Meister Brau Pilsener Beer Flat Top Can

Chicago's Meister Brau Flat Top

The Meister Brau Pilsener Beer can is a classic piece of mid-century Midwest breweriana from the Peter Hand Brewery Company of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1891 by Prussian immigrant and Civil War veteran Peter Hand on North Avenue, the brewery grew into Chicago's largest independent brewing establishment. Meister Brau stood as the company's flagship brand and became synonymous with Chicago tavern culture.

During the flat top era, Peter Hand aggressively promoted Meister Brau across the Chicago market. The brand became a major sponsor for Chicago sports franchises—including the White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls—and sponsored the overnight "Meister Brau Showcase" on WGN Radio hosted by Franklyn MacCormack.

For can collectors, several variations of the Meister Brau Pilsener Beer can exist from different manufacturing runs, exhibiting subtle differences in brewery mandatory text, state tax stamps, and manufacturer canning marks from companies such as the American Can Company.

The history surrounding Peter Hand and the Meister Brau label holds a significant place in American brewing lore. In the late 1960s, the company developed and popularized Meister Brau Lite. Following financial strain, the company sold its brand portfolio and formulations to the Miller Brewing Company, which reformulated and rebranded the recipe into Miller Lite. When the Peter Hand facility closed, it marked the shuttering of the last operating legacy macro-brewery within the city limits of Chicago.