DRAFT Magazine

Remember a couple weeks ago when we jokingly suggested the beer community should band together to purchase Pabst Brewing Co.?

Well, it’s happening. Thanks to the wonder of the Internet and some industrious folks with a modicum of coding talent, you can pledge your support (and your cash) to help buy the ailing brewers of Pabst Blue Ribbon, Colt 45, and a bunch of other wonderful brands. You don’t have to send any money, just a confirmation that you will do so if the $300 million target is reached.

Amazingly, the fund has already reached over $100,000 in pledges. Sure, we have a ways to go, but that’s nothing a Bill Gates or two can’t fix.

Hey, want to buy America’s fourth-largest brewery? Well, if you have an extra $300 million lying around, you can. Pabst Brewing Co. is for sale.

According to Pabst chief executive officer Brian Kovalchuck, the company hired Merrill Lynch to examine potential buyers. Currently, The Kalmanovitz Charitable Trust owns the brewers of Pabst, Colt 45, and a host of other high end (we kid!) beers. (Note: Apparently, Miller Brewing Co. actually brews the beers on a contract basis. Whatever.)

Who wants to start a fund? We have like $50 bucks we’ll throw into the pot.

We’re a little obsessed with the Pabst Mansion, so we’re happy we have another reason to write about the Milwaukee institution.

On October 2 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., the venue will host a retro night tasting of Pabst, Blatz, Schlitz, and Old Milwaukee. There will also be all the grilled brats your little stomach can handle and a silent auction held featuring all sorts of beer paraphernalia, both new and old. Tickets will run you $30 (or $25 for members), but order early and you’ll save $5.

Is anyone going? If so, want to shoot some pictures of the mansion for us? (Email us.)