Brewpubs
In Celebration of Karl The Man, The Myth, The Legend
October 2, 2026
Karl Martin Strauss was 76 years old when our first brewpub opened in downtown San Diego. By then, he had already spent a lifetime in brewing: growing up at a German brewery, studying his craft at Weihenstephan, escaping Nazi Germany and building a 44-year career at Pabst Brewing Company. Helping launch a brewery in San Diego became another chapter in a life that had crossed continents and endured profound loss.
Today, his name appears on our buildings and beer labels. Behind that name is a brewer whose experience helped shape our company, and whose willingness to keep sharing what he knew connected generations of brewers.
Karl was born in Minden, Germany, where his father, Albrecht Strauss, was president of Feldschlösschen Bräu. The family lived at the brewery, and Karl grew up around the daily work of making beer. As a young man, he helped his father and gained experience as an intern.
At 19, he began formal brewing studies at the Technical University of Munich at Weihenstephan. His education built on that practical experience, deepening his knowledge of malting and brewing. He went on to earn Master Brewer credentials and began working in Germany’s brewing industry.
But the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in 1933 made life increasingly dangerous for Karl and his family. Nazi persecution restricted his ability to work and threatened his safety. In 1939, before World War II began in Europe, Karl left Germany for the United States.
Karl began working at Pabst Brewing Company in Milwaukee in May 1939. Despite his training, his first job was on the bottling line, feeding bottles into a bottle soaker. Pabst soon recognized his technical abilities, and he moved into supervisory roles with increasing responsibility across its brewing operations.
In 1960, he became Vice President of Production, a position he held until retiring in 1983. By then, he had spent 44 years with the company. He also served as president of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas from 1961 to 1963 and later received its Award of Merit, Award of Honor and Distinguished Life Service Award.
Retirement gave Karl room to begin another chapter. He became a brewing consultant, sharing his knowledge with breweries and entrepreneurs as small breweries and brewpubs were finding new audiences. His experience in German brewing and American production helped new businesses develop their brewing operations.
Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner wanted to open a brewpub in San Diego. Inspired by a brewpub Chris had visited in Australia, they saw an opportunity to introduce more people to fresh, locally brewed beer.
Chris had a family connection to someone who could help: Karl was his cousin. Karl joined the project, helping design the brewery, develop beer recipes and train the staff. His experience gave the young company a foundation to build on.
Our first brewpub opened on Columbia Street in downtown San Diego on February 2, 1989. Karl was 76 years old. Six years after retiring from Pabst, he was helping a new brewing team get started and contributing to the beginning of San Diego’s modern craft beer era.
Karl stayed involved as our company grew. He supported our brewers, shared his knowledge and became a familiar presence through public appearances and advertising. Customers got to know the person whose name was on the building, while our team had the opportunity to learn directly from him.
Karl's influence continues through the brewery he helped establish and the brewers who learned from him. He spent his later years putting a lifetime of experience to work for people beginning their own careers in beer.
Karl was born on October 5, 1912 and this Monday, we’re celebrating his birthday and the legacy he left us. Join us at any of our nine Karl Strauss brewpubs on October 5 for Happy Hour pricing on all Karl Strauss-branded beer, from open to close.
And though Oktoberfest season is wrapping up in Munich, we're still going. You can still get your hands on this year's collectible 0.5L Stein with a fill for $15, or a 1L Stein with a fill for $25 while supplies last! Bring a friend, choose your favorite Karl beer and raise a glass to the man who helped start our story.
Cheers to Karl, and to the beer he helped bring to San Diego.
