Hamm's Real Draft 11 Oz Tab Top Can

Hamm's Real Draft 11 Oz Can

The Hamm's Real Draft 11-ounce tab top represents a notable regional packaging format produced by the Theo. Hamm Brewing Company out of its Los Angeles, California facility. While 12-ounce containers served as the primary national standard, 11-ounce cans were widely distributed throughout the West Coast market to cater to regional consumer preferences and competitive retail pricing.

Production and Regional Distribution

Theo. Hamm expanded its presence beyond its original St. Paul, Minnesota roots by operating brewing facilities across the country, including the Los Angeles plant. Cans originating from this Southern California operation feature mandatory brewery markings specifically identifying Los Angeles.

The "Real Draft" line emerged during an era when major American brewers began packaging unpasteurized or cold-filtered draft-style beer directly into cans. To set this product apart on shelves, Hamm's introduced tailored draft branding while retaining its famous slogan, "Refreshing as the land of sky blue waters".

Packaging Characteristics and Variations

Manufactured as an all-aluminum can with a top crimp, this release reflected the industry's shift toward lightweight, seamless metal containers. Cans of this design feature side panel notices highlighting the material, such as "NEW ALL-ALUMINUM CAN" or "ALL-ALUMINUM CAN".

Among collectors, variations are known to exist across side panel wording, slogan positioning, and specific mandatory brewery text lines. These subtle differences reflect minor factory updates and printing adjustments, making the Los Angeles 11-ounce issue a notable addition to West Coast breweriana collections.