Schlitz Light Natural Pilsner Beer 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Schlitz Light Winston-Salem Can

During the mid-1970s, the American brewing landscape shifted dramatically with the surging popularity of low-calorie beers. In response to rival offerings in the burgeoning light beer category, the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company introduced Schlitz Light Natural Pilsner Beer. The release was supported by extensive national advertising campaigns designed to position the brew as a full-bodied alternative in the light beer market.

The Winston-Salem Facility

This particular 12-ounce can carries the mandatory brewery city credit for Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Opened in 1969 and fully operational by 1970, the Winston-Salem brewery was constructed on a massive 34-acre site. At the time of its opening, it stood as one of the largest single-facility breweries in the world, built to alleviate regional supply constraints and service the company's rapidly expanding East Coast distribution network. Cans marked with the Winston-Salem location are historically notable among breweriana enthusiasts because they highlight the peak era of Schlitz's geographic manufacturing footprint prior to the company's acquisition in the 1980s.

Can Design and Collector Notes

The graphic presentation of the Schlitz Light Natural Pilsner can stands apart from standard flagship Schlitz labels of the period. It features clean, light-colored background tones paired with the prominent "Natural Pilsner Beer" designation and the company's trademark script and belted globe motif.

For collectors of brewery packaging, examples from this run feature subtle variations in bottom lid markings, canning company logos, and statutory label text depending on the can manufacturer contracted by the Winston-Salem plant.