Safari Brand Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

August Schell Safari Brand Can

The Safari Brand Beer 12 oz tab top can is a notable release produced by the historic August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm, Minnesota. Established in 1860, August Schell holds distinction as one of the longest-running family-owned breweries in the United States. In response to shifting industry dynamics and the surging popularity of breweriana collecting, regional breweries frequently produced themed and contract series, with Safari Brand serving as a standout example from Schell's portfolio.

Thematic Artwork and Subject Matter

Departing from standard Midwestern brewing aesthetics and traditional heraldic crests, Safari Brand adopted a vivid African wildlife motif. The lithography highlights diverse animals of the savanna—such as the wildebeest and oryx—alongside cultural illustrations. The striking illustrated panels made the cans visually distinct from standard commercial offerings.

Set Variations and Breweriana Legacy

Safari Brand was conceived as part of an illustrated set, resulting in multiple variations featuring different wildlife subjects and scenes. A number of cans were distributed as promotional and display issues alongside standard production runs, making the series an engaging pursuit for collectors. The brand remains an important artifact of August Schell's specialty canning history and the broader era of themed beer can series.