Old Milwaukee America's Light Beer Flat Top Can

Old Milwaukee Tampa Flat Top

The Old Milwaukee America's Light Beer flat top can produced by the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company in Tampa, Florida, represents a key period in mid-century American brewing history. Schlitz opened its Tampa facility to meet surging demand in the Southeastern United States. During this era, the company expanded the distribution of Old Milwaukee as an accessible, high-volume alternative to its flagship label, branding it prominently with the "America's Light Beer" slogan.

Packaging and Brewery History

Cans from the Tampa location are identified by specific mandatory legal text noting the Florida plant. The label showcases the classic Old Milwaukee heraldic crest alongside bold red, white, and gold accents. Because the Tampa plant opened near the end of the flat top era—just prior to the industry-wide adoption of self-opening pull tabs in the 1960s—flat tops carrying the Tampa line are particularly prized by regional breweriana enthusiasts.

Known Variations

Specialists in Schlitz breweriana document variations across production runs, distinguished by subtle manufacturing and typographical shifts:

• Mandatory Text: Known variations exist showing differences in the layout of the city listings, including versions featuring red-lettered Tampa brewery text.
• City Designations: Some examples list multiple Schlitz facilities, while others specifically highlight Florida production on the side panels.
• Lid Stampings: Certain cans feature factory-stamped brewery text on the top lid referencing the Florida plant.

This can stands as a prominent artifact of Schlitz's Sunbelt production footprint during the final chapter of flat top canning.