Pabst Brewing Company
PBR is not just any beer- so you would expect the history to be a bit unusual, and it is. Pabst was originally called “Select,” but people started asking for that “Blue Ribbon” beer in 1882 when we started tying silk ribbons to the bottles. We officially added the words “Blue Ribbon” to the bottle in 1895.
Pabst was the first brewery to put beer in cans back in 1935. This was Blue Ribbon beer but it was called “Export” when sold in the can. Our first cans had a picture of a can opener on the side with instructions on how to open the can of beer, with the can opener.
Today, this classic American brew has been adopted by a whole new generation of PBR drinkers. Currently, PBR is one of the fastest growing domestic beer brands. When you’re this good, quality always comes through-PBR ME ASAP!
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
