Katz Premium Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Katz Premium Beer Tab Top Can

This straight steel 12-ounce tab top can represents a classic era of mid-century private-label brewing. Produced for the Chicago market under the Associated Brewing Company banner, the can is instantly recognized by the stylized black cat illustration peering over the top of the red and gold oval that frames the brand name.

Brand History

Katz Premium Beer originated as the proprietary store brand for Katz Drug Stores, a famous Midwestern retail chain founded in Kansas City in 1914 by brothers Isaac and Michael Katz. Famous for bargain prices, 24-hour operations, and an eclectic retail inventory that encompassed everything from pharmaceuticals and lunch counters to groceries and exotic pets, the company used a grinning black cat as a playful visual pun on the family name. Katz contracted regional breweries to produce inexpensive canned and bottled beer under its private label starting in the mid-20th century. The brand disappeared in the early 1970s after the drugstore chain was acquired by Skaggs Drug Centers.

Brewery History

The Associated Brewing Company name on this can traces back to the rapid consolidation phase of the American brewing industry in the 1960s. Headquartered initially around Detroit's Pfeiffer Brewing Company, Associated grew into a large multi-plant operator by acquiring several storied regional operations, including Drewrys and the historic Schoenhofen-Edelweiss facility in Chicago. Associated utilized these midwestern plants to package flagship products alongside house labels and contract brews. Confronted by mounting competition from massive national brewing conglomerates, Associated struggled through the early 1970s before selling its brand portfolio and brewing assets to the G. Heileman Brewing Company in 1972.

Collecting Context

Katz Beer cans hold wide appeal in the hobby because they bridge two distinct collecting categories: vintage breweriana and classic retail Americana. The prominent, mischievous cat mascot makes the can an enduring favorite among enthusiasts who focus on animal-themed beer cans, advertising mascots, and defunct drugstore memorabilia.