The classic American lager beer, Schaefer, was once a major player in the US, introduced in New York in 1839 by Maximilian Schaefer and Frederick Schaefer. The brand expanded to the Midwest in the 1960s and gained popularity through the early '80s, becoming one of the most bought beers in the country. After being bought by Stroh Brewery Company in 1981 and absorbed by Pabst Brewing Company in 1999, the beer lost its popularity and lost popularity. However, Pabster chose to relaunch Schaefer in 2020, bringing it back to New York after a decades-long hiatus. The relaunch was produced by a Utica-based contract brewer, F.X. Matt Brewery. Despite mixed reviews, some fans believe Schaefer is a decent macro lager and is a great option for outdoor events like cookouts.