Monicello Ale 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Monticello Ale Tab Top Overview

The Monticello Ale 12 oz tab top can is a classic piece of Mid-Atlantic brewing history, marketed under the Monticello Brewery Co. name out of Norfolk, Virginia. The label was produced by the Century Brewing Corporation, which operated out of the historic brewing facility located at Church Street and Washington Avenue in Norfolk—a site with brewing heritage dating back through Jacob Ruppert, Southern Brewing, and Consumers Brewing.

Visually, the can is recognized for its vibrant metallic green backdrop and prominent illustration of Thomas Jefferson's historic Charlottesville estate, Monticello, featured across the main label. Flanked by bold period typography, the architectural illustration directly ties the brand to Virginia's historic roots.

For breweriana collectors, Monticello cans frequently showcase state-specific tax markings, with many examples bearing official Virginia state tax stamps embossed or printed directly onto the lids. While it served as the ale counterpart to the red-and-white Monticello Premium Beer cans of the period, known variations exist among surviving examples, reflecting subtle differences in manufacturer markings from can companies like American Can Company, variations in lid stamping, and fine print along the seam lines.

Standing as a testament to regional contract packaging and local Virginia brand history before the plant's eventual conversion to Champale production, the Monticello Ale tab top remains a popular focus for regional can collections.