Schlitz Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schlitz 12 Oz Tab Top History

The Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, played a pivotal role in canning history when it became the first major national brewer to broadly adopt self-opening tab-top lids on a commercial scale. Following early trials with aluminum soft tops, Schlitz rolled out tab tops across national markets, sparking a massive transformation throughout the American beverage industry.

This 12-ounce can showcases the brewery's classic mid-century graphic presentation, centered on the unmistakable slanted Schlitz script and the storied slogan, "The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous". The design incorporates the brewery's traditional red, gold, white, and brown palette alongside the signature belted globe trademark.

Collectors recognize various design variations across this label's run. As Jos. Schlitz expanded distribution and production across the United States, variations in mandatory text appeared, listing different brewery branch locations alongside the primary Milwaukee headquarters. Additional differences across canning runs include slight modifications to slogan placements, promotional text additions, and distinct tab construction styles.