Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company

Schlitz's 1982 sale to Stroh Brewery ended the 'Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous' after quality-cutting destroyed the brand. In the 1970s, Schlitz reformulated to cut costs, creating 'green beer' that spoiled on shelves. Customers fled; sales collapsed 90% in a decade. By 1981, Schlitz was desperate enough to sell to Stroh for $500 million. The company that was once America's best-selling beer became a cautionary tale about quality compromises.