Heileman's Old Style Light Lager Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Old Style Light Lager Tab Top Can

Produced by the G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this 12 oz can represents one of the Upper Midwest's most recognizable regional beer labels. Originally established in 1858 as the City Brewery, G. Heileman grew to become one of the largest brewing powerhouses in the United States, propelled largely by the enduring popularity of its flagship Old Style brand.

Old Style's label art is well known for its bold shield motif and crisp red, white, and blue color palette. The can design prominently highlights Heileman's traditional German "kraeusening" method—a natural double-fermentation process that the brewery heavily marketed on its packaging to emphasize quality and craftsmanship. Collectors often look for the signature crest, the iconic King Gambrinus references associated with the brand, and the classic script typography that defined the brewery's aesthetic.

Beyond the can's graphic appeal, the brand holds significant regional and pop-culture prestige. G. Heileman's La Crosse facility famously painted its massive brewery storage tanks to resemble the "World's Largest Six-Pack" using Old Style can artwork. The brand also cemented a legendary association with Midwest sports culture, becoming particularly beloved among baseball fans at Chicago's Wrigley Field.

Variations of this can exist among collectors, reflecting minor graphic adjustments, changes in statutory tax or alcohol statements, and differences in canning manufacturer marks. These subtle manufacturing differences make the can a popular staple in regional breweriana collections focusing on historic Midwestern brewing companies.