Metbrew Near Beer Flat Top Can

Metbrew Near Beer Flat Top Can

The Metbrew Near Beer flat top can represents a classic mid-century container produced for non-alcoholic cereal beverages. The 12-ounce steel can is centered around an ornate crest displaying an illustrated, lidded stoneware stein embossed with a crowned lion motif. Encircling the inner border of the central emblem is descriptive text identifying the contents as "A Cereal Beverage Made From Malt, Quality Hops and Cereals – Aged Under the Personal Supervision of Our Brewmaster." The outer background features repeating cursive script highlighting the formulation as "A seasoned brew of highest quality made from selected grains and choice hops."

Metbrew was marketed as a cereal beverage—commonly termed "near beer"—designed to deliver the appearance, aroma, and mouthfeel of traditional lager without the intoxicating alcohol content. Aimed at consumers who preferred or required a non-alcoholic alternative, Metbrew leaned heavily on old-world brewing aesthetics to project quality, craftsmanship, and authentic cellar aging. The brand remained active across multiple packaging transitions through the mid-to-late twentieth century before being phased out as commercial trends evolved.

This can originated from the Metropolis Brewery in Trenton, New Jersey. The Trenton brewing complex originally served as the facility for the People's Brewing Company prior to and following Prohibition. In 1950, brewing magnate Louis Hertzberg acquired and renamed the plant Metropolis Brewery of New Jersey. Hertzberg utilized the facility to produce a wide assortment of contract labels, regional beers, and innovative specialty beverages, most famously Champale malt liquor. Metropolis operated the Trenton facility into the late 1960s before transitioning through corporate reorganizations and subsequent ownership changes until the historic site finally closed in the 1980s.

Near beer flat top cans occupy an intriguing historical category in breweriana collecting. Because post-repeal production favored standard alcoholic lager, cereal beverages were packaged in comparatively limited quantities aimed at specific consumer niches. Flat tops representing mid-century New Jersey brewing history, particularly from regional contract producers like Metropolis, remain sought-after pieces documenting the diverse portfolio of post-war American breweries.