Oertel's Real Draft 12 Oz Flat Top Can

Oertel's Real Draft Can Profile

Produced by the Oertel Brewing Company of Louisville, Kentucky, this can represents one of the notable label lines introduced during the post-Prohibition era of the historic regional brewery. Oertel, a cornerstone of Louisville's brewing heritage dating back to the late nineteenth century, created the "Real Draft" brand during an industry-wide marketing push emphasizing draft-style packaging.

The label design features prominent typography showcasing the "Real Draft" branding across a metallic finish. Collector interest often centers on the can's graphic composition, which includes draft-themed imagery such as foaming pilsner glassware and barrel motifs. The can was produced by the Continental Can Company, bearing standard lithography and side-seam construction.

Among breweriana collectors, variations of the label are known to exist. These subtle production differences include changes in the lettering outline colors, shifts in background bubble tinting, and adjustments to the mandatory brewery text along the seam.

Because the original Louisville plant eventually ceased operations and the brand was later absorbed by other regional brewers, cans carrying the original Louisville, Kentucky brewery mandatory statement are particularly prized by regional advertising collectors and Kentucky can enthusiasts.