Katz Premium Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Katz Premium Beer from Falstaff

Katz Premium Beer represents an iconic chapter in mid-century American private-label contract brewing. The Katz label originated with the famous Katz Drug Store chain, founded in Kansas City by brothers Ike and Mike Katz. Renowned for their sprawling cut-rate retail stores and deep discounts, the chain offered an extensive selection of proprietary goods, including house-branded beverages.

While Katz contracted with various regional facilities over the years, this version was manufactured under contract by the historic Falstaff Brewing Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. At the time, Falstaff was one of the nation's brewing giants, operating extensive packaging operations capable of supporting private-label distribution throughout the Midwest.

For breweriana collectors, cans bearing the Katz name hold significant appeal due to the enduring legacy of the drugstore chain, its recognizable feline-associated marketing heritage, and its ties to major Midwestern brewing powerhouses. Known variations exist among Katz cans, reflecting differing brewery mandatory statements, seam constructions, and paint formulations used across regional canning runs.