Burgermeister Pale Beer Flat Top Can

Burgermeister Pale Beer History

The Burgermeister Pale Beer flat top can represents one of the most prominent mid-century packaging designs from Northern California. Filled by the San Francisco Brewing Corporation at its historic facility at 470 10th Street in San Francisco, this container became a defining symbol of West Coast brewing culture.

Brewery Heritage and Evolution

Originally tracing its roots back to the late nineteenth-century Milwaukee Brewery, the enterprise reorganized as the San Francisco Brewing Corporation following the repeal of Prohibition. Led by the widespread popularity of its Burgermeister label—affectionately referred to as "Burgie"—the business grew to become one of the top producers in San Francisco and across the Pacific Coast. The brand proved so successful that the company eventually renamed itself the Burgermeister Brewing Corporation before the plant was acquired by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company.

Mascot and Advertising

The can features the recognizable Burgermeister mascot, a jovial figure holding up a frothy glass of beer, framed by the long-running marketing slogan, "A Truly Fine Pale Beer". The character served as the central focal point of widespread West Coast multimedia advertising, appearing in animated television commercials, illustrated print advertisements, and illuminated tavern signs.

Production Variations

Collectors note several design variations across the production lifespan of the flat top. Over time, packaging updates introduced subtle modifications to mandatory brewery statements, patent notices, and trademark text arrangements along the side panels.