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In a state that’s seemingly overflowing with beer, it’s no surprise the earliest breweries in Wisconsin predate our statehood, dating back to the 1830s. Thanks to the state’s industrious German settlers, there were over 300 breweries operating in Wisconsin by 1890, including Pabst Brewing, Schlitz Brewing Co. and MillerCoors LLC.
Wisconsin brewers, along with importers, distributors and retailers today contribute $10.5 billion annually to the economy and support 69,163 jobs in the state, according to a 2016 study. MillerCoors LLC, for example, employs over 1,500 Wisconsin residents and produces approximately 8 million barrels of beer per year.