Milwaukee's Best Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman Milwaukee's Best Flat Top

This mid-century 12-ounce flat top can represents a classic presentation of Milwaukee's Best Beer produced by the A. Gettelman Brewing Company. The label design centers on a bold red heraldic shield accented by a stylized German lidded beer stein set against an inner split-tone crest. A distinctive feature on this example is the prominent caption declaring it "IMPORTED FROM MILWAUKEE" across the bottom of the can face, an eye-catching statement aimed at consumers outside the brewery's immediate regional stronghold.

The Milwaukee's Best brand originated in 1895 as a flagship lager in Gettelman's portfolio. Marketed around regional pride and traditional brewing craft, the beer remained primarily a local and Midwestern favorite for decades. After the Miller Brewing Company acquired Gettelman in 1961, Miller retained and expanded the brand, transforming it into a major national label that eventually introduced light and ice extensions.

The brewery behind the brand was established in 1856 by Alsatian brewer George Schweickhart as the Menomonee Brewery in Milwaukee's Menomonee River Valley. In 1871, Adam Gettelman joined the operation, taking full ownership in 1876 and renaming the firm the A. Gettelman Brewing Company in 1887. Gettelman established itself as one of the storied "Big Five" Milwaukee breweries alongside Schlitz, Pabst, Blatz, and Miller. Known for creative promotions—such as its famous "$1,000 Beer" challenge guaranteeing pure malt and hops—the company survived Prohibition by producing near beer before resuming full commercial brewing. The independent family-run operation continued until 1961, when Miller purchased its Menomonee Valley neighbor.

For breweriana collectors, this flat top can holds special significance as a relic from Gettelman's final decades of independent operation in Milwaukee. Examples carrying the "Imported from Milwaukee" phrasing are especially prized by mid-century flat top enthusiasts and collectors dedicated to Wisconsin brewing heritage.