Burgermeister Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schlitz-Era Burgermeister Can

Originally established as a flagship label of the San Francisco Brewing Corporation, Burgermeister grew into one of the most widely recognized regional beer brands along the West Coast throughout the mid-20th century. Seeking to establish a dominant manufacturing and distribution foothold in California, the Milwaukee-based brewing giant Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company acquired Burgermeister in late 1961. The purchase soon became the subject of a landmark federal antitrust challenge, though Schlitz continued to operate the brand and package it across its West Coast facilities through the late 1960s.

Produced in 1968 out of the Jos. Schlitz operations in Los Angeles, California, this 12-ounce straight steel tab top can represents that pivotal ownership era. The front label showcases the traditional Burgermeister shield emblem in bright blue bordered by gold scrollwork, crowned with a castle tower crest at the top. The lower portion of the can prominently displays the volume declaration with the numeral styled in bold blue lettering. This container stands as a notable example of late-1960s West Coast brewing consolidation and packaging design.