PBR has been saved
We can all breathe a sigh of relief -- PBR has been saved from extinction. Pabst Brewing has settled its half-billion-dollar court battle with MillerCoors, the company Pabst outsourced its beer-making to, so that we can all continue to drink the onetime king of hipster cheap beers "for many, many years to come." The gist was MillerCoors was charging Pabst $80 million a year to brew PBR but wanted to up that to $200 or they'd end the contract. Pabst contended that increase would bankrupt them "three times over." From the Journal Sentinel:
Terms were not immediately available, but Pabst's CEO had testified that if MillerCoors didn't agree to extend its current contract to make Pabst's beers, it might go out of business.
MillerCoors spokesman Peter Marino offered no clue as to the nature of the settlement.
"The parties have amicably resolved all outstanding issues in the case," he said.
A spokesman for Pabst echoed that sentiment but hinted at a long-term resolution.
"The parties have amicably resolved all outstanding issues in the case. Pabst will continue to offer Pabst Blue Ribbon and the rest of our authentic, great tasting and affordable brews to all Americans for many, many years to come,” he said.
Many discerning hipsters on a budget moved onto Narragansett, Tecate and other brews years ago, but it's good to know PBR will still be an option.