Schlitz Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schlitz 12 Oz Tab Top Can

The Schlitz Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can is an iconic artifact produced by the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1849, the brewery rose to become an American industrial giant, famously recognized by its enduring slogan, "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous."

Historical Significance & Packaging Innovation

Jos. Schlitz played an instrumental role in revolutionizing beverage packaging by championing self-opening tab top cans on a national scale. The adoption of this format helped canned beer overtake bottled beer sales across the United States, cementing the brewery's reputation as a pioneer in modern packaging convenience.

Visual Identity

The 12-ounce can features classic mid-century Jos. Schlitz branding, anchored by the flowing italicized Schlitz script logotype, contrasting color bands, and traditional heraldic elements. This visual presentation represents the brewery's celebrated "Real Gusto" promotional era, making it one of the most recognizable graphic designs in American breweriana.

Known Variations

Because Jos. Schlitz operated multiple manufacturing and packaging facilities across the country to satisfy massive nationwide demand, variations exist throughout its production history:

• Brewery City Lines: Side panels feature different facility listings, including the primary Milwaukee, Wisconsin headquarters alongside regional plants such as Tampa, Los Angeles, Longview, and Memphis.
• Can Construction: Production spanned shifts in metal composition, with examples manufactured with all-aluminum bodies as well as steel-bodied cans with aluminum lids.
• Mandatory & Tax Markings: Minor differences appear across regional distribution runs, including state-mandated wording adjustments and tax imprints.

The Schlitz 12-ounce tab top remains a core collectible celebrating Milwaukee's brewing legacy and the evolution of beverage container history.