Metbrew Near Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Trenton's Metbrew Near Beer Can

The Metbrew Near Beer can represents a notable specialty release from Metropolis Brewery of N.J., Inc., located in Trenton, New Jersey. While Metropolis achieved its greatest commercial prominence through its flagship sparkling malt liquor, Champale, the brewery maintained a presence in the non-alcoholic market under the Metbrew label.

Formulated with less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume, the can displayed statutory declarations noting its non-intoxicating classification. The label copy emphasized classic brewing craftsmanship, stating that the beverage was made from select malt and hops under the supervision of the brewmaster.

The Trenton brewing facility itself carried deep local industrial roots, having previously served as the plant for Peoples Brewing Company before Metropolis acquired and expanded the site, later operating in connection with Iroquois Brands Ltd.

For breweriana collectors, the label offers interesting points of study through subtle variations across manufacturing runs. Collectors track differences that include variations in the brewery mandatory text, the presence or absence of a postal zip code, variations in side seam construction, and the inclusion of an Indian head silhouette emblem. It remains an interesting crossover item connecting New Jersey brewing history with historic non-alcoholic malt beverage packaging.