Drewrys Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Drewrys German Accent Tab Top Can

This twelve-ounce straight steel tab top container represents the mid-century packaging era of Drewrys Ltd. in South Bend, Indiana. The front of the can features a bold red background bordered by metallic gold bands, framing a central white oval emblem. Across the upper face, the slogan reads "THE AMERICAN BEER WITH A GERMAN ACCENT," complemented on the lower portions of the can by its Indiana brewery statement. The central crest showcases Drewrys' Gothic "D" shield surmounted by an ornate knight's helmet and flourishing scrollwork, accompanied by script emphasizing a recipe of fine grains and hops.

Drewrys originated in 1877 in Winnipeg, Canada, established by Edward Lancaster Drewry. Following the repeal of Prohibition, company leadership expanded across the border into the United States to capture regional Midwest markets. Drewrys aggressively promoted its beverages with memorable taglines and visual branding. While early packaging featured a Canadian Mountie, the company gradually shifted its visual identity toward a knight and shield motif centered on the Gothic letter emblem. Slogans promoting traditional Old World craftsmanship—such as claiming an American beer with a German accent—were crafted to appeal directly to Heartland beer drinkers who valued classic brewing heritage.

Production of this can took place at the Drewrys brewing complex in South Bend, Indiana. In 1936, Drewrys purchased the facilities of the defunct Muessel Brewing Company, expanding the plant over subsequent decades into a massive regional operation capable of turning out over a million barrels annually. Drewrys merged with Detroit's Associated Brewing Company in 1963. However, escalating competition from expanding national mega-brewers led to consolidation, and in 1972 the brand was purchased by the G. Heileman Brewing Company. Heileman permanently closed the South Bend facility later that year, dispersing production elsewhere.

For breweriana collectors, this straight steel tab top is a celebrated artifact of northern Indiana's brewing legacy. Cans displaying the "German accent" banner represent a distinctive transitional chapter in Drewrys advertising, capturing the brand's vigorous mid-century efforts to maintain shelf prominence in a rapidly changing brewing industry.