Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Flat Top Can

Pabst Blue Ribbon Flat Top History

Produced by the Pabst Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Pabst Blue Ribbon flat top beer can represents a landmark in twentieth-century breweriana. Pabst was among the earliest major national brewing operations to embrace canning technology, partnering with the American Can Company to package beer using the patented "Keglined" protective interior lining.

Design Heritage

The exterior artwork showcases the brand's classic diagonal blue ribbon and red stripe motif, commemorating the blue silk ribbons famously hand-tied to Pabst bottles following the brewery's recognition at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Over time, the graphics transitioned between bright metallic silver surfaces and solid white enameled backgrounds.

Notable Variations

Can collectors recognize a variety of distinct variations produced throughout the flat top era:

• Tax and Corporate Markings: Production runs reflect the corporate shift from Premier-Pabst Corporation to Pabst Brewing Company, as well as the presence of mandatory "Internal Revenue Tax Paid" (IRTP) statements.
• Can Manufacturers: Containers were produced by multiple can companies, primarily featuring American Can Company's oval "Keglined" emblem alongside markings from Continental Can Company.
• Lid Imprints: Many Milwaukee-filled cans carry factory-stamped Pabst vanity lids and decorative top motifs.
• Military Export Issues: During World War II, Pabst produced olive-drab versions featuring "Withdrawn Free of Internal Revenue Tax for Export" text for distribution to overseas Allied military personnel.

The Milwaukee-designated Pabst Blue Ribbon flat top remains a defining centerpiece for historical beer can collections across the United States.