Old Milwaukee Genuine Draft Test Can

Schlitz Longview Test Can History

The Old Milwaukee Genuine Draft Test Can represents an intriguing chapter in the packaging and production trials undertaken by the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company at its Longview, Texas facility. Established to expand Schlitz's regional footprint and handle brewing for southern markets, the Longview brewery frequently participated in experimental packaging runs to evaluate brand designs, metallic ink finishes, and canning line calibrations before full-scale commercial rollouts.

During the development and testing of the Old Milwaukee Genuine Draft label, test cans were manufactured in limited trial batches for internal evaluation, factory testing, and distributor previews. These containers allowed packaging engineers and graphic designers to examine how metallic background lacquers, traditional Old Milwaukee typography, and draft descriptors rendered onto metal stock under high-speed production conditions.

A key identifying feature is the brewery mandatory line referencing Jos. Schlitz in Longview, Texas. Because test cans were produced specifically for internal assessment rather than standard retail distribution, examples associated with the Longview plant are particularly sought after by collectors specializing in Texas breweriana and factory prototype containers.

Known variations exist among these trial runs, showcasing subtle differences in typography weighting, mandatory placement, and lacquer tones. These prototype containers provide a distinct window into the industrial design, regional testing, and canning practices of Jos. Schlitz.