Burgermeister Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Burgermeister Tab Top History

The Burgermeister Beer 12 oz tab top can represents a classic piece of West Coast brewing history, produced by Burgermeister in San Francisco, California. Operating out of its prominent facility on 10th Street in San Francisco's South of Market district, the brewery established Burgermeister—affectionately nicknamed "Burgie"—as one of the most widely recognized regional brands across California and neighboring states.

Branding and Visual Elements

The can features the brand's signature mid-century graphics, built around the recognizable "Burgie" mascot—a cheerful, stylized brewmaster holding a frothy mug of beer—alongside the company's long-running marketing slogan, "A Truly Fine Pale Beer". The label artwork reflects the aesthetic that characterized Northern California breweriana during the peak of West Coast regional brewing.

Corporate History and Antitrust Legacy

The history surrounding the canning operations of Burgermeister is tied to a landmark moment in American antitrust law. Following the brand's acquisition by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company, the United States Department of Justice filed a significant antitrust lawsuit (United States v. Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company), arguing that the takeover violated the Clayton Act by substantially reducing regional market competition. The ensuing legal proceedings eventually forced the divestiture of the San Francisco plant, marking one of the most high-profile corporate battles involving a regional canning operation.

Collector Variations

Among breweriana enthusiasts, this can is cataloged with notable distinctions. Variations exist across different production runs, showing subtle differences in mandatory brewery line phrasing, factory marks, and shifts in the layout of the side panel text.