Old Milwaukee America's Light Beer 12 Oz Zip Top Can

Old Milwaukee America's Light Beer

Produced by the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this 12-ounce can represents an important chapter in mid-century American brewing history. Originally developed by Schlitz as a high-quality, value-priced offering, Old Milwaukee became a household name across the country, with this can prominently featuring the slogan "America's Light Beer."

During this era, the phrase "Light Beer" referred to a pale, crisp American lager style rather than the reduced-calorie formulations popularized in later decades. The can features the iconic Old Milwaukee heraldic crest and traditional typography against a bright metallic background, paired with mandatory text crediting the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company.

For breweriana collectors, this can serves as a classic artifact of the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company's national expansion. Known variations exist across different canning facilities, with differences found in regional mandatory text, can seam placements, and subtle graphic alterations. These subtle manufacturing differences make the can a sought-after staple for collectors documenting Schlitz's storied packaging history.