Schlitz beer is back in Green Bay

GREEN BAY - A tradition is back in Northeast Wisconsin. The original Schlitz beer is being served again in Green Bay after a nearly 40 year hiatus. Many say it is bringing back memories.

Maricque's Bar on Green Bay's East Side was the first bar in the area that is serving the original Schlitz beer in decades.

Schlitz started brewing in Milwaukee about 150 years ago, but the original brew changed over the years, becoming watered down.

Some might say this is just another beer, but not if you ask all the people who have been waiting for this 1960's formula to come back.

"It tastes like the original, so it's good," said Joe Nejedlo of Green Bay.

"We went away back in the 70's and 80's and now we're bringing it back and we're glad," said Mike Brattensborg with the Pabst Brewing Company.

Schlitz representatives said the beer is making a comeback after getting a strong response in area cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.

"It was the number one beer back in the 60's. It has a lot of heritage and a lot of retro appeal," said Brattensborg.

The original brew, in bottle form, has already hit Green Bay are grocery shelves like Woodman's. Some local bars are just finding out Schlitz is back for good.

"I'm just shocked. I haven't even heard of it in so long. I didn't even realize it was gone. You just kind of forget!" said Amanda Bricker, bartender at The Packer Stadium Lounge.

However, not everyone has forgotten.

"First time I ever drank was probably Schlitz. It's been a long time!" Andy Schandor from Green Bay.

Schandor said memories of Schlitz are good, but few and far between.

"It was a little fuller. It wasn't as watery," said Schandor.

Now that it's back it's sure to keep flowing.

"It's good, we're going to have another one," said Nejedlo.

Many other area bars in the Green Bay area will begin pouring Schlitz on Thursday.