Meister Brau The Custom Brew Beer Flat Top Can

Chicago's Meister Brau Flat Top

The Meister Brau "The Custom Brew" flat top can was produced for the Peter Hand Brewing Company of Chicago, Illinois, serving as a prominent presentation of the brewery's flagship label. Founded on Chicago's North Side in 1891 by Prussian immigrant and Civil War veteran Peter Hand, the brewery grew into a regional brewing staple and stood as the last legacy macro-brewery to operate within Chicago city limits.

The "Custom Brew" designation reflected Peter Hand's mid-century advertising strategy to distinguish its offering in a competitive Midwestern market. The brewery supported the brand with high-profile regional marketing, including prominent sponsorships of Chicago sports franchises—such as the White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls—as well as the Meister Brau Showcase radio program broadcast over WGN.

Peter Hand Brewing holds a significant place in industry history due to its connection to the rise of light beer. The brewery acquired the low-calorie formulation originally developed for Gablinger's Diet Beer and reformulated it into Meister Brau Lite. When Peter Hand faced financial restructuring, the brand portfolio and formulas were sold to the Miller Brewing Company, which subsequently adapted the Meister Brau Lite recipe to create Miller Lite.

Among breweriana collectors, the "The Custom Brew" can is distinguished by its bold title typography and Peter Hand company crest. Variations exist across different production runs, reflecting slight adjustments in side-panel mandatory text, manufacturer marks, and metallic background finishes.