Olde English Brand 800 Malt Liquor 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Olde English 800 Newark Can

Olde English "800" Malt Liquor is one of the most recognizable and storied brand names in American brewing history. Originally tracing its lineage back to Ruff's Olde English Stout from Minnesota and Olde English 600 from Washington state, the brand was transformed into Olde English 800 by Blitz-Weinhard. While Blitz-Weinhard was historically rooted in Portland, Oregon, cans bearing the Blitz-Weinhard name out of Newark, New Jersey reflect a significant phase of brewery consolidation and nationwide distribution under the Pabst Brewing Company umbrella, which utilized its large Newark facility under the Blitz-Weinhard trade name.

This 12 oz tab top can showcases the classic aesthetic that defined the brand's identity, highlighted by its distinctive Old English blackletter typography, prominent "800" numeral insignia, and regal crest iconography. Because malt liquor labeling was subject to varied regional beverage laws, cans distributed from the Newark facility appeared with different text arrangements, such as versions with and without explicit alcohol statements. Can collectors also note variations involving different can manufacturer markings, including stamps from the American Can Company.

Due to the regional nature of the Newark Blitz-Weinhard canning operations compared to the more ubiquitous West Coast output, examples bearing the Newark city designation are particularly sought after by malt liquor and regional brewery can collectors.