Schlitz Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schlitz 12 Oz Tab Top History

The Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, produced this iconic 12-ounce can during a pivotal era in beverage packaging history. Widely recognized by its famous slogan, "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous," Schlitz was an early industry pioneer in the nationwide commercial rollout of self-opening aluminum tab tops, partnering closely with packaging innovators like Alcoa to revolutionize consumer convenience.

Design and Branding

The can features classic mid-century Jos. Schlitz graphics, anchored by the flowing italicized Schlitz script set within the traditional belted rhombus emblem. Flanked by crisp banding and bold heraldic accents, the container embodies the visual identity of the brewery's famous "Real Gusto" promotional era.

Production Variations

Because Jos. Schlitz operated multiple large-scale manufacturing plants across the United States to keep pace with soaring demand, collectors document several notable variations across production runs. Mandatory side panel statements feature different combinations of brewery locations, including the primary Milwaukee headquarters alongside regional facilities in cities such as Tampa, Los Angeles, Longview, and Memphis. Additional manufacturing variations exist involving all-aluminum bodies versus steel-bodied cans with aluminum lids, as well as slight text shifts in state-mandated disclosures and volume phrasing.