Ox Head Beer Flat Top Can

Ox Head Beer: Wehle Brewing History

The Can

The Ox Head Beer 12-ounce flat top represents an early entry in American canned beer packaging from the mid-1930s. Produced for The Wehle Brewing Company of West Haven, Connecticut, this can features the volume contents statement positioned to the left of the seam. The front face displays bold, outlined block lettering for "OX HEAD" across the upper tier and "BEER" across the lower tier, anchored in the center by the brewery's circular insignia displaying "THE WEHLE BREWING COMPANY WEST HAVEN CONN." encircling the central "WEHLE" nameplate. As a product of the opening instruction era, it dates to the formative years of canned beer when consumers required guidance on how to puncture and serve from flat tops.

The Brand

Ox Head was introduced during the post-Prohibition era as part of Wehle's distinctively named lineup of brews, which also featured animal-themed sister labels like Mule Head Stock Ale and Pony IPA. Marketed regionally throughout Connecticut and neighboring northeastern markets, Ox Head was promoted with colorful tavern point-of-sale displays and the memorable slogan "Makes a New Man of You." While Wehle was predominantly known for its extensive ale portfolio, Ox Head was brewed and packaged to serve traditional lager consumers. The brand remained in distribution until the brewery ceased operations during the early 1940s.

The Brewery

The Campbell Avenue plant in West Haven had roots stretching back to 1884 when Henry Wiedemann established a brewery on the site. Over the following decades, the operation underwent several name changes, including M. Wiedemann & Co., Lion Brewery Corp., and the Wiedemann Brewing Company, before Prohibition brought commercial brewing to a halt. Following the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1933, the plant was revived under the banner of The Wehle Brewing Company. The company produced a wide variety of beers, ales, and porters over the next decade. Confronted with wartime supply restrictions and increasing competition from larger national shippers, Wehle permanently ceased operations in 1943.

Collecting Context

Instructional-era flat tops from Connecticut hold a prominent place among regional breweriana collectors. Because the vast majority of Wehle's canned output was dedicated to ale brands, Ox Head represents a key lager offering from the short-lived West Haven brewery.