Burgermeister Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Burgie! Burgermeister Two-City Can

This twelve-ounce tab top container features drawn and ironed construction, representing the packaging era of the 1970s. The front face is dominated by the bold red "Burgie!" script positioned directly above a silver ribbon and shield framing the traditional "Burgermeister Beer" title. Along the bottom rim, the mandatory text credits the Theodore Hamm Company across two primary operating cities—St. Paul, Minnesota, and San Francisco. Catalog distinctions for this release highlight the silver ribbon artwork, two-city brewery line, and the elimination of an earlier "A" designation found on preceding production runs.

Originally created by the San Francisco Brewing Corporation, Burgermeister developed a loyal following as one of Northern California's signature mid-century lagers. Consumers widely adopted the affectionate nickname "Burgie," leading the brewery to formally integrate the exclamation into its packaging, animated television advertisements, and store displays. Following an antitrust lawsuit that required Schlitz to divest the brand, the Theodore Hamm Brewing Company acquired the Burgermeister trademark and its San Francisco brewing facility in 1971, ensuring the regional favorite stayed in West Coast markets.

Theodore Hamm founded his brewing enterprise in 1865 after acquiring Andrew Keller's brewery in the Phalen Creek valley of St. Paul, Minnesota. Hamm expanded the operations into an industrial powerhouse, weathering Prohibition through the manufacture of near beer, malt syrup, and soft drinks. In the postwar era, Hamm’s pushed westward to become a major multi-plant brewer, eventually operating facilities in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Corporate changes later led to acquisitions by Heublein and Olympia, but Hamm's packaging from its dual-hub era remains highly recognized.

For breweriana enthusiasts, this can serves as an interesting crossover between classic San Francisco brewing heritage and Minnesota's brewing history. Its two-city mandatory statement and the prominent "Burgie!" headline make it a popular addition for both Hamm's specialists and West Coast regional can collectors.