We love throwing curve balls on the WILK Friday BeerBuzz. Whether it’s an unusual style or a style not necessarily appropriate to the season, we’re always looking for something to mix it up. While you may look at our featured beer of the day and think you understand the curve; truth is you’d be dead wrong. We feature all sorts of great beers on the show, and while some of you may question a non-mainstream-craft choice, once again you’d be wrong. Today we chose to bring you a beer that some may take for granted or even dismiss as a non-craft beer, but I’m here to tell you differently.
Our featured brewery today is Pabst Brewing Co, and it’s brewing roots date back to 1844. Pabst Brewing Company is know for many different lines of beer such as Lone Star, Old Milwaukee, Colt 45, Schlitz, National Bohemian, Schmidt's, Schaefer, Olympia and even Stroh's…but no other beer represents the brewery like our featured beer of the day…..Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Pabst Blue Ribbon (or PBR as it is widely known) is a beer that began in 1882, when it was named “select” and actually had real silk ribbons tied around the bottle. This beer has been part of the Pabst Brewing portfolio for years and finally in 1895, the famous Pabst “select” brew was renamed Blue Ribbon. Pabst Blue Ribbon has seen a resurgence in recent years and it has risen to become a cult classic. If you’re not sure why the younger generations of beer drinker have adopted PBR, I’m here to tell you why….stay tuned.
Our guest today was Pabst brewmaster Greg Deuhs. Greg has a rich brewing history that had his hands on the beer for Miller, Stroh's, James Page Brewing and even Redhook Brewing before landing as Brewmaster at Pabst. In his lifetime Greg has not only “served” beer, but held a dual career path as he served in the army. It was interesting to talk to Greg about the two careers and how he managed to have a rich history with both.
It was a lot of fun talking beer with Greg and sampling his flagship PBR American Lager on the show. Who knew PBR quietly uses 6-row barley, pacific domestic hops as well as a Yugoslavian variety of hops in the brew. And here’s you’re curveball…did you know little old PRB managed to win GABF Gold medals in a tough category (American Style Lager & Light Lager) in 2012, 2006 and 2005? Still not convinced? Did you know Pabst Brewing and our guest Greg Deuhs won the coveted 2012 GABF Large Brewer and Brewery of the Year? How about now?
Pabst Blue Ribbon is an award winning beer that comes from an award winning brewer…and if you haven’t done so already, get out there and try it for yourself. Don’t get lost in the hype and don’t pre-judge this beer, otherwise you will swing and miss my curve ball. Cheers & congratulations Greg!
Thank you to Greg Deuhs from Pabst Brewing, Nancy, John & Joe for yet another
fun Friday.
The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.
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Pabst Blue Ribbon has been around since before the Civil War. And in the last ten years it has enjoyed a huge resurgence amongst American beer drinkers including the so -called 'hipster' crowd who it is said drinks it ironically. I think the hipster crowd hopes you believe they drink it ironically.
ReplyDeleteI think they drink it because it's a Great American Beer Festival gold medal winning example of a traditional American -style lager! I spent a good deal of my thirst-quenching time in my college years just about evenly split between PBR and Schlitz which it turns out Pabst ALSO brews!
Thanks to Greg Deuhs from Pabst Brewing Company for being on the show today, thanks as always to Bill from MyBeerBuzz.com for making it happen, and thank you for listening!
Best,
John
webster@wilknewsradio.com
PBR is a really good beer. So what if it's not craft.
ReplyDeleteJeff
If I can't find Dogfish 60-min I always seem to order a PBR. I remember it from my dad and I do like it.
ReplyDeleteRyan
I was shocked today, but I guess I get it. I haven't had PBR in probably 20 years so maybe its time to try it again? Jenna
ReplyDeleteSO I have to call you guys on this one. I've agreed with almost every beer you've done but PRB. How is that advancing craft beer in NEPA? Chet
ReplyDeleteI like PBR
ReplyDeleteEric
Chet...I guess it depends on how you define craft. I wouldn't discount Pabst or anyone because of their size or their recipes. Greg Deuhs is a talented brewer whether he works for Pabst or Stone Brewing. Now you may not like PBR as a beer and that's fine, but not liking it because it doesn't fit some definition of "craft." isn't very fair. Keep in mind this beer has won TWO GABF Gold Medals in a tough category (including one in 2012) AND Pabst Brewing & Greg won 2012 Large Brewery & Brewer of the year at GABF. I'd say we're advancing quality beer regardless of how you define it Chet.
ReplyDeletewow. Who knew my little old PBR was award winning. I like it even more now. Kitty
ReplyDeleteNice show and a great guest. I don't know if I like PBR but I think your show was really good. I know you guys so if I see Pabst I'll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Great show WILK! I take Pabst camping, I take it golfing, I take it fishing with my Dad (it's the only beer he will drink). You just scored two new fans of the show. I love how you treat all beer the same. Cheers! Gary K
ReplyDeletePBR us under rated in my opinion. And I did not know about the GABF awards. A good solid lager that I would choose over many others. Phil
ReplyDeleteIt seems like PBR is one of the big ones but I think it sounds like a good beer nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteJT
I think I gasped when you announced the beer. In the end I think you won me over. I will try PBR. Jason P
ReplyDeletePS A great guest!
Impressive GABF medals. I'll try it now that it wa son the show. I don't usually like lagers though.
ReplyDeleteGary D
Shocking choice of beers today with Pabst. I'll give you credit for surprising me. I'm not a PBR drinker at all. You guys are always fun.
ReplyDeleteHarK
I'm disappointed that people are saying they were shocked. Pabst brews quality beer and Greg was a cool guest. PRB may not be your over the top craft beer, but it's clearly a good one. I commend WILK for the choice. Cheers Greg!
ReplyDeleteScott
Great show and a classic beer! Cheers to Greg!
ReplyDeleteEric
PBR isn't my cup of tea but I do respect the choice. Lets get back to talking beer!
ReplyDeleteJonas
Impressive GABF winning. Hell Troegs won the same award for midsize brewery/brewer too. It's a classic. Always room for PRB! Thom
ReplyDeleteThe video is hilarious! Happy Leona Shepanski Day!
ReplyDeleteCarl
Very silly hats!
ReplyDeleteAnother fine show. Cheers to PBR!
ReplyDeleteJared
How do you even concentrate on the show with all that going on in the studio?
ReplyDeleteHal
Sometimes it's easy Hal...sometimes not so much. Today was pretty easy and of course it's always fun.
ReplyDeleteYour guest today was good. I like Pabst Blue Ribbon. My dad always drank it so now I do. I didn't realize it was so award winning. Nice job Bil. Jace
ReplyDeleteThe Pabst 1844 sounded amazing! I'd try that one.
ReplyDeleteMary
PBR is a classic beer in PA. Nice job WILK. I think this is a nice choice of beers for the show. Cheers to Greg! HopLover%
ReplyDeleteCool show. I like the musical Pabst commercial interlude too.
ReplyDeleteMy father and father-in-law are now officially fans of your show. Nice job crossing the generations. Dad and I plan to pop a few PBR's in your honor. Jeremy
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeremy...I'm amazed at how many people have mentioned their father when talking about PBR. It's clearly a classic beer that carries a fond-family memory for most (me included). Thank you to Greg Deuhs, brewmaster at Pabst Brewing for joining us today to sample PBR.
ReplyDelete