Meister Brau Pilsener Beer Flat Top Can

Peter Hand's Chicago Flagship Can

The Meister Brau Pilsener Beer flat top can represents the premier label of the historic Peter Hand Brewing Company of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1891 by Prussian immigrant Peter Hand at North and Sheffield Avenues, the brewery grew to become one of the city's defining industrial landmarks and the last operating traditional macro-brewery in Chicago prior to its closure.

Meister Brau served as Peter Hand's flagship product and a cornerstone of Midwest breweriana. During the mid-century flat top era, the brewery heavily promoted the brand through regional marketing, sponsoring Chicago sports franchises including the White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls, alongside Franklyn MacCormack’s popular late-night WGN radio broadcasts.

Collectors recognize various graphic variations of the Meister Brau flat top design. Label executions range from clean heraldic crest graphics and metallic background prints to scenic releases, such as the illustrated "Fiesta Pack" series featuring outdoor motifs and rural barn scenes.

Beyond its local popularity, the Meister Brau brand holds significant historical relevance in American brewing history. The company acquired and refined the low-calorie formula behind Meister Brau Lite. In 1972, the Meister Brau trademarks and recipes were sold to the Miller Brewing Company, which rebranded the formula to launch Miller Lite, fundamentally altering the national beer landscape.