ABC Premium Beer Flat Top Can

ABC Premium Beer Flat Top Can

The ABC Premium Beer flat top can represents an interesting chapter in mid-century Midwestern brewing history. The can was issued under the Gold Brau Brewing Company banner out of Chicago, Illinois. Gold Brau was an alternate trade name utilized by the prolific Canadian Ace Brewing Company—formerly the Manhattan Brewing Company facility located on Emerald Avenue on Chicago's South Side.

During its operation, Canadian Ace made extensive use of assumed brewing names to market various labels across broad distribution networks. The ABC brand was distributed across multiple regional markets, with some examples carrying tax stamps from states such as Florida.

Visually, the can features prominent ABC lettering across the front panel, accompanied by "Premium Beer" labeling and cellar-aged marketing taglines. Continental Can Company produced containers for this line, and collectors recognize known variations across manufacturing runs. These variations include differences in background finish, such as standard enamel versus satin silver metallic coatings, as well as subtle adjustments in side-panel mandatory text and brewery phrasing.

Because of its Chicago brewing ties and the classic graphic appeal of the ABC trademark, this can remains a popular subject among collectors focused on Illinois breweriana and post-Prohibition contract brands.