Katz Premium Beer Flat Top Can

Katz Premium Beer Flat Top

The Katz Premium Beer Flat Top Can represents a notable piece of mid-century private-label breweriana associated with Schoenhofen Edelweiss in Chicago, Illinois.

Brand Origin and Background

Katz Premium Beer was commissioned by the famous Katz Drug Store chain, founded in Kansas City by brothers Isaac and Michael Katz. Renowned for their sprawling retail footprint, soda fountains, and aggressive discounting, the chain expanded into private-label beverages following the repeal of Prohibition. To supply their shelves with competitively priced canned lager, the retailer contracted regional packaging operations, including Schoenhofen Edelweiss in Chicago.

Design and Aesthetics

The graphic design of the container is highlighted by the distinctive Katz trademark—a stylized black cat illustration set against a bold red, white, and gold color scheme. The prominent cat motif made the can instantly recognizable on retail shelves and remains one of the most sought-after animal-themed motifs among breweriana enthusiasts.

Production and Variations

During the era of its packaging, Schoenhofen Edelweiss operated in Chicago while maintaining corporate relationships with Drewrys Ltd. U.S.A. Because the brand was packaged across different facilities and production runs, variations exist among surviving examples. These differences typically involve alterations in the mandatory brewery distribution text, manufacturer seam notations, and minor shifts in label typography. Collectors prize the can as an enduring artifact of Midwest contract brewing and American drugstore merchandising history.