Gettelman Milwaukee Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman Roll Out the Barrel Can

The Gettelman Milwaukee Beer flat top can featuring the "Roll Out the Barrel" slogan is a celebrated piece of mid-century Midwestern breweriana. Produced by the A. Gettelman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, around 1956, this can belongs to an illustrated set series designed to celebrate casual leisure, picnics, and social gatherings. The thematic phrase directly channels the spirited polka anthem that has long been synonymous with Wisconsin culture and tavern tradition.

Brewery Heritage

Founded in 1856, the A. Gettelman Brewing Company carved out a dedicated regional following from its home in Milwaukee's Menomonee River Valley. Operating alongside the city's other major brewing titans, Gettelman maintained an independent identity anchored by popular labels like Gettelman Milwaukee Beer, Milwaukee's Best, and its famous "$1,000 Beer". The company remained family-operated until its acquisition by the Miller Brewing Company in 1961, making cans produced prior to the buyout significant artifacts of independent Milwaukee brewing history.

Design and Collectibility

The "Roll Out the Barrel" release exemplifies the post-war trend of marketing canned beer for outdoor entertaining, patio parties, and weekend outings. Designed with striking graphic panels, the can highlights the brewery's traditional heraldic branding alongside lively leisure-themed imagery.

Among breweriana collectors, the "Roll Out the Barrel" set issues are highly sought after. Known variations exist across manufacturing batches, featuring different background color ways, slight alterations in mandatory side-panel brewery text, and distinct manufacturer marks from suppliers like Continental Can Company. These design differences make the can a popular focus for enthusiasts dedicated to assembling Milwaukee brewing runs.