Burgermeister Beer Flat Top Can

Burgermeister Flat Top Can History

Burgermeister Beer was one of Northern California's most prominent regional brewing fixtures, produced at the landmark brewery located at 10th and Bryant Streets in San Francisco. Affectionately nicknamed "Burgie" by locals, the brand achieved major market prominence across the West Coast during the mid-20th century.

The graphic identity of the Burgermeister flat top can prominently features the classic Burgermeister typography, often accompanied by the slogan "A Truly Fine Pale Beer" and the familiar illustration of the "Burgie Man"—a cheerful character portrait inspired by early brewmaster Herman Lunsmann. Over time, the graphic presentation evolved through subtle updates, with the character artwork and brand typography modified across different production eras.

This flat top container holds a notable place in breweriana history due to its connection to a landmark corporate antitrust lawsuit. In the early 1960s, brewing giant Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company acquired the Burgermeister Brewing Corporation to expand its footprint in the western states. The acquisition prompted the United States Department of Justice to intervene under United States v. Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company, alleging violations of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. Federal courts ultimately ruled that the merger substantially diminished regional competition, ordering Schlitz to divest the San Francisco facility and the Burgermeister brand.

For collectors, Burgermeister flat tops feature several recognized variations. Across different production runs, variations appear in the mandatory brewery identification lines—including labels referencing the San Francisco Brewing Corp., Burgermeister Brewing Corp., and subsequent Schlitz-era division text—as well as minor changes in patent notices and side-panel manufacturer marks.