Tag Archives: history

First Canned Beer Went on Sale 76 Years Ago This Week

Wired shared a bit of commercial beer history.

1935: The first canned beer in the United States goes on sale in Richmond, Virginia. By the end of the year, 37 breweries follow the lead of the Gottfried Krueger Brewery.

As the article goes on to explain, American Can Co. had been experimenting with cans as early as 1909 but those previous attempts couldn’t withstand the pressure of carbonation. It is also interesting to note that the Krueger brewery was as skeptical as many craft beer enthusiasts remain. Brewers like 21st Amendment and Oskar Blues have convinced me, at all events, that we shouldn’t judge a beer harshly for being canned.

Another fun bit of trivia, and apparently an attempted concession to gthe bottle bias, some breweries experimetented with conical topped cans complete with a crown cap.

Jan. 24, 1935: First Canned Beer Sold, Wired

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