Billy Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Billy Beer Cold Spring Edition

The Billy Beer 12 oz tab top can produced by the Cold Spring Brewing Company of Cold Spring, Minnesota, represents one of the most recognizable pop-culture artifacts in American breweriana. Created during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, the brand capitalized on the public notoriety of the President's brother, Billy Carter.

Background and Production

The brand was originally conceived by the Falls City Brewing Company, which contracted several regional breweries across the United States to package the beverage for regional markets. Cold Spring Brewing Company was selected to handle distribution across the Midwest. The Cold Spring issue features the brewery's mandatory city and state identification along the side seam alongside the standard blue, white, and gold graphics.

The Endorsement Text

A defining feature of the can design is the printed endorsement and facsimile signature from Billy Carter:

"Brewed expressly for and with the personal approval of one of AMERICA's all-time Great Beer Drinkers—Billy Carter. I had this beer brewed up just for me... I think you'll like it, too."

The Collector Craze

Following the brand's withdrawal from the market, the can became the subject of a massive collecting craze. Speculative newspaper classified advertisements erroneously suggested that Billy Beer cans commanded hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In reality, millions of cans were produced and hoarded by the public, making it one of the most commonly retained cans in collector circles.

Variations and Markings

Collectors identify the Cold Spring issue primarily by its mandatory text and brewery credit. Minor differences exist among various production batches, including slight shifts in seam text placement, mandatory font sizes, and rim details. While the widespread hoarding prevented Billy Beer from achieving the extreme values once advertised, the Cold Spring tab top remains a celebrated fixture of political and pop-culture breweriana.