Southern Select Premium Quality Beer Flat Top Can

Galveston's Flagship Flat Top

The Southern Select Premium Quality Beer flat top can represents a prominent chapter in mid-century Texas brewing history, produced by Galveston-Houston Breweries, Inc. of Galveston, Texas. Following the repeal of Prohibition, Galveston-Houston Breweries emerged through the consolidation of regional brewing operations, adopting Southern Select as its premier flagship brand. The label carried substantial historical prestige, originating in the late nineteenth century and tracing its heritage back to international accolades won prior to Prohibition.

Manufactured using the American Can Company's 'Keglined' process, the flat top can features the brand's traditional rich brown and cream palette, highlighted by prominent script typography and the 'Premium Quality' banner. Known variations of the can exist among collectors, reflecting subtle differences in mandatory brewery text, state tax statements, and patent markings across various production runs. Some examples also showcase factory vanity lids imprinted with brewery branding.

During its production run, Southern Select established deep market loyalty across the Gulf Coast and was distributed widely throughout the state. The brand's presence under the Galveston-Houston label concluded in the mid-1950s when the Galveston brewing facility was acquired by the Falstaff Brewing Corporation, ending Galveston-Houston's independent canning operations.