Hamm's Beer

Hamm's Brewery was established in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1865 by German immigrant, Theodore Hamm. By the 1880s, Hamm's was the second-largest brewing company in Minnesota. Like many other regional breweries, Hamm's suffered during the Prohibition period, and they emerged weakened to a significant extent, and this would have a long-term impact during the Post-War Beer Wars struggle. Independent operations ceased after thirty-five more years with the company's acquisition by Heublein, a now-defunct food and beverage corporation. Hamm's then passed to Olympia Brewing and then to Pabst Brewing Company, who held the brands from 1983-1999. The blockbuster Pabst buyout of Stroh's and the simultaneous brand/brewery transfer to Miller resulted in the Hamm's brands being added to the Miller portfolio, along with Olde English 800 Malt Liquor and Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor.

Hamm's, never a national brand, has always had spotty regional distribution and advertising. Its predominant area is the Midwest. There is also a limited Hamm's presence in the West. Today, Hamm's receives no radio, television, or print advertising attention, although one may encounter point of sale materials from time to time.

Besides the regular Hamm's lager beer, the brand is also available in a cold-filtered draft form (Hamm's Golden Draft, formerly Hamm's Genuine Draft) and as a light beer (Hamm's Special Light). The beer is usually sold in 12 oz. cans of varying packaging counts. Its price point is at the economy beer level. While never wildly popular, Hamm's does have a small, yet loyal, core following.