Bob's Special Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Bob's Special Biplane Beer Can

This 12-ounce straight steel can features sharp green-on-white graphics centered around a detailed illustration of an early biplane equipped with a radial engine, framed by decorative corner filigree. Produced during the era when canning technology shifted toward non-detachable openers, this version is fitted with a stay top, although earlier pull tab iterations have also been noted among collectors.

Bob's Special was introduced in the late 1970s as a custom-commissioned label created for Bob Keenan, a prominent beer can collector and proprietor of the Beer Can Haus in North Minneapolis. During the height of the 1970s breweriana collecting craze, specialty private-label brews were occasionally contracted to cater directly to hobbyists and novelty seekers. Released around 1978 and sold through select Twin Cities outlets, including Dom's Drive-In Liquors in Minneapolis, Bob's Special functioned as both a regional beer and an immediate collector's item. The label art leaned into vintage charm, using classic lettering and early aviation motifs.

The beer was produced and packaged by the August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm, Minnesota. Established in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell, the brewery is recognized as the second-oldest family-owned brewing company in the United States. Situated along the Cottonwood River, Schell survived significant historic trials, including the Dakota War of 1862 and Prohibition, the latter weathered by manufacturing near beer, soft drinks, and candy. During the postwar decades of intense brewery consolidation, Schell stayed independent by maintaining loyal local distribution while embracing small-batch contract canning and specialty private labels.

Within the hobby, this can represents an intriguing period when collectors actively participated in bringing their own commemorative cans to market. As an authentic piece of Minnesota brewing history, it remains a favorite among regional collectors and enthusiasts of transportation-themed breweriana.