Burgermeister Beer 15 Oz Zip Top Can

Burgermeister 15 Oz Zip Top Can

The Burgermeister Beer 15-ounce zip top represents a notable chapter in West Coast brewing history under the stewardship of the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company at their San Francisco, California facility.

Historical Background

Jos. Schlitz acquired the San Francisco Brewing Corporation—the original producer of the prominent Burgermeister ("Burgie") brand—in the early 1960s to establish a robust manufacturing foothold on the Pacific Coast. However, this acquisition became the centerpiece of landmark federal antitrust litigation (United States v. Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co.). The United States Department of Justice challenged the purchase to prevent market concentration in the regional brewing industry, eventually leading to a court-ordered divestiture of both the brand and the San Francisco plant.

Regional Packaging and Collector Interest

The 15-ounce volume reflects a regional packaging format primarily distributed in western states. Rather than adhering strictly to standard 12-ounce or 16-ounce pint sizes, regional brewers and national conglomerates competing in California marketed 15-ounce cans as an intermediate option for consumers.

Across production runs from the San Francisco plant, collectors note variations in text placement, mandatory brewery designations, and can manufacturer markings. The front face maintains the classic Burgermeister typography and heraldic crest design that defined the brand's presence across the West Coast.