Old Tankard Ale Flat Top Can

Premier-Pabst Old Tankard Ale

Marketed under the Premier-Pabst Corporation banner, Old Tankard Ale represents a prominent chapter in early canned ale history. Following the repeal of Prohibition and the dawn of commercial beer canning in the mid-1930s, Premier-Pabst was among the major American brewing companies to embrace canned packaging on a large scale. The brand quickly established a strong market presence, becoming one of the most widely recognized ales in the country.

Premier-Pabst operated production facilities in both Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Peoria Heights, Illinois. Although this listing designates Milwaukee, reference documentation notes that this particular variation belongs classified alongside the brewery's Peoria Heights output.

The front panel showcases a distinctive graphic presentation. Running along the upper rim is the phrase "12 FL. OZ. SAME AS BOTTLE," an early industry statement meant to assure consumers that the newly adopted metal container held the same volume as traditional bottled ale. The red gothic lettering of the brand name crowns a central silhouette illustration depicting a cavalier in broad-brimmed headwear, holding a sword in one hand while raising a brimming drinking vessel aloft in a toast. The lower portion transitions into a dark band featuring bold white serif typography for "ALE" directly above the brewery attribution, "BREWED BY PABST".

Throughout the brand's production during the Premier-Pabst era, several variations were released featuring different mandatory tax markings, factory location credits, opening panels, and subtle typography adjustments.