Old Style Light Lager Beer 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Old Style Light 16 Oz Tab Top

The Old Style Light Lager Beer 16 oz tab top can represents a significant era in the packaging history of the G. Heileman Brewing Company, headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Established in 1858 by Gottlieb Heileman and John Gund, the brewery grew into one of the largest brewing operations in the United States, anchored by its flagship Old Style label.

Following the widespread industry shift toward lower-calorie offerings in the mid-to-late twentieth century, Heileman expanded its portfolio with Old Style Light. The 16 oz "half quart" tab top container offered consumers a larger single-serve volume compared to standard 12 oz cans.

Design and Collector Details

The can design incorporates the traditional Old Style heraldic crest and shield iconography, paired with bold lettering emphasizing the "Light" designation. The clean, contrasting color palette highlights the G. Heileman name alongside references to the brewing heritage of La Crosse.

For can collectors, this 16 oz tab top is recognized for the geographical details printed on the side panels. As Heileman acquired rival regional breweries throughout the Midwest and other parts of the country, production took place across multiple facilities. Because of this network expansion, known variations exist with differing city plant listings—including La Crosse, Wisconsin, Newport, Kentucky, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin—as well as minor shifts in mandatory text placement and bottom lid rim construction. This can remains a staple showcase piece of Midwestern regional brewing history.