Schell's Beer 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Schell's 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Produced by the historic August Schell Brewing Company in New Ulm, Minnesota—one of the oldest continuous family-owned breweries in the United States—this 16-ounce straight-steel tab top can represents an iconic half-quart release from the Upper Midwest.

During the pull tab era, regional breweries frequently embraced larger half-quart containers to cater to local tavern patrons, sporting events, and outdoor gatherings. Schell's issued its flagship beer in these larger steel cans, featuring their traditional branding and heraldic elements, often accompanied by the slogan "It's a Grand Old Beer".

Among breweriana collectors, this can is recognized for several distinct packaging variations. Known variations include differences in the top header text—such as versions marked with "SUPER 16" or "Golden 16"—as well as minor shifts in brewery mandatory text and placement. The "SUPER 16" version in particular is noted among collectors as a harder-to-find example compared to the standard "Golden 16" releases.

Because August Schell maintained a deeply localized distribution network throughout Minnesota and neighboring states, these half-quart cans remain a celebrated centerpiece of regional American brewing heritage.