Pabst's Newest Craft Beer Revival: Limited Release of Ballantine Burton Ale for the Holidays

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 16, 2015) - Pabst Brewing Company, the world's largest American-owned brewer, announced today its revival of the legendary Ballantine Burton Ale in limited quantities this holiday season. The seasonal brew will be produced under the guidance of Greg Deuhs, Pabst's Master Brewer, in Cold Spring, Minnesota at Cold Spring Brewing Company. Ballantine Burton Ale will be available from early November through December 2015 in major Northeastern markets including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, and Maryland.

First brewed by P. Ballantine & Sons Brewing Company in Newark, NJ immediately after the repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s, and often aged for up to 20 years in American oak barrels, Ballantine Burton Ale has achieved an almost mythical status over the years. It was designated a "Special Brew" on its label and given as a gift to important friends of the brewery, including President Harry Truman. The beer was never publicly sold by the brewery and some craft beer aficionados have gone so far as to deem it the "holy grail" in American brewing history.

"We're excited to share the reincarnation of this rare brew that, like the original, is sweet and strong, yet balanced by a robust hop character that exemplifies the Ballantine name," said Greg Deuhs, Master Brewer at Pabst. "To help replicate the original flavor, we age every batch of Burton Ale for several months in barrels lined with American oak. The slight oak essence, with notes of toasted vanilla, will make it the perfect holiday treat."

"The release of Ballantine Burton Ale reinforces our commitment to reviving authentic craft beer brands with storied histories," said Eugene Kashper, Chairman and CEO of Pabst. "It's really exciting to be able to bring this iconic brew to the public for the first time ever." Previous revivals include last year's Ballantine IPA, which is brewed based on the traditional recipe, originating in 1878.

Ballantine Burton Ale has 11.3% ABV, 75 IBUs, and a starting gravity of 26.5 Plato. The brew will be available in 6-pack bottles and draft.

For more information on Ballantine Burton Ale, please visit www.ballantinebeer.com.

About Pabst Brewing Company

Since 1844, Pabst Brewing Company has been American-owned and operated, and is North America's largest privately held brewing company. Pabst's portfolio includes iconic brands with deep ties to America's heritage, such as its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and others such as Ballantine IPA, Lone Star, Rainier, Schlitz, Old Style, National Bohemian, Stag, Stroh's, and Old Milwaukee. In 2015, Pabst won the Great American Beer Festival's award for Large Brewing Company of the Year and Pabst's Master Brewer Greg Deuhs won the title of Large Brewing Company Brewer of the Year. For more information about Pabst, please visit www.pabstbrewingco.com.

About P. Ballantine & Sons Brewing Company

P. Ballantine and Sons Brewing Company first brewed Ballantine India Pale Ale in Newark, NJ in 1878. Ballantine IPA was the only American-made beer that successfully continued the tradition of the 19th century IPAs after the repeal of Prohibition. This was due in large part to Peter Ballantine's steadfast commitment to "Purity, Body, and Flavor" -- as exemplified by the three interlocking Borromean rings found on every bottle. Today, some of P. Ballantine and Sons' most cherished craft brews are being introduced to modern consumers for the first time. Brews are based on the original 19th century recipes and exemplify the values espoused by Peter Ballantine centuries ago.