Pabst Export Beer Flat Top Can

The Premier-Pabst Export Can

Manufactured under the Premier-Pabst Corporation name in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Pabst Export Beer flat top represents a foundational piece in the history of canned beer. Pabst was among the earliest major national brewing companies to package beer in metal containers, collaborating with the American Can Company to utilize the specialized Keglined internal coating.

Before standardized "Blue Ribbon" phrasing became the dominant packaging title across the brewery's portfolio, early cans were released carrying the "Export Beer" designation. The can face showcases the iconic ribbon motif alongside crisp red, blue, and metallic graphics. The side panels feature opening instruction illustrations provided to guide consumers through using a punch opener.

Across production runs, several variations of the can were produced. These differences appear in details such as the inclusion or omission of the phrase "COOL BEFORE SERVING," variations in patent text, differing manufacturer marks, and subtle changes in the mandatory brewery labeling.

Because the Premier-Pabst corporate entity existed only following the merger between the Pabst Corporation and the Premier Malt Products Company, this can remains a highly studied artifact illustrating the emergence of large-scale beer canning in the United States.