Who Makes Old Style Beer

Who Makes Old Style Beer? A Deep Dive into the History and Craft of a Classic

The question "Who makes Old Style Beer?" seems simple enough. But delving into the answer reveals a fascinating story of brewing heritage, regional identity, and the enduring appeal of a classic American lager. This article will explore the history of Old Style, the brewing process behind its unique taste, and the dedication of the people who continue to craft this beloved beer. We'll also delve into the broader context of old-style brewing techniques and their modern resurgence. Understanding Old Style's origins is key to understanding the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into its production.

A History Steeped in Tradition: The Legacy of Old Style Beer

Old Style Beer, a light, crisp American lager, boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Chicago's brewing legacy. While the specific recipe has evolved over time, its essence remains true to its origins. The brand's story began in the late 19th century with the G. Heileman Brewing Company, which was established in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1858. Heileman, a prominent figure in American brewing, established a strong presence across the Midwest, eventually expanding to Chicago.

The beer that would become known as Old Style emerged sometime around the turn of the 20th century, solidifying its place in Chicago's vibrant brewing scene. It quickly became synonymous with the city's working-class culture and its strong German-American heritage, embodying a sense of authenticity and straightforward enjoyment. It wasn't just a drink; it was a part of the city's identity, closely tied to its history and its people.

Throughout much of the 20th century, Heileman brewed Old Style, steadily building its brand recognition and consumer loyalty. The beer weathered prohibition and the challenges of the post-war brewing landscape, maintaining its steadfast commitment to a classic recipe. Heileman itself underwent various changes and mergers, but Old Style remained a constant, a testament to its enduring popularity and appeal.

In 1996, the G. Heileman Brewing Company was acquired by the Pabst Brewing Company. This marked a significant shift in Old Style's ownership, but the brewing continued, largely unchanged. Pabst, with its own storied history and portfolio of legacy brands, understood the importance of preserving Old Style's character and heritage. This commitment ensured the continuation of a brewing tradition that had been established over a century.

Today, Old Style continues to be brewed under the Pabst Brewing Company banner, maintaining its position as a beloved beer in Chicago and beyond. The company understands that preserving the essence of Old Style requires careful attention to detail, meticulous quality control, and a deep respect for the brewing process that has been honed over generations.

The Brewing Process: A Blend of Traditional and Modern Techniques

The creation of Old Style involves a careful blend of traditional brewing techniques and modern efficiency. While the exact recipe is proprietary, several key elements contribute to its distinct character:

• Water Quality: The quality of water used in brewing is paramount. Chicago's water, historically known for its specific mineral profile, played a significant role in shaping the original flavor profile of Old Style. While the precise water composition might have evolved with changes in treatment and sourcing, this aspect continues to be carefully managed to maintain the beer's familiar taste.

• Malt Selection: The type and blend of malted barley utilized directly influence the beer's color, body, and flavor. Old Style relies on a blend of base malts, carefully selected for their ability to contribute a clean, crisp malt flavor, without being overly sweet or heavy. This balance is crucial for achieving the beer's characteristic lightness.

• Hops: Hops are added during the brewing process to impart bitterness, aroma, and stability. The selection of hop varieties for Old Style is likely a closely guarded secret. However, the overall flavor profile suggests a reliance on hops that contribute subtle bitterness and a delicate aroma, rather than assertive or overpowering hop characteristics. This balance allows the malt character to shine through.

• Yeast: Yeast plays a critical role in fermentation, impacting the final flavor and aroma profile. The specific strain of yeast used in Old Style is another key component of its unique character. The chosen yeast strain is likely a traditional lager yeast, known for its clean fermentation profile and its ability to produce a crisp, refreshing beer.

• Fermentation and Lagering: The fermentation process for Old Style is likely carried out in controlled temperature environments, mirroring traditional lagering techniques. This long, slow fermentation allows the yeast to fully convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in a smooth, clean-tasting beer. The lagering, or cold conditioning, process is crucial for developing the beer's characteristic clarity, balance and subtle flavor profile.

The entire brewing process, from ingredient selection to packaging, is meticulously monitored and controlled to ensure consistency and quality. Pabst maintains strict quality control protocols, ensuring that each batch of Old Style meets the high standards established over a century ago.

The Enduring Appeal: Why Old Style Remains a Classic

Old Style's sustained popularity isn't merely a matter of nostalgia. It's a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with consumers on a deeper level. Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal:

• Consistent Quality: Over decades, Old Style has maintained a relatively consistent flavor profile. This reliability is a significant factor in its appeal. Consumers know what to expect with every bottle or can, a comfort in a world of ever-changing tastes and trends.

• Nostalgia and Regional Identity: For many Chicagoans and Midwesterners, Old Style evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and regional pride. It's a beer that's been part of the cultural fabric of the region for generations, becoming intrinsically linked to shared memories and experiences.

• Affordable Luxury: Old Style remains a relatively affordable beer compared to many craft or import options. This accessibility ensures it remains within reach for a broad range of consumers, allowing them to enjoy a high-quality lager without breaking the bank.

• Versatile Flavor Profile: While not overly complex, Old Style's crisp, clean flavor profile makes it versatile. It complements a wide range of foods and occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal settings. Its light body and refreshing nature make it an ideal choice for warmer weather, yet its balanced flavor makes it enjoyable year-round.

• Branding and Marketing: Pabst's marketing efforts have successfully leveraged Old Style's heritage and its connection to Chicago, effectively reinforcing its image as a classic, dependable, and authentic beer. This clever branding strategy has helped maintain its relevance in a crowded beer market.

Beyond Old Style: The Broader World of Old-Style Brewing

The term "old-style" in the context of beer is often used to describe brewing techniques and styles that predate the widespread adoption of modern technologies and ingredients. These techniques often emphasize traditional ingredients, slower fermentation processes, and a focus on producing beers with balanced flavor profiles and clean finishes. While Old Style embodies many aspects of this approach, it's important to understand that "old-style" brewing isn't a single, rigidly defined category.

Many breweries, both large and small, now embrace aspects of "old-style" brewing. This resurgence of interest in traditional methods reflects a growing consumer demand for authentic, high-quality beers with character and complexity. Breweries are experimenting with traditional ingredients, experimenting with different yeast strains, and revisiting historical brewing practices to create beers that reflect a respect for brewing heritage.

The pursuit of "old-style" brewing techniques often leads to beers with unique qualities that are not always found in mass-produced, modern lagers. These can include more nuanced malt flavors, subtle hop aromas, and a greater sense of balance and complexity in the overall flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Old Style Beer still brewed in Chicago?

A: While Old Style's roots are deeply embedded in Chicago's brewing history, it is currently not brewed in Chicago itself. The beer is now brewed by Pabst Brewing Company, in various locations across their brewery network.

Q: What makes Old Style different from other American lagers?

A: Old Style's distinct character is a result of a combination of factors, including its malt profile, hop selection, yeast strain, and brewing techniques. The result is a crisp, clean, and subtly flavorful beer that is distinctly different from many mass-produced American lagers, which often lean towards being more overtly sweet or bitter.

Q: Is Old Style a craft beer?

A: While Old Style adheres to many principles appreciated within the craft beer movement, including a focus on quality and a respect for tradition, it's produced by a large-scale brewing company (Pabst). Therefore, it's not typically classified as a craft beer in the strictest sense.

Q: Where can I buy Old Style Beer?

A: Old Style is widely distributed throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest. It's readily available in grocery stores, liquor stores, and bars.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Quality and Tradition

The question of who makes Old Style Beer leads to a richer understanding of brewing heritage, regional identity, and the dedication to crafting a truly classic American lager. Pabst Brewing Company's continued production of Old Style reflects a commitment to preserving a beloved brand and upholding its quality. While the specifics of the recipe remain closely guarded, the dedication to the process and the beer's enduring appeal speak volumes about the enduring appeal of time-honored brewing techniques and the power of a beer that's become a part of history itself. The story of Old Style is not just the story of a beer; it's the story of a city, a region, and a legacy of brewing excellence.