Fort Pitt Beer Test Can

Fort Pitt Test Can by Jones

The Fort Pitt brand has deep roots in western Pennsylvania brewing history. Originally produced by the Fort Pitt Brewing Company in Sharpsburg, the popular regional label was acquired by the Jones Brewing Company of Smithton, Pennsylvania, in the mid-1960s. Jones Brewing, widely recognized for its flagship Stoney's line, sought to revitalize the storied label and expand its regional footprint.

As part of the design and packaging development process at Jones Brewing, test cans were produced to evaluate prospective graphics, color schemes, and metallic finishes prior to authorizing full commercial manufacturing runs. These sample containers served as production proofs, allowing brewery management and can manufacturers to examine typography, graphic alignment, and mandatory regulatory text on the physical metal surface.

Because test issues were produced in limited quantities exclusively for evaluation, internal review, and mockups, they bypassed standard commercial distribution. Over the years, breweriana collectors have cataloged different variations featuring subtle differences in metallic sheen, color saturation, and layout formatting. These sample cans offer collectors insight into the behind-the-scenes design evolution and brand stewardship of Jones Brewing as they maintained the historic Fort Pitt name across Pennsylvania.