Black Horse Premium Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Black Horse Premium Beer Dunkirk Can

This 12-ounce straight steel can represents the late 1970s packaging era for Black Horse Premium Beer, produced under the Black Horse trade name in Dunkirk, New York. A key feature of this specific issue is the dual measurement statement reading "12 Fluid Ounces, 355 ml," which highlights the domestic brewing industry's shift toward including metric volume labeling during the mid-to-late 1970s. The label prominently displays the brand typography above an oval medallion containing a prancing stallion silhouette and crown motif, framed above a lower metallic gold band reading "PREMIUM BEER." In addition to standard pull-tab lids, stay-tab configurations were also documented during this packaging run.

The Brand

The Black Horse name holds an extensive history in North American brewing, tracing back to Canadian brewing traditions before appearing across the northeastern United States under regional licensing and contract arrangements. Positioned as a hearty, full-flavored premium brew, Black Horse developed a loyal following across Western New York and the Lake Erie shore. Promoted through classic tavern signage and local advertising, the brand remained a staple across neighborhood bars and taprooms throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The Brewery

The facility producing this can was the historic Fred Koch Brewery of Dunkirk, New York. Founded in 1888 by Fred Koch and Frank Werle as the Lake City Brewery, the enterprise established its permanent facility on West Courtney Street. The company navigated national Prohibition by producing near beer and soft drinks, successfully resuming commercial brewing in 1933. During the 1970s, as independent regional breweries consolidated or closed, Koch adapted by operating under various trade identities—including Black Horse Brewery—to produce regional specialty brands. English brewer Vaux Breweries acquired the operation in 1982 before the Dunkirk plant permanently closed in 1985.

Collecting Context

This can is an important piece of New York brewing heritage, capturing the final independent era of Dunkirk brewing. It appeals to collectors of regional breweriana, steel tab tops, and transitional cans bearing both imperial and metric volume declarations.