Burgermeister Pale Beer Pint Can

Burgermeister Pale Beer Pint Can

The Burgermeister Pale Beer Pint Can was produced by the San Francisco Brewing Corporation (later renamed Burgermeister Brewing Corporation) out of its long-standing facility on 10th Street in San Francisco, California. Marketed under the affectionate nickname "Burgie," the brand served as the brewery's flagship label and established a major footprint throughout California and the Western United States.

Design and Background

The pint-sized 16-ounce container was offered as a larger alternative to the standard twelve-ounce packaging. The face of the can features bold mid-century typography identifying the beverage as "Pale Beer," accompanied by the classic Burgermeister illustrated mascot. Over the course of the brand's lifespan, the brewery updated the mascot's appearance across different packaging runs, reflecting shifting design sensibilities of the era. The reverse and side panels carried federal and state regulatory notices alongside manufacturer insignias.

Collector Variations

Breweriana collectors recognize distinct variations of the Burgermeister pint. These variations largely stem from changes in mandatory brewery text—most notably when the business name transitioned from San Francisco Brewing Corporation to Burgermeister Brewing Corporation—along with minor differences in can manufacturer stamps and subtle adjustments to the graphic alignment.

As a prominent artifact from San Francisco's post-war brewing industry, this pint can remains a notable subject of study for enthusiasts documenting West Coast industrial and graphic heritage.