Old Vienna Light Lager Beer Flat Top Can

Old Vienna Light Lager Flat Top Can

This 12-ounce flat top beer can was produced in the late 1950s for Pacific Brewing, Inc. of Oakland, California. The container features a cream-colored background accented by metallic gold trim along the top and bottom rims, along with decorative red scrollwork framing the label text. The central brand typography presents "OLD VIENNA" in stylized, sharp-serif lettering outlined in red with gold fill, positioned above the cursive designation "Premium Light Lager" and a bold "BEER" label.

Brand Background

The Old Vienna label was positioned as a premium light lager, drawing upon Old World brewing traditions to appeal to mid-century American consumers looking for a traditional European-style lager. While the Old Vienna name appeared on several regional labels across North America during the twentieth century, this West Coast version was packaged specifically for retail distribution across California and neighboring regional markets.

Brewery History

Pacific Brewing operated out of a historic brewery complex located at 7th and Kirkham Streets in West Oakland. The facility originally traced its roots to 1856, operating for decades under the name Golden West Brewing Company. Following the repeal of Prohibition, the plant continued producing regional favorites until it was acquired by Detroit-based Goebel Brewing Company around 1950. After Goebel ceased West Coast operations in the mid-1950s, the facility briefly operated as Pacific Brewing, Inc. between 1958 and 1959. During its short-lived existence, the company produced an expansive portfolio of regional labels before closing permanently at the end of the decade.

Collecting Context

Cans from Pacific Brewing of Oakland hold special appeal among breweriana enthusiasts due to the plant’s exceptionally brief operating window. Because the facility produced dozens of distinct house brands and contract labels within roughly a two-year timeframe, Pacific flat tops represent a fascinating final chapter in Oakland's rich brewing heritage before nationwide corporate consolidation dominated the industry.