Lone Star Beer, often hailed as “The National Beer of Texas,” is not just a beverage—it’s a cultural icon rooted in the heart of the Lone Star State. With more than a century of heritage, the beer’s journey through time reflects the broader story of American brewing: innovation, prohibition, industrial shifts, corporate mergers, and a passionate connection with regional identity. This article explores Lone Star Beer’s origins, evolution, and changes in ownership, revealing how it came to be the symbolic Texas brew known today.
The Birth of Lone Star Beer: Foundations in San Antonio (1884–1933)
The origins of Lone Star Beer can be traced back to 1884 in San Antonio, Texas, when Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser-Busch, helped establish the Lone Star Brewery. This was the first large mechanized brewery in Texas, signifying the dawn of industrial brewing in the region. Although the initial company wasn’t marketing a product under the “Lone Star Beer” name at that time, it laid the groundwork for future development.
The early years were marked by rapid growth, and Lone Star Brewery quickly became one of the largest beer producers in the American Southwest. However, the company was forced to close its doors during Prohibition (1920–1933), like many other American breweries. The nationwide ban on alcohol brought an abrupt halt to its production, ushering in an era of uncertainty for the brand.
Post-Prohibition Revival and Brand Establishment (1933–1976)
After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, brewing operations resumed under the name Sabinas Brewing Company, later renamed Champion Brewing Company. In 1940, a pivotal event occurred: Peter Kreil, a German-born brewmaster, created the first version of what we now recognize as Lone Star Beer—a classic American-style lager. This marked the true birth of the Lone Star Beer brand.
Under the leadership of Harry Jersig, the company experienced remarkable success during the mid-20th century. Jersig, who later became a Texas State Senator, spearheaded aggressive regional marketing and expanded distribution, helping Lone Star Beer achieve legendary status among Texans.
By the 1960s, Lone Star had grown into one of Texas’s most beloved beer brands. Its flagship lager—crisp, affordable, and easy-drinking—became synonymous with cowboy culture, country music, and Texas pride. The company even sponsored rodeos and collaborated with country musicians like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, further solidifying its regional appeal.
Corporate Acquisitions and Production Changes (1976–1999)
The first major ownership change came in 1976, when Olympia Brewing Company, based in Washington State, acquired the Lone Star brand. Olympia sought to expand its portfolio and saw the Texas market as an opportunity for growth. However, the brand’s identity remained firmly Texan, even under out-of-state ownership.
In 1983, the G. Heileman Brewing Company, headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, purchased Olympia. Heileman was one of the largest brewing conglomerates in the United States during the 1980s, and it added Lone Star to its roster alongside other regional brands.
The trend of consolidation continued through the 1990s. In 1996, Stroh Brewery Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, acquired Heileman. At this point, Lone Star’s production was moved from its original San Antonio facility to other locations, including Longview, Texas. In 1999, the historic San Antonio brewery was closed permanently.
This marked a turning point: although the beer still bore the Lone Star name, it was no longer brewed in the city of its birth. For many, this symbolized a loss of local authenticity.
Modern Ownership Under Pabst Brewing Company (1999–Present)
The most significant recent development occurred in 1999, when the Pabst Brewing Company acquired most of the brands owned by the now-defunct Stroh Brewery Company—including Lone Star. Pabst, originally based in Milwaukee and later relocating to Los Angeles and then San Antonio, is known for managing a portfolio of iconic American “heritage” brands, such as Pabst Blue Ribbon, Schlitz, Old Milwaukee, Rainier, and National Bohemian.
Unlike traditional brewers, Pabst operates primarily as a marketing and brand management company, outsourcing actual beer production to partner brewers. For Lone Star, this meant that the beer would be brewed under contract—most recently by Miller Brewing Company (now part of Molson Coors) at facilities including Fort Worth, Texas.
However, in a nod to its roots, Pabst announced in 2024 that Anheuser-Busch’s Houston brewery would begin brewing Lone Star starting in 2025, bringing production back to a major Texas city for the first time in decades. This move is seen by many as a long-overdue return to form, restoring a sense of local legitimacy to the beloved brand.
Lone Star in Pop Culture and Texas Identity
Throughout its history, Lone Star Beer has not just been a beverage—it has served as a cultural ambassador for Texas. The brand became a fixture in movies and TV shows that celebrate Southern grit and Americana, including:
“Urban Cowboy” (1980), starring John Travolta
“True Detective” (2014), where characters frequently sip Lone Star
“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013), where Matthew McConaughey’s character drinks it regularly
“Psych” and “Dallas”, cementing its status in Southern TV lore
Lone Star Beer also maintains a strong association with Texas music. During the 1970s “Outlaw Country” movement, artists like Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Waylon Jennings helped bring Lone Star to live stages and festival grounds, aligning the brand with a rebellious, homegrown spirit.
Even today, Lone Star remains a mainstay at local rodeos, barbecue joints, and dive bars across the state.
A Symbol Beyond the Bottle
Despite undergoing several ownership transitions—from regional brewery to national conglomerate—Lone Star Beer’s essence as “The National Beer of Texas” has remained intact. Its continued popularity reflects a deep-rooted sense of pride among Texans, who often view Lone Star as more than a drink—it’s a declaration of identity.
For some, the fact that Lone Star is no longer brewed in its original San Antonio facility was disappointing. But the 2025 return of production to Houston marks a hopeful new chapter—one that may reforge the brand’s connection with its birthplace and loyal fans.
Conclusion
Today, Lone Star Beer is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, which has stewarded the brand since 1999. Although Pabst doesn’t brew its own beer, it contracts production to facilities across the U.S., most recently with Miller in Fort Worth and soon with Anheuser-Busch in Houston.
While ownership and production locations have shifted over the decades, the brand’s identity remains deeply intertwined with Texas. From its beginnings in San Antonio to its modern-day revival, Lone Star Beer’s journey reflects the resilience of regional pride in a rapidly consolidating global beer industry.
Whether you’re drinking it at a honky-tonk in Austin or a backyard BBQ in Houston, one thing remains clear: Lone Star Beer belongs to Texas.
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