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National Beer Can Appreciation Day

Raise a toast to the unsung hero of your backyard BBQs, the trusty vessel that keeps your brew ice-cold and endlessly refreshing.

Art & Crafts Beer Hobbies & Activities Items & Things62

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Celebrate beer can artistry and collectibility to drive canned beer sales, limited-edition releases, and collector community engagement in January.

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Spotlight rare/limited-edition beer can designs and artist collaborations (e.g., band-branded cans)
Feature beer can collector stories and showcase collections via user-generated content
Promote in-store displays of unique can labels and encourage sampling of diverse canned beer varieties
Partner with craft breweries to launch exclusive January can designs or collector packs

History

Beer has been one of the staples of health and diet for thousands of years, and there are those who say that access to Beer is one of the reasons that the slaves of Egypt were able to build those huge pyramids. The ability to preserve calories and not rot cannot be underestimated!

While back then the beverage was held in clay vessels, the container of choice today is the aluminum can. This tradition was first started in 1935, and on the heels of it came a never ending parade of varieties of labeling.

From the serious to the comical, there’s no limit to what a label might contain. Beer can collectors all over the world have built sizable collections demonstrating the length and scope of artistic talent of beer can designers all over the world. It’s not just the art either!

The technical innovations that have changed over the ages are also appreciated, from the first cans that had to be opened with a church key to modern cans that can be popped with just a pull of the thumb. That delightful hiss is always there to herald in the beginning of a great afternoon.

How to celebrate

Pick Up Some Beer in Cans

Your appreciation can start simple with a visit to your local grocery store. Beer of all varieties can be found on every shelf, and a close look will tell you that labeling is serious business. Beer cans come in every variety you can imagine, including those put out by bands.

Enjoy Collector Beer Cans

One particularly iconic beer label is for Iron Maiden beer, which contains the iconic mascot of the band, Evil Eddie! For some real variety, you can go to a collectors convention or even just pop over to a proper alcohol dealer to really get a spread. Once you finish admiring the can, pop it open and enjoy the frothy brew inside! National Beer Can Appreciation Day TimelineJanuary 24, 1935 First Commercial Beer Cans Sold Krueger Brewing Company makes history by selling the first canned beer in Richmond, Virginia, marking the commercial debut of the beer can in partnership with the American Can Company. The cans were made of tin-plated steel and required a church key to open. 1958 Introduction of Aluminum Cans The Hawaii Brewing Company introduces the first aluminum beer cans for Primo Beer, known for being lighter and corrosion-resistant compared to their steel predecessors, thus revolutionizing beer packaging. 1962 Invention of the Pull-TabEngineer Ermal Fraze invents a removable pull-tab that revolutionizes beer can opening, eliminating the need for a separate opener and enhancing consumer convenience.Late 1960s–1970s Introduction of the Stay-Tab To counter safety concerns from sharp pull-tabs, the stay-tab is developed. This innovation allows the tab to remain attached to the can after opening, reducing litter and hazard risks. 1975 Wide Adoption of Aluminum Cans The use of aluminum becomes standard in the beer industry, favored for its recyclability and ease of chilling, further establishing aluminum cans as a staple in beer distribution.

First Commercial Beer Cans Sold

Krueger Brewing Company makes history by selling the first canned beer in Richmond, Virginia, marking the commercial debut of the beer can in partnership with the American Can Company. The cans were made of tin-plated steel and required a church key to open.

Introduction of Aluminum Cans

The Hawaii Brewing Company introduces the first aluminum beer cans for Primo Beer, known for being lighter and corrosion-resistant compared to their steel predecessors, thus revolutionizing beer packaging.

Invention of the Pull-Tab

Engineer Ermal Fraze invents a removable pull-tab that revolutionizes beer can opening, eliminating the need for a separate opener and enhancing consumer convenience.

Introduction of the Stay-Tab

To counter safety concerns from sharp pull-tabs, the stay-tab is developed. This innovation allows the tab to remain attached to the can after opening, reducing litter and hazard risks.

Wide Adoption of Aluminum Cans

The use of aluminum becomes standard in the beer industry, favored for its recyclability and ease of chilling, further establishing aluminum cans as a staple in beer distribution.

FAQ

Which beer cans are most sought-after by collectors, and why?

Collectors highly value “flat top” cans from the 1930s and 1940s, which required a separate “church key” opener to puncture holes in the top. Cans from brands like Rheingold and Ballantine, with their bold typography and unique graphics, fetch high prices today if they’re in good condition. From this period, a mint-condition flat-top can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at collector events and online auctions.

How do different cultures and countries celebrate beer cans in unique ways?

In Japan, beer cans are celebrated through annual art exhibitions where artists showcase intricate designs on empty cans, highlighting Japan’s dedication to packaging aesthetics. Germany hosts “bierkultur” events, where brewers and fans discuss how packaging, including cans, influences taste and consumer perception. In Australia, “tinnie runs” are popular, where friends take boats loaded with canned beer on adventures along rivers and coastlines. These unique regional celebrations illustrate the universal appeal of canned beer as both a beverage and cultural artifact.

Why did aluminum become the preferred material for beer cans, replacing steel?

While early beer cans were made of steel, aluminum quickly became the go-to material because it’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable. Due to their lower weight, aluminum cans are also easier and cheaper to transport. The environmental benefits are significant: aluminum can be recycled infinitely without degrading, and recycled aluminum uses about 95% less energy than new aluminum production.

How do collectors assess the value of beer cans?

Beer cans are graded on rarity, age, and condition, with pristine “flat top” and cone top cans being especially valuable. Collectors use a system similar to coin collecting, evaluating factors like rust, dents, and the clarity of the original graphics. Events like the CANvention, an annual gathering of beer can collectors, showcase some of the rarest and most valuable finds.

What are some of the strangest or most unique beer can designs in history?

One standout example is Pabst Blue Ribbon’s 1969 “Space Can,” designed for use in zero gravity. Pabst partnered with NASA to create a beer can with a special valve that astronauts could use in space. While this can never went on an official mission, it represented an early attempt to bring beer beyond Earth. Other unusual designs include Coors’ 1959 all-aluminum can, which was the first recyclable beer can, and Japan’s Asahi “Super Dry” cans, which feature intricate Japanese calligraphy and can even play sounds when opened.

Are there any myths about the taste of beer from cans compared to bottles?

Many people believe that beer from cans tastes metallic, but modern cans have a protective lining that prevents any metal contact with the beer. Studies show that most people can’t tell the difference between canned and bottled beer in blind taste tests.

Who holds the record for the largest beer can collection, and how did they achieve it?

Ron Werner of Colorado holds the Guinness World Record for the largest beer can collection, boasting over 75,000 cans. His collection includes everything from iconic American brands to obscure imports from small breweries. Werner’s dedication to beer cans has made him a legend in the collecting community.

Why do some collectors place high value on cans without any dents or imperfections?

Dents or scratches can dramatically decrease a beer can’s collectible value, especially on rare cans from the early 20th century. Pristine cans signify careful handling and preservation, which is crucial for items that are often several decades old.

Do any countries or regions avoid beer cans, and why?

Belgium stands out as a country where many traditionalists prefer beer in bottles. Some Belgians argue that bottles better preserve the flavors of complex, high-quality brews, and traditional glassware plays an important role in the Belgian beer experience.

What’s the story behind the pull-tab on beer cans, and who invented it?

The pull-tab, a breakthrough innovation for beer cans, was invented by Ermal Fraze in 1962. Fraze, an engineer from Dayton, Ohio, had an “aha” moment at a picnic when he realized he didn’t have a can opener for his beer. He developed a simple pull-tab that allowed drinkers to open cans without any tools.