Pearl Beer – Big Time Lager in a String of Bubbles

Pearl Beer from San Antonio, Texas, has a history that dates back to the Kaiser-Beck Brewery in Germany. Initially called the J. B. Behloradsky Brewery and the City Brewery. People named it Pearl Beer from its bubbles being compared to a string of pearls. In 1883, a group of local business leaders and investors connected to the Lone Star Brewing Company bought the brewery. Then, they formed the San Antonio Brewing Company.

Fighting to be the Flagship Brand of Texas Brew

While Pearl Beer became the flagship brand of the San Antonio Brewing Association, they also continued to produce Lone Star Beer.

In 1902, Otto Koehler began managing the brewery. He transitioned from his role as manager at the Lone Star Brewing Company. Koehler became the president and manager of the San Antonio Brewing Association. During his time in charge, Otto implemented plans to increase both the physical size and output of the brewery. Pearl began establishing its brand alongside some of the oldest beers in America. You can click here to try a Yuengling.

Pearl Beer was a lager beer. Lagers are a type of beer that are brewed with specific yeast strains and fermented at cooler temperatures than other beer styles. Lagers have a clean, crisp taste and balanced flavor profile They have a mild hop bitterness and a smooth, refreshing finish.

Changing Hands, then Fading Away

The ownership of the Pearl Beer brand has changed hands several times over the years:

1883: The San Antonio Brewing Association began operating in San Antonio, Texas, and begins brewing Pearl Beer.

Late 19th century to mid-20th century: The brewery and the Pearl Beer brand continue to grow. It became one of the largest and most successful breweries in the Southwestern United States.

Late 20th century: Pabst Brewing Company acquired the brewery, which continued to produce Pearl Beer.

Early 21st century: The rights to the Pearl Beer brand changed hands several times, and various breweries continued to produce it under contract.

Early 21st century: MillerCoors acquired the rights to the Pearl Beer brand, which later became a part of Molson Coors Beverage Company.

Since 2001, the Pearl Beer brand has not been in production.