Playmate Malt Liquor 12 Oz Zip/Tab Top Can

Sunshine's Playmate Malt Liquor

Produced by the Sunshine Brewing Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, Playmate Malt Liquor represents a memorable chapter in mid-twentieth-century brewing history. Introduced in the late 1960s, the brand was marketed under Sunshine's operating banner to tap into the era's popular culture and pin-up aesthetic.

One of the most newsworthy aspects of the Playmate line was its legal controversy. Following its debut, Playboy Enterprises initiated legal action against the brewery over the use of the "Playmate" name. The trademark dispute, combined with escalating market pressures on regional Pennsylvania breweries, contributed to the rapid discontinuation of the brand after a very brief production run.

Today, the can remains a standout piece of Pennsylvania breweriana due to its bold period graphics, short commercial lifespan, and tie-in with Sunshine Brewing's final years of operation. Variations exist across the Playmate line, reflecting different product classifications issued during its manufacturing history.