Burgermeister Beer Flat Top Can

Burgermeister Beer Flat Top

Produced by the San Francisco Brewing Corporation in San Francisco, California, this 12-ounce container represents one of the most recognized regional brewing labels in West Coast breweriana history.

The front display panel features the brand's full-standing Burgermeister mascot—a figure outfitted in traditional 18th-century attire, complete with a tricorne hat, long blue frock coat, red waistcoat, and white breeches. In his left hand, he raises a frothing stein of beer in a celebratory toast, while his right hand rests on a walking cane. Flanking the character are the serving advisory "COOL BEFORE SERVING" on the right and the volume declaration "CONTENTS 12 FL. OZS." on the left. The lower section anchors the artwork with the "Bürgermeister" name in bold Gothic blackletter against a black band, set above "Beer" across a red band.

This specific release is cataloged in opening-instruction breweriana references, including Kevin Lilek's documentation of early flat tops. A key distinguishing detail for collectors is found within the mandatory brewery text: earlier production runs explicitly noted "Formerly Milwaukee Brewery of San Francisco" to maintain consumer familiarity during the company's postwar corporate transition. This version omits that historical phrase entirely, reflecting a streamlined mandatory layout after the San Francisco Brewing Corporation identity was fully established.

Collectors track several variations across the Burgermeister flat top line, distinguished by differences in mandatory statements, enamel versus metallic finishes, and side-panel opening instruction layouts.