Milwaukee's Best Beer Flat Top Can

Gettelman Milwaukee's Best Can

The Milwaukee's Best Beer Flat Top Can represents a significant artifact in American breweriana, originating from the historic A. Gettelman Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gettelman first introduced the Milwaukee's Best brand in 1895, establishing a trademark that would outlast the brewery itself.

Historical Significance

A. Gettelman Brewing Company held an important position in American brewing history as the smallest member of Milwaukee's celebrated "Big Five" breweries, standing alongside industry giants Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and Miller. When the Miller Brewing Company purchased Gettelman in 1961, Milwaukee's Best was the primary label retained and elevated into widespread national distribution. Cans carrying the authentic A. Gettelman mandatory information serve as tangible remnants of the independent brewery before corporate consolidation.

Can Variations and Highlights

Produced in classic steel composition, the flat top display incorporates mid-century typography and the traditional Gettelman brand presentation. Among beer can collectors, known variations exist across manufacturing runs. These differences generally involve subtle shifts in mandatory text placement, variations in metallic and enamel color tones, and distinct factory identification marks from can manufacturers like the American Can Company.

Because original Gettelman-branded production ceased following the Miller takeover, this flat top remains a staple acquisition for collectors specializing in Wisconsin brewing heritage and mid-century canned beer history.