Krueger's Finest Beer Flat Top Can

The Dawn of the Commercial Beer Can

The Krueger's Finest Beer flat top stands as a landmark artifact in brewing and packaging history. Manufactured for the G. Krueger Brewing Company of Newark, New Jersey, it was part of the pioneering release that introduced canned beer to the commercial marketplace on January 24, 1935.

Prior to this rollout, the American Can Company sought a brewing partner willing to test its newly developed steel containers lined with a proprietary internal coating dubbed "Keglined". Gottfried Krueger Brewing took the gamble after American Can agreed to install the packaging machinery at no initial cost if the concept failed. To protect its home regional market in case the public rejected the format, Krueger chose Richmond, Virginia, as the test market. The canned release became an instant triumph, altering how breweries distributed their product and sparking rapid industry-wide adoption.

The can’s graphic layout represents classic breweriana styling, featuring prominent G. Krueger branding and the American Can Company "Keglined" hallmark. Collectors recognize several variations across production runs. These variations showcase differences in text placement, border accents, phrasing regarding can volume, and mandatory tax statements, including Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) designations. Some examples also showcase differences in the design and presentation of the Krueger "K-Man" mascot.

As a cornerstone of breweriana history, this flat top remains one of the most historically significant and sought-after items for can collectors.