Old Shay Golden Cream Ale 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Old Shay Golden Cream Ale Can

The Old Shay Golden Cream Ale 12 oz tab top can represents a notable chapter in Pennsylvania breweriana, produced under the Fort Pitt Brewing Company name out of Smithton, Pennsylvania. Originally a prominent brewing operation based in Sharpsburg and the greater Pittsburgh area, the Fort Pitt label transitioned its production portfolio to the Smithton brewing facility following mid-century regional industry consolidations.

Design and Iconography

The can's lithography centers around the classic Old Shay aesthetic, distinguished by the traditional horse-and-carriage motif that gave the brand its carriage imagery. The design showcases bold, heritage-style typography highlighting the "Golden Cream Ale" classification, framed alongside mandatory brewery statements crediting Fort Pitt in Smithton.

Manufacturing and Variations

Produced as a straight-steel container with an aluminum lid, the label saw distribution throughout regional Western Pennsylvania markets. For collectors, the can is recognized for different production runs and developmental factory trials. Variations exist across commercial releases and canning manufacturer lithographic test proofs, including differences in ink shades, background metallic textures, and print overlays used to adjust alignment prior to full plant runs.