Drewry's Beer 12 Oz Zip/Tab Top Can

Drewry's Beer Chicago Zip Top Can

This 12-ounce straight steel can represents Drewrys Beer as produced under the Drewrys Ltd. imprint in Chicago, Illinois. Produced during the mid-1960s packaging transitions, this design was issued with self-opening tops, appearing in documented zip top and bank top formats alongside tab top variations. The front displays the brand's signature heraldic shield containing the illustrated Canadian Mountie in his traditional red uniform, set beneath a pair of stars and underscored by the script tagline, "A Famous Name Since 1877".

The Drewrys name originated in 1877 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, founded by Edward Lancaster Drewry. Following the repeal of Prohibition, the brand entered the American market through dedicated domestic production facilities. Positioned throughout the Great Lakes region as an easy-drinking, approachable brew, Drewrys achieved broad popularity with lively promotional campaigns, memorable slogans like "more flavor, less filling, more fun," and its instantly recognizable Mountie emblem highlighting its northern roots.

Although Drewrys established its primary American brewing operations in South Bend, Indiana, during the mid-1930s, the company expanded its Midwestern capacity by acquiring Chicago brewing properties, including facilities previously associated with the Atlas and Schoenhofen-Edelweiss operations. Drewrys rose to become one of the top regional brewing forces in the country before merging into the Associated Brewing Company in the 1960s. In the early 1970s, the brand was acquired by the G. Heileman Brewing Company as industry consolidation accelerated.

For breweriana collectors, this can holds special appeal due to its Chicago mandatory statement and its position within the mid-1960s closure transition. The distinctive Canadian Mountie insignia and clean shield presentation make it a classic staple of mid-century Midwestern beer can collections.