Pabst Blue Ribbon

Guide Note

Pabst Blue Ribbon is the most notable product from the Pabst Brewing Company. It is a typical American lager, similar in style and taste to offerings from the Budweiser and Miller brewing companies. The beer is named after the blue ribbon the lager won when it was selected as America's best beer in 1893. In 2006, the brew won the gold at the World Beer Cup for "American Style Premium Lager."

Fast Facts

1. 4.9% alcohol by volume
2. AKA: PBR
3. Original name: "Pabst Select"
4. Won blue ribbon at 1883 World's Columbian Exposition
5. From 1882 to 1916, blue ribbons adorned the necks of PBR bottles, hence the current name

The Pabst Brewing Company was founded in 1844 by Jacob Best in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1999, the company started contracting out its production to the Miller Brewing Company and shuttered its last plant in 2001.

Every can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer gives the following reason for the beer's name: "This is the original Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. Nature's choicest products provide its prized flavor. Only the finest of hops and grains are used. Selected as America's Best in 1893."