Metbrau Non-alcoholic Near Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Metbrau Near Beer Tab Top Can

The Metbrau Non-alcoholic Near Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can represents a notable piece of American breweriana produced by Metropolis Brewery of N.J., Inc. in Trenton, New Jersey. While Metropolis Brewery achieved widespread national fame for its flagship malt liquor brand, Champale, the Trenton facility also dedicated canning lines to non-alcoholic cereal beverages and near beers under the Metbrau and Metbrew labels.

Brewery Background

Metropolis Brewery of N.J. operated as a key regional brewing facility in Trenton, eventually becoming associated with the Iroquois Brands conglomerate. During this era of brewing consolidation, producing near beer allowed regional operations to tap into specialized markets, institutional sales, and consumers seeking traditional cereal malt beverages without alcoholic content. Containers for Metbrau prominently displayed the mandatory legal terminology specifying the product as a non-intoxicating, non-taxable malt beverage under federal regulations.

Can Design and Collector Interest

The visual design of the Metbrau can emphasizes its near beer identity with bold, central typography and detailed ingredient listings, including water, barley, malt, hops, gum arabic, and papain. Several examples also incorporate bilingual labeling elements and clear manufacturer credits tying the packaging directly to Trenton.

For breweriana collectors, the Metbrau tab top is a sought-after piece from New Jersey's packaging heritage. Known variations exist among surviving cans, reflecting different paint shades, subtle typographic adjustments, and regulatory notice placements across separate production runs. Its connection to the Metropolis brewing lineage makes it an essential artifact for collectors specializing in non-alcoholic brands, mid-century can evolution, and Garden State industrial history.