Is St. Ides Special Brew still made? This question has been on the minds of many beer enthusiasts for years. St. Ides Special Brew, a beer that once dominated the market, has become a topic of fascination and curiosity. Let’s delve into the history and current status of this iconic beer to find out if it is still being produced.
St. Ides Special Brew was introduced in the 1930s by the St. Ides Brewing Company, which was based in Chicago, Illinois. The beer quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of flavors and its association with the St. Ides beer brand, which had been around since the late 1800s. The beer’s distinctive amber color and rich, malty taste made it a favorite among beer drinkers, and it became a staple in bars and taverns across the United States.
However, as the beer industry evolved, so did consumer preferences. The late 20th century saw a surge in the popularity of craft beers and imports, which began to overshadow traditional American lagers. St. Ides Brewing Company, facing intense competition and declining sales, decided to rebrand and reformulate its products in the 1980s. This led to the introduction of St. Ides Special Brew, which was a more potent and flavorful beer than its predecessors.
Despite the efforts to revitalize the brand, St. Ides Special Brew faced challenges. The brewing industry continued to consolidate, and the St. Ides Brewing Company was acquired by another company in the 1990s. This acquisition marked the beginning of the end for St. Ides Special Brew, as the new owners focused on producing more mainstream beers.
So, is St. Ides Special Brew still made? The answer is a bit complicated. While the original recipe for St. Ides Special Brew is no longer in production, the St. Ides brand itself has been revived. Today, the St. Ides Brewing Company is a subsidiary of a large brewing conglomerate, and it produces a variety of beers, including some that are reminiscent of the original St. Ides Special Brew. However, these beers are not the same as the classic St. Ides Special Brew that beer aficionados remember.
In conclusion, while St. Ides Special Brew is not being produced in its original form, the St. Ides brand has been reborn in a new era. Beer lovers who miss the classic taste of St. Ides Special Brew may still find some solace in the new offerings from the St. Ides Brewing Company. However, the quest for the perfect St. Ides Special Brew clone remains a cherished pursuit for many beer enthusiasts.
