Boh Bohemian Lager Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Boh Bohemian Lager Tab Top Can

The Boh Bohemian Lager Beer 12 oz tab top can represents a notable chapter in New England brewing history. Bearing the imprint of the Haffenreffer Brewing Co. of Cranston, Rhode Island, this container reflects the consolidation and brand migration that characterized mid-twentieth-century regional brewing.

Historical Context

Originally founded in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, the historic Haffenreffer Brewery was renowned for producing celebrated lagers and ales. After the Boston facility ceased independent operations, key brand trademarks—including Haffenreffer Lager, Pickwick, and Private Stock—were acquired and operated under the umbrella of the Narragansett Brewing Company out of its flagship Cranston facility. The Boh Bohemian label, which previously had regional distribution ties through Massachusetts operations like the Enterprise Brewing Company of Fall River, was produced bearing the Haffenreffer name out of Cranston.

Design and Collectibility

The can features the recognizable "Boh" banner and traditional Bohemian lager motif, paired with bold period typography and heraldic elements. For breweriana enthusiasts, the Cranston-mandated Haffenreffer cans are documented in multiple design and construction variations, reflecting different metallic seams, lid types, and slight changes in mandatory brewery text and layout across separate production runs. As an artifact bridging historic Boston brewing heritage with Rhode Island's prominent post-war canning industry, it remains a sought-after piece for collectors specializing in New England regional breweriana.