As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with detailed information about the production and availability of Old Milwaukee's Best. However, it's important to note that my response is based on the most recent information available at the time of writing, and the beer industry is subject to changes and discontinuations.
Old Milwaukee's Best, also known as Milwaukee's Best, is a beer brand that was originally introduced by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company in 1895. Over the years, the brand has seen various ownership changes and is currently under the umbrella of Molson Coors, a multinational brewing company.
However, I must inform you that Molson Coors announced the discontinuation of the original Milwaukee's Best in August 2021. This decision was part of their strategy to cut back on their low-end beer offerings. The declining sales of Milwaukee's Best played a significant role in this decision.
To understand the decline in sales, let's take a look at the beer's history. In 2007, MillerCoors, a joint venture between Molson Coors and SABMiller, shipped nearly 2 million barrels of Milwaukee's Best. However, over the next five years, sales of the beer dropped significantly, with only 1.1 million barrels sold. This decline in popularity can be attributed to various factors, including changing consumer preferences and the rise of craft beer.
Craft beer has gained immense popularity in recent years, with consumers seeking unique and flavorful brews. This has led to a shift away from mass-produced, mainstream beers like Milwaukee's Best. The beer market has become increasingly competitive, with a wide range of options available to consumers.
Furthermore, the rise of health-consciousness and the demand for higher quality ingredients in beer have also impacted the sales of mainstream brands like Milwaukee's Best. Consumers today are more inclined towards beers made with natural and locally-sourced ingredients, often preferring craft breweries that emphasize these qualities.
In response to these market dynamics, Molson Coors made the decision to discontinue the original Milwaukee's Best. This allows them to focus their resources on other beer brands that have a stronger market demand. It's worth noting that Molson Coors still offers other beer options under the Milwaukee's Best brand, such as Milwaukee's Best Light and Milwaukee's Best Ice, which remain available in the market.
As of my knowledge in writing this response, the original Milwaukee's Best has been discontinued by Molson Coors in August 2021. The decision was driven by declining sales and the company's strategic focus on other beer brands. However, other variants under the Milwaukee's Best brand, such as Milwaukee's Best Light and Milwaukee's Best Ice, are still available for consumers who prefer these options. It's essential to stay updated with the latest news and changes in the beer industry, as availability and product offerings can evolve over time.