Kegle Brau Draft Gallon

Cold Spring's Kegle Brau Gallon Can

The Kegle Brau Draft Gallon can represents the mid-1960s trend toward large-format, bulk-dispensing home containers. Holding 128 fluid ounces (one full gallon), the can prominently displays the instruction "KEEP REFRIGERATED" across its upper rim, reflecting the unpasteurized nature of draft beer packaged for off-premise social gatherings. Visually, the design pairs traditional Germanic Gothic lettering within an ornate yellow-filigree crest set against a scenic backdrop depicting an idyllic Northwoods lake bordered by evergreen trees.

Cold Spring Brewing Company introduced Kegle Brau in the 1960s as a crisp lager paying homage to traditional German brewing heritage. During this era, Cold Spring was among the first breweries to experiment with modern hop extract brewing techniques to craft light-stable beer protected from ultraviolet degradation. Positioned as a genuine draft experience for the home, Kegle Brau resonated strongly with local consumers and grew to become one of the brewery's primary flagship lines throughout the 1970s.

Cold Spring Brewing Company was established in 1874 in Cold Spring, Minnesota, drawing upon the area's pure natural granite spring water. Guided by German brewmasters, the plant navigated the dry years of Prohibition by manufacturing carbonated soft drinks, near beers, and bottled spring water. While intense mid-century consolidation led to the demise of countless regional competitors across the Midwest, Cold Spring remained resilient through contract packing, diverse packaging formats, and strong local community ties before later expanding under the Third Street Brewhouse banner.

Within the breweriana community, one-gallon party cans form a highly sought-after collecting category. This Kegle Brau gallon is especially prized by Upper Midwest specialists and outdoor-themed can enthusiasts for its classic Northwoods pictorial styling and its representation of Minnesota's independent brewing heritage.