102 Genuine Draft 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Maier 102 Genuine Draft 16-Ounce

The 102 Genuine Draft 16 Oz Tab Top Can is a regional brewing artifact produced by the Maier Brewing Company of Los Angeles, California. Maier Brewing was a prominent fixture of Southern California's commercial landscape, operating a landmark downtown facility positioned near major freeway interchanges.

Background and Graphic Design

Maier's "102" brand family served as the brewery's flagship label, stemming from its classic lore of being perfected after 101 brewing attempts. The 102 Genuine Draft line built upon this core brand by offering packaged draft-style presentation. Distributed in a 16-ounce straight steel half-quart format, the can provided a larger alternative to conventional 12-ounce containers.

The can face highlights bold "102" typography accompanied by the "Genuine Draft" designation and an illustration of a brimming, foamy beer glass. The layout incorporates the Los Angeles brewery mandatory markings across its straight-steel body.

Production Variations and Legacy

Breweriana collectors track variations across production runs of this 16-ounce can. Notable manufacturing differences include mandatory statement typography printed with or without postal ZIP codes, subtle shade shifts in the glass illustration, and differing lid stamping specifications.

As independent regional breweries consolidated throughout California, Maier stood out as one of the last major local production breweries based in Los Angeles. This 16-ounce container remains an enduring document of post-war Southern California packaging history and regional brand identity.