Schlitz Malt Extract
Pre 1919
Tan, Schlitz label with red and black text. Schlitz trademark is in the center. The label advertizes this product as “A food, a tonic and an invigorator”. The label suggests that extract of malt is beneficial to the weak and convalescent, or those recovering from illness. The label also indicates that this product is “recommended by all physicians” and “for sale by all druggists”. Manufactured by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. of Milwaukee, WI.
Malt is the extracted sugar from grain, produced during the brewing process. If that malt, mixed with yeast, is allowed to ferment it will eventually produce beer. Malt extract beverages stopped the process early so only a small amount of alcohol would be produced. These beverages became more prevelant during the Temperance Movement in America, leading up to Prohibition in 1919. Malt extract, being low in alcohol, was a beverage that was marketed for its medicinal qualities and sold in drug stores.
