Point Special Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

History of the Point Special Can

The Point Special Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can represents the flagship offering from the Stevens Point Brewery, located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Founded in 1857, the brewery is one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the United States and has long held a dedicated following across the Midwest.

The can's graphic design prominently features the classic "Point Special" branding, often accompanied by the slogan referencing Stevens Point as the "City of Wonderful Water". Among breweriana enthusiasts, this can gained legendary status following a historic event in the 1970s. In 1973, Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago columnist Mike Royko organized a celebrated blind taste test to challenge the conformity of mass-market domestic beers. Point Special emerged as the top-rated American brew, creating nationwide demand so overwhelming that the small regional brewery famously had to turn down large commercial distribution orders to protect its local market.

For collectors, the Point Special tab top line offers notable depth. Multiple variations exist across production runs, showcasing differences in mandatory text layouts, phrasing, and color accents on the lettering. These variations reflect the shifts in canning lines and labeling requirements during a pivotal transitional era for independent American regional brewers. Today, the can stands as a celebrated artifact of Wisconsin brewing heritage and a staple of regional breweriana.