Fitger's Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Fitger's Beer Duluth Tab Top Can

The Can

This 12-ounce straight steel tab top container dates from the late 1960s to early 1970s, representing the final packaging era of the original Duluth, Minnesota facility. The front panel prominently displays the brewery's longtime trademark lighthouse insignia perched above a rocky shoreline, framed within a white circular field over a background of horizontal pinstripes. The upper rim carries the slogan "Naturally Brewed—Naturally Better," while the lower red band identifies the packager as the Fitger Brewing Company of Duluth.

The Brand

Fitger’s served as the flagship lager of the Duluth brewing operation. Marketed heavily across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the brand emphasized pure Lake Superior water and traditional cold-aging techniques. Throughout the mid-20th century, the company built its marketing around the "Naturally Brewed—Naturally Better" theme, promoting purity and regional heritage. Although original production ceased in the 1970s, the Fitger's name was later revived for craft brewing operations at the historic brewery site.

The Brewery

The roots of the brewery extend back to 1857 along the shore of Lake Superior. German-trained brewmaster August Fitger took control in the 1880s, partnering with Percy Anneke to establish the Fitger Brewing Company. The company navigated Prohibition by pivoting to soft drinks, candy bars, and near beer. Following the repeal of Prohibition, Fitger modernized its plant and grew into a powerhouse of the Head of the Lakes region. However, mounting pressure from national shipping breweries and rising modernization costs eventually forced the historic plant to cease operations in 1972. The brewery complex was later preserved on the National Register of Historic Places.

Collecting Context

Upper Midwest breweriana remains one of the most active sectors of beer can collecting. Fitger cans from this era represent the twilight years of independent commercial brewing in Duluth. For collectors specializing in Minnesota labels, Lake Superior regional history, or classic mid-century pull-tab graphic designs, this can stands as an important piece of North Country brewing heritage.