Schlitz - JOS. Schlitz Brewing Co. (Pabst)

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

2.85/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

This review is part of Macro Smackdown IX, a slugfest in which this can of Schlitz will be going up against a bottle of Michelob Golden Draft. I have no idea how they'll stack up, but Schlitz is clearly the winner in terms of a long and storied tradition. Originally brewed in 1849, it was the best selling beer in the world in 1956. Will those bloodlines be of any benefit against the upstart MGD? (no, not that one). Let's pop the tops and find out.

Schlitz is a slightly paler shade of golden amber, but doesn't look any worse for it. Where this beer is clearly superior is the head. Decently bright white, semi-sticky, persistent, it's one of the best looking lids on a macro lager that I've seen in a while. It absolutely shames MGD's head. Oh, and there are a few stray splotches of lace too, while its competitor has a clean glass and a now absent head.

The nose on this beer is vastly different. It's grainy, but isn't sweet, and has a much more serious, musky, hoppy smell. Perhaps the 'just the kiss of the hops' tagline that Schlitz is known for is true after all. Even though the noses are nothing alike, I don't have a clear preference. Both are decent given the style.

This isn't the best macro lager that I've ever had (on second thought, maybe it is), but it's one of the most distinctive and possibly the hoppiest. There's very little sweetness to be had. It's all kilned grain and musky hops with a clean, dry finish. Even though I can't see myself drinking this stuff on even a semi-regular basis, it's one of the better macros in recent memory. Cold is still a requirement, but the amount of flavor makes drinking it cold possible.

There's very little difference between the mouthfeels. The sweetness of MGD and the dryness of this beer make the mouth experience somewhat different, but, at bottom, they're both acceptable.

I used to drink Blatz on occasion, but I don't ever remember having a Schlitz prior to today. I'm pleasantly surprised; mostly by the fact that some brewers don't insist that their macro lagers adhere to the 'no hops' rule that seems to be in effect. Schlitz (simple, perfect name) is the runaway winner of MacSmack IX. I guess those bloodlines were worth something after all. Recommended for those who want a little old school flavor.

Serving type: can

03-12-2006 13:31:40 | More by BuckeyeNation

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

2.85/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Tall 16 ounce can - $3.00 at Taco Mac in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Appearance: Pours a crystal clear, yellow body with a thin, white head that fizzles out fairly quickly, though there remains a continued effervescence.

Smell: Light pale malts that are particularly grainy along with a bit of cracked maize.

Taste: Light pale maltiness that's once more strongly grainy. Sweetish throughout. Sprinkling of corn. There's only a brief, fleeting hint of hop bitterness. Finishes crisp and a bit sweet.

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied. Medium carbonation.

Drinkability: Simple and basic. Akin to the majority of standard pale lagers out on the market today.

Serving type: can

03-24-2009 16:38:03 | More by ChainGangGuy

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I'm not sure who's brewing this right now, but they're doing a good job. The appearance is good, with a nice golden color, although the head retention is lacking. The aroma is very clean, which is to be expected - but is not always the case! The malt has a very nice, round character and there's even a touch of hops. Although I find the flavor a little sweet, it's balanced - partially by the crispness of the light body and effervescence. Never cloying. A little bit better than your average "premium" American-style lager. In fact, I'd drink this over most of the "super-premium's" (Budweiser, MIller High Life, Coors Original).

Serving type: can

07-18-2002 09:51:03 | More by NeroFiddled

drabmuh

Maryland

2.3/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

The beer that made Milwaukee Famous...true story.

Just the kiss of the hops - trademark

Poured from a can into a Bruery tulip. Beer is yellow and clear with moderate carbonation and a huge head that leaves some lacing on the glass. Looks fine.

Come on now, its in an effing tulip for christ's sake and there is close to no aroma. WEAK!

Beer is medium bodied and kind of cereal in the mouth. There is a harsh aftertaste of boiled vegetables. No carb in mouth, no sweetness up front, no intentional bitterness in the back. If this is what Milwaukee is famous for I don't want to go there.

Serving type: can

08-20-2010 02:42:08 | More by drabmuh

zeff80

Missouri

2.85/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours out a clear yellow color with a small, white head. It left no lacing.

S - It smells of corn and grain adjuncts.

T - It tastes of corn, some malt and a little hoppy bitterness.

M - It is smooth and crisp. A light-bodied brew.

D - It is pretty good considering the price ($6 for a 12 pack). Overall, it is a nice representaion of the style.

Serving type: can

01-23-2007 00:34:28 | More by zeff80

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

2.38/5  rDev -19.6%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured from a 12oz can into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a light yellow color, with a very thin white head that fades very quickly and leaves a very thin lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of adjuncts, corn, light malts and a faint touch of hops.

T: The taste starts with an adjunct sweetness that is quickly followed by a grain & light malt breadiness. The hops presence is very mild just like every other beer in the style. The after-taste is slightly bready and slightly sweet.

M: A little smooth and a little crisp, light body, medium-to-high carbonation, finish is clean.

D: Not very flavorful, goes down easily, not filling at all, mild kick, decent representation of style, it's not a completely bad beer, in desperation I think I could drink it, but there are several others within the style that I would pick first.

Serving type: can

01-10-2010 23:09:33 | More by TheManiacalOne

Wasatch

Utah

2.25/5  rDev -24%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Pours a light yellow color, nice carbonation, small white head, with some sticky lacing left behind. The nose is malty, with some hops, slight caramel. The taste is slightly sweet, malty, slight hop note. Light body. Not drinkable, would not buy again.

Serving type: can

03-13-2010 19:59:27 | More by Wasatch

Jason

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev +28.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

16 oz can with no freshness date to be found. “Just a kiss of the hops” and “The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous” on the can.

Appearance: There is some decent lace that formed after the initial rush of foam.

Smell: Thick harshness of corn and hop, other than that no much else in the semi-clean aroma.

Taste & Mouthfeel: Very crisp light body, brash hop bitterness (Cluster?). The graininess takes a bite into the palate, some astringency in the back. Light on the malt with some alcohol in the middle. Clean and dry with a grainy in the finish.

Notes: Hands down this is my choice cheap lager, its right up there with PBR. This beer is served cheap at “real” bars and there is a bigger following for this brand than you think. Once the warm weather hits Schlitz and others like it will be on my mind.

Serving type: can

03-21-2003 17:24:41 | More by Jason

Bighuge

Minnesota

3.55/5  rDev +19.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Clear, pale, light yellow appearance. Sticky ivory white head of decent height. Lace is sporadic. The aroma has some sweet corn character, but there is also some actual malt tones detectable and a trace of hops. Good nose for a macro. On the palate, there is an underlying grainy malt presence that is accentuated by some light hop tones... just a kiss of hops. There is a slight dry and tinny and bitter finish to this one. The carbonation is not too fizzy as it is with some macros.

I have a Great Uncle in Milwaukee who has had this on tap at his tavern for the past 30-40 years. He proclaims it as the best beer around. I won't go that far, but for a macro, this is pretty damn good.

Props to the Big Guy. Thanks for the best macro I've had in a while ZAP!

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2004 04:43:38 | More by Bighuge

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.55/5  rDev +19.9%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Lots of carbonation and clarity. Standard looking macro stuff. Aroma was that of industrial activity. Metal hydraulic fluid and corn.

Taste, a neat fruity retro yearst feel. Gentle, easy going. A palate washer. Feels authentic, like what you'd drink if you were in Cudahy right now. As you get the feel of it more, there's not a ton of hop character, just lots of carbonation. Even though the price went up with their new-retro (oh no, a misnomer like black ipa!) marketing campaign, its still cheaper than the other adjuncts out there.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2010 21:48:02 | More by Beerandraiderfan

DoubleJ

California

3.5/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A lot can change in 50 years. During the 1950s, Schlitz was the #1 selling beer in America, but recipe changes in the 1970s brought down the former giant. It's now being brought back to life via Schlitz Gusto, but right here I have a regular version. First time I've seen it in SoCal, so I picked up a 12-pack for $7.99. On to the beer:

Into a Heineken tulip pint, the beer shown is a pale yellow color with some bubbles . The foam is "cheap", being very airy but thick, retains well above. A little lacing is left around the glass. Some cheap adjuncts in the aroma like corn, a little hay, quite clean and not totally offensive, just light.

It's okay when cold; it tastes like a decent adjunct lager. As the beer warms, a little pale malt sweetness is pciked up, and that's where we get "just the kiss of the hops". It's also where the beer seperates itself from the crowd. Also, it's clean, and doesn't have any serious faults such as sickly sweet corn flavors. A little grainy in the aftertaste, neutral. It's light in the mouth with a tight crispness.

In order to do this review, I needed TWO 12 oucne cans because I drank the first one so quickly. This is an obvious step ahead of most of the others beer in its class, and with that in mind, would make a great hot day/thirst quencher beer.

Fun fact: a $7.99 pricetag today comes out around $1.15 in 1957 dollars. I can't find the average price of beer during the 50s, but beer under 10 cents per 12 ounces looks like a fantasy. I'll stay in the modern age with the wealth of beer to choose from and the significently higher Purchasing Power (even adjusting for inflation), thankyouverymuch.

Serving type: can

08-01-2010 05:12:40 | More by DoubleJ

Gusler

Arizona

2.05/5  rDev -30.7%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

The beer after its disinternment from the 12-ounce can sets in the glass a typical lager golden yellow with a smallish frothy bright white head, the lace covers the pilsner glass in a fine sheet. Nose is crisp and clean and all malt, start is lightly sweet and thinly malted, top is cadaverous in feel. Finish is sternly acidc and the hops as one would expect from the lager style, dry aftertaste, and is as I remembered from my last sample some 4 years ago, "Yuck"!

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2004 13:47:10 | More by Gusler

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

3.23/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

CAN you dig it? I certainly CAN!

My server was too gentle in his pour and so we got a quick layer of white head that degenerated into wisps. Color was a golden-yellow with NE-quality clarity. Nose had a mild cereal quality along with a slight bitterness. Compared to the CAN of Schmidt that I just had, this was actually showing some promise. Mouthfeel was medium with "just the kiss of the hops". Hey, at least I could taste SOMETHING in this beer. Yeah, it wasn't much and I'd prefer a smooch of hops or a French Kiss of hops, but either way, Schmidt just got bumped out of my "Hula In the Coola" celebration on 01 Febrewary. The finish was only slightly sweet, almost dry, but not quite achieving it. The BEER that made MKE famous", indeed.

Serving type: can

01-29-2010 19:14:05 | More by woodychandler

stakem

Pennsylvania

2.95/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Thanks to Eric for his endless generosity in making sure I drink a shitty beer or something off my normal beaten path once in awhile. Poured from a 12oz can into a pub glass. The brew emerges with nearly 3 fingers of pillowy white head that fades fairly quick despite rising bubbles of carbonation trying to support. The color of the solution under the cap is a clear pale. Some fine particulate hangs in suspension keeping this from looking polished.

The smell initially is a bit cheesy with sulfur and almost like mild farts. As it opens up in my glass, it reveals more notes that are carbonic and mineral-filled almost like dirty pennies. Across the back-end is something familiar and enjoyable minorly reminiscent of hops but you gotta get yourself through the initial surge of unpleasantness.

The taste is pretty neutral considering the ups and downs going on in the aromatics. Plain grainy quality like biscuits run across the tongue with a mild fruity alcohol note and more indications of sulfur towards the back that is a little cheesy/footed. The finish is surprisingly crisp and neutral with not much of an aftertaste.

This is a medium bodied brew with a modest amount of carbonation. For an american adjunct lager, it falls almost right down the middle. The nose is a bit weird at first but the taste is tolerable. If not having any options I would possibly drink this again but it isn't something I would seek out.

Serving type: can

06-23-2012 01:46:00 | More by stakem

scruffwhor

Illinois

2.63/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

My dad gave me a bottle of this as a joke. I had to review it.

Pours a clear pale straw with some good bubbling and a strong two finger head that recedes to a thick foam. It even leaves some lacing. Thebes t looking macro I've ever had. The aroma is a gentle milled pilsner barely with some lemony to metallic hops. Gristy malts mix with adjuncty must. Maybe ten minutes after pouring and drinking. The beer starts to warm up enough to change the flavor. This needs to be drunk fast to enjoy any of the nice flavors of this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2008 16:50:24 | More by scruffwhor

ZAP

Minnesota

3.33/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I thought I rated this one awhile back but I guess not...This is actually one of the better macro brewed lagers out there. It has more hopping than most(all?) and has more character than most. I can see why in the early 70's when all there was to chose from among the main brands was Bud, Pabst, Stroh's, Miller, Blatz and Schlitz in the Milwaukee area that this was a favorite of many. I imagine is was what microbrews are to us all now. A step up...a little more character..hops..and taste. This is a clean, crisp, lager/pilsner that penny for penny rates among the best out there for Macro's

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2002 21:37:21 | More by ZAP

Bitterbill

Wyoming

3.7/5  rDev +25%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 12oz can a light-medium gold with a small head of foam that dissipated quickly leaving just a fine ring around the glass.

The smell is all sweet malt and corn but that's not a bad thing for the style.

The taste is a good mix of sweet malt and a wee bit of hop bitternesswhich makes this cheap American Macro tastier than it has a right to be. ;^) I'm not complaining, mind you, because sometimes you just want to pass on the micros for a bit and spend less and the drinkability factor of Schlitz helps that cause. Good stuff.

Serving type: can

07-25-2006 22:34:12 | More by Bitterbill

Tone

Missouri

2.73/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear, pale yellow color. 3/4 inch head of a white color. Decent retention and decent lacing. Smells of adjunct up front, some yeast cleanliness, and the slightest hop aroma. Fits the style of an American Adjunct Lager. Mouth feel is smooth and crisp with a high carbonation level. Tastes of adjunct up front, then yeast cleanliness comes through strongly, then some very pale malt in the background is noticeable. Overall, a strong metallic aftertaste and a biting nature dominate. This is just another run of the mill adjunct lager.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2009 01:20:04 | More by Tone

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.73/5  rDev +26%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a clear, medium yellow color with a fluffy white head that recedes pretty slow for an AAL. Leaves a little bit of lace on the glass as well.

Nose leaves a bit to be desired, as a sweet grain and corny adjunct aroma wafts from the glass. There is a faint amount of grassy hops in there however, that give this one some hope. At least it does not smell like carbonated water.

There are some hops in here! I was skeptical of the quote on the can: "Just the kiss of the hops". There is more than just a kiss, it actually strikes a pretty nice balance with the light graininess of the malts. Schlitz has exceeded every expectation I had for it and might be better than even PBR. Sells at a good price at 4.99 for a six-pack of tall boys. I think I have found my new bargain beer!

Serving type: can

10-05-2009 21:04:07 | More by twiggamortis420

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

3.18/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle poured into an American Tumbler. Best by Aug 31 '09 Date.

A - Highly effervescent yellow straw clear color with a very short-lived loose white head. Ring but no lacing.

S - Smells like a skunk's ass. Beyond that there is corn, rice, and straw aromas. No real hops or malt aromas on the nose.

T - Bland flavor of corn, rice, and light malts with a hint of Heineken skunkiness. (No, it's not light struck).

M - Over-carbonated, sharp bite to this light bodied beer.

D - Yes, the Schlitz is cheap and does the job. I put 3 back at a Brewers' Game before going in and it does just fine from the bottle. For a light beer its ok. For a beer, its not so good.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2009 23:26:54 | More by BeerFMAndy

FosterJM

California

2.1/5  rDev -29.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

1331st Review on BA
Can to Plastic Cup
12oz

@Orleans Hotel, Bowling Center, Las Vegas.
$1.25 per can

App- A very nice yellow gold color with a solid two finger fast receding head. A good bit of cling and slide to it.

Smell- WHAT the hell is this? Its grainy, fish oil, metaillic.

Taste- Oh lord. The taste is the same as the nose. Its very poor. Small flavors that linger with some oils, some earthy dirt, a bit of biscuit. Just not well put together.

Mouth- A light body with a high carbonation. A bit oily on the finish.

Drink- For $1.25 I shouldve known but again I did not buy this and was happy to only have 1/2 a can.

Serving type: can

06-05-2012 03:06:14 | More by FosterJM

Brent

Kentucky

3.2/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Quite frankly, I didn't know this beer was still produced until I happened to stumble across it in the store. I was putting together a "retro beer" collection of old-line names for the 4th of July, so I grabbed a six. I was pleasantly surprised with this beer. Very smooth, with some mild, sweet grain flavor. The label notes "just the kiss of the hops," and that is about right (and the sort of kiss you give your sister, at that), but it was enough to get by. Overall, the beer had a light, lively nature, without giving way to being watery. A strong contender in the lawnmower/lake beer category.

Serving type: can

07-06-2004 14:22:47 | More by Brent

blackie

Virginia

3.6/5  rDev +21.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

figured I would have rated this at some point, but apparently not

a: pours a low white head with light retention, the beer is a clear golden in color

s: pale grain aromas, white bread, some metallic hops, a little musky

m: medium carbonation, light, but not thin, body

t: not bad at all, good even, bready, clean pale grains with a papery hop flavor, finishes clean with a light bitterness

d: a decent, easy drinking beer, comparable to PBR or Old Style

12 oz. at the old man's house, into a Michelob hour-glass

Serving type: can

06-19-2008 22:24:13 | More by blackie

drpimento

Wisconsin

3.48/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Ha! the return of the King! this is the new incarnation! Just picked up in Milwaukee. Label doesn't say who's really brewing it. Reminds me of the last version of about 8 or 9 years ago. Has a floral hop character with significant malt. Good for kickin back. It's the Schlitz! I'll drink more.

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2008 04:29:51 | More by drpimento

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

3.75/5  rDev +26.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was the first "tall boy" (24oz can) I remember...

I bought a 12 pack of 12oz cans for $4.99 at the supermarket

I drank it out of the can so I gave appearance and smell 3's

it tastes good, goes down easy, and I drank 12 cans in a one night sitting with no ill effects the next day
(about 5-6 hours / 4slices of pizza / half a bag of pretzels total time/food consumption).

Serving type: can

03-25-2007 01:41:14 | More by JoeyBeerBelly