Jax Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Pearl's Jax Beer 12 Oz Can

This 12-ounce aluminum can represents an era when San Antonio’s Pearl Brewing Company took over production of one of the South's most celebrated regional brews. Identified in part by the San Antonio postal zip code 78215 printed in its mandatory brewery text, the can was manufactured with a tab top opening, while examples featuring stay-tab lids are also documented. The face of the container honors its heritage with bold red script, the date "Since 1890," an equestrian medallion depicting Andrew Jackson on horseback framed by ornate scrollwork, and the lower slogan proclaiming the beverage as "a New Orleans tradition".

Jax Beer was introduced in 1890 by the Jackson Brewing Company, established directly across from Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Named after Andrew Jackson, the brand grew into a dominant market force across Louisiana and the greater Gulf Coast region. Jackson Brewing survived Prohibition by shifting to non-alcoholic products and later expanded into the largest brewery in the Deep South during the mid-20th century. Intense competition from national shipping breweries eventually led to the New Orleans plant closing in 1974. Pearl Brewing Company subsequently purchased the recipe and trademark rights, keeping the beloved brand alive on retail shelves by brewing it in Texas.

Pearl Brewing Company traces its heritage to 1883 in San Antonio, starting as the City Brewery before organizing as the San Antonio Brewing Association under Otto Koehler. Pearl persevered through Prohibition by producing near-beer and specialty products, emerging after repeal as one of Texas's premier industrial breweries. Amid widespread industry consolidation, Pearl's parent company acquired Pabst Brewing in 1985. Production in San Antonio eventually ceased around 2001, after which the historic brewery grounds were transformed into a celebrated cultural and dining district.

For collectors of Gulf Coast and Texas breweriana, this can represents an intriguing crossover between New Orleans tradition and San Antonio manufacturing. It also serves as a prime artifact from the packaging transition era between traditional pull tabs and modern stay-on tab designs.