Safari Brand Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Safari Brand Hyena Beer Can

This 12-ounce straight steel tab top can was issued in the late 1970s as part of August Schell's ambitious 24-can wildlife series. Designed to showcase the fauna of the African savanna, this particular entry represents can number 21 in the set, depicting a spotted hyena standing alert among tall grasses. The bold, stylized "SAFARI BRAND" lettering sits across the upper face, positioned above a realistic, photographic-style portrait wrapped around the straight-walled steel body.

Safari Brand was created during the height of the 1970s beer can collecting boom, a period when regional breweries frequently explored new revenue streams by catering directly to hobbyists. Capitalizing on widespread public fascination with exotic wildlife and African expeditions, the brand was positioned as a collectible novelty where consumers were encouraged to assemble the entire animal menagerie. Rather than competing as a conventional everyday shelf lager, Safari Brand relied on its visual appeal and set-building momentum. Once the collector craze began to subside toward the end of the decade, the brand was retired after fulfilling its promotional run.

The can was produced by the August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm, Minnesota. Established in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell, the operation quickly grew into a cultural and economic cornerstone of the region. Schell's endured severe historic trials, surviving the Dakota War of 1862 and weathering Prohibition by manufacturing soft drinks, malt tonics, and near-beer. During the mid-to-late twentieth century, as national macro-breweries sparked aggressive industry consolidation, Schell's persevered through creative contract brewing, commemorative editions, and fierce regional loyalty. Today, Schell's ranks as the second-oldest continuously operating family-owned brewery in the United States.

Picture cans and multi-can themed sets occupy a cherished niche in breweriana culture, reflecting an era when can design doubled as hobbyist art. The Safari Brand series retains strong appeal among collectors dedicated to assembling full themed sets, as well as enthusiasts focusing on Minnesota regional history and vintage wildlife graphics.