Pabst Blue Ribbon is trying to recover roughly 40,000 pounds of beer after thieves allegedly used fake documents to pose as a transport company and collect two shipments worth about $70,000.
The theft took place on August 17, 2026, at an Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California.
According to police, a fraudulent subcontractor arrived around 10 a.m. and picked up a shipment valued at approximately $45,000 that was supposed to be delivered to Tucson. About an hour later, the same operation returned with additional fake paperwork and collected a second shipment worth around $25,000.
The stolen cargo totaled roughly 5,000 gallons of beer and included hundreds of cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon in 12-ounce and 25-ounce formats, along with Old Milwaukee Non-Alcoholic.
Pabst initially responded with humor on social media, joking that the beer was getting warmer while the trail was getting colder. The company also encouraged anyone who thought they had seen the truck to take a photo and report it.
A spokesperson added that the company hoped whoever stole the shipment understood the importance of keeping beer cold.
After some people suspected the theft might be a publicity stunt, Pabst clarified that the incident was real and that the company was taking it seriously.
The brand then addressed the thieves directly, offering a limited window to return the stolen beer with no questions asked.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the theft and have asked anyone with information to contact the Montclair Police Department.