Pabst Building Retro Portfolio

A Salon column points out that many traditional regional beers are now owned by Pabst:

First they came for Olympia, and I said nothing. Then they came for Old Style, and still I said nothing, because I live 1,000 miles away and Old Style sucks anyway. Then they came for Ballantine, and -- ooh, is that a micro-brewed hefeweizen?

First slowly, and then boldly, with the 1999 purchase of Stroh's and its associated brands, Pabst sucked up many of the best-known old-school mediocre beers in America. If your dad liked a beer, and was on a budget, chances are that his swill-of-choice is now owned by Pabst.

The quasi-retro regional beers included in the Pabst portfolio include Olympia, Ballantine, Stroh's, Schlitz, Old Style, Old Milwaukee, and Haffenreffer "P-Stock." As the company says on its website:

Each of our brands follows time-honored, uncompromised brewing processes that are more than traditional – they’re legendary. Our brands are like family and hometown friends – a familiar part of your life, timeless and always true to character. With more than 25 different and distinct beers, you’re sure to discover a beer that is more than just a drink – it’s a part of your heritage. [emphasis added]

The strategy seems to be working for them so far.