Today is National Beer Can Appreciation Day, and to celebrate, we’re taking a look at the history of the beer can. Let’s see where this popular container got its start.
In 1935, Gottfried Krueger Brewing Co. packaged and sold its Special Beer in the first-ever beer can. The can was known as a flat top can, which required a church-key opener to punch a hole in the top in order to drink the beer. While the Krueger plant closed its doors in 1961, it started a legacy of production that was soon picked up by a national favorite, Pabst Brewing Company.
Shortly after Krueger Brewing Co. sold its first beer can, Pabst Brewing Company continued the trend and started packaging its beer in a can for the first time. The original canned Pabst beer was known as Pabst Export Beer and soon evolved into the iconic blue ribbon can we know and love today.
Within months of the flat top can’s introduction, Schlitz Brewing Company introduced a new design known as the cone top. While the cone top can was popular, it was phased out around the mid-50s. It was clear that the flat top can was the market winner with the introduction of the stay-tab, self-opening can that we have today.
Looking for a fun way to celebrate these vintage cans? Miller Lite is throwing it back by reintroducing their original can for purchase nationwide through March 15.
