Hauenstein New Ulm Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Minneapolis Era Hauenstein Can

The Hauenstein New Ulm Beer 12 oz tab top can represents a notable transitional chapter in Minnesota brewing history. Originally established in New Ulm by German immigrant John Hauenstein, the brand was a regional staple in southern Minnesota for over a century. As market dynamics evolved in the late twentieth century, production of the heritage brand was transferred to Minneapolis under Grain Belt operations.

While the primary face of the can prominently features "New Ulm Beer" in homage to its Bavarian brewing origins, the mandatory brewery text identifies John Hauenstein in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The aesthetic showcases classic Hauenstein branding, incorporating bold red, white, and silver tones. Closely associated with the long-running tagline "The Beer with a Little Character," cans from this period are prominent fixtures in Upper Midwest breweriana collections.

For hobbyists studying manufacturing details, known variations exist across production runs. These differences include subtle shifts in paint finishes—such as enamel red and dull silver backgrounds compared to metallic silver—along with minor adjustments in mandatory phrasing, seam construction, and zip code placements. Due to its connection to the transition between New Ulm brewing and subsequent label acquisitions, this can remains a popular subject among regional can collectors.