Prinz Brau Extra Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Prinz Extra Beer Can History

The Prinz Brau Extra Beer 12-ounce tab top can dates to the late 1970s, representing a short-lived chapter in Alaskan industrial history. Manufactured with drawn and ironed construction, this specific version is recognized by collectors by its light copper background. The label features a bold diagonal sash across a central oval medallion, topped by a European-style heraldic crest showing lions flanking a crowned shield emblazoned with the letter "P". Encircling the oval is the prominent slogan, "BREWED WITH PURE ALASKAN WATER AND CHOICEST INGREDIENTS • UNCHANGED SINCE 1516," invoking the Bavarian Purity Law while highlighting local water sources. The bottom rim includes dual customary and metric volume declarations (0.355 liter) typical of the late 1970s era.

Prinz Extra was introduced as a premium extension to Prinz Brau's standard lager. The brand was positioned to capture the booming Alaskan consumer market during the peak of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline construction. Marketing heavily emphasized Old World brewing authenticity and strict adherence to historical purity standards combined with pure northern water. Despite promotional efforts, the brand faced stiff competition from well-established national brands shipped from the contiguous United States, and the product line was discontinued alongside the brewery's closure.

Prinz Brau Alaska, Inc. was founded in Anchorage in 1976 with major backing from the West German conglomerate Dr. Oetker. Built as a modern brewing facility in South Anchorage, it represented one of the most ambitious commercial brewing ventures in the state since the mid-twentieth century. Despite state tax incentives and initial local excitement, substantial distribution hurdles across vast territories and fierce market pressure led to financial distress, forcing the brewery to permanently shutter in 1979 after approximately three years of production.

Within the breweriana community, cans from Prinz Brau Alaska represent significant historical artifacts from the Last Frontier's pre-craft brewing era. Because the Anchorage facility was active for only a narrow production window, cans featuring different label colorings and subtle manufacturing variations remain highly sought after by regional brewery collectors.