Nugget, Liberty, Willamette and Cascade hops. The result is a well-balanced, sessionable craft brew with a rich copper color, creamy head, and full body taste with notes of fruit and malt.
Pabst's Master Brewer and Wisconsin native Greg Deuhs noted: "Pabst has a rich craft brewing heritage that dates back to the 19th century. Old Tankard Ale was the first craft brew in the Pabst brand family, and it is an honor to revive its legacy. We spent a lot of time making sure we stayed true to the original recipe and used only the highest quality ingredients. I'm very proud of the result."
Notably, Old Tankard Ale was the first craft beer offered in a can. In keeping with Old Tankard's 1930s heritage, the updated can design is a clear carryover from the original, featuring the brand's iconic swashbuckler raising his tankard to celebrate with friends. The rear panel also replicates the original can with an illustration highlighting the optimal way to pour, drink, and enjoy the brew.
Old Tankard Ale is brewed in its home state of Wisconsin under the guidance of Pabst Master Brewer Greg Deuhs. The beer will be available in a 16-ounce 4-pack with a suggested retail price of $6.99, as well as on draft at bars and restaurants throughout the US.