Regal Light Lager Beer Flat Top Can

Regal Light Lager Flat Top Can

The Regal Light Lager Beer flat top can is a mid-century container produced for the American Brewing Company. The front design is anchored by an oval frame presenting the brand's mascot, Prince Regal: a smiling, plumed-hat cavalier hoisting a tall glass of beer above a banner reading "Prince Regal Salutes You". Beneath the portrait, the brand name is printed in bold red lettering with a curled serif on the "L", positioned above "Light Lager" in flowing script and "BEER" in block print. Notable to this specific version is the bottom rim text noting two brewery locations, reflecting the company's dual presence in New Orleans and Miami, alongside the endorsement statement "This is a truly fine beer..." printed to the left of the seam.

American Brewing Company introduced the Regal brand in 1933 following the repeal of Prohibition. According to long-standing company lore, the name was created by simply spelling "lager" backwards. Regal quickly became a beloved fixture of Southern culture, marketed with prominent streetcar ads, barware, and memorable catchphrases such as "The Never Hurried Beer" and the celebrated culinary jingle, "Red beans and rice and Regal on ice".

The American Brewing Company was founded in 1890 in the French Quarter of New Orleans, eventually occupying a large facility fronting Bourbon, Bienville, and Conti streets. The firm survived Prohibition by temporarily operating as the American Beverage Company and producing soft drinks before returning to brewing in 1933. During the late 1930s, the company established a second operational footprint in Miami, Florida, expanding distribution across the Southeast. Faced with mounting pressure from national brewing conglomerates, the New Orleans brewery ceased operations in 1962, and the site was subsequently redeveloped into the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

For Gulf Coast breweriana enthusiasts and Southern beer can collectors, Regal cans are cornerstone artifacts of Louisiana brewing history. The Prince Regal artwork and distinct regional advertising make these mid-century flat tops enduring favorites in vintage can collections.