CAN...struction - Winter 2004

Black Label Ice - Editor Ted reports the new design has arrived in Ontario on the 950ml size. Basically this is the same can as the 355ml, 473ml and 750mL versions. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - Oct., 2003
Bowes Triple Dry - Mark Armstrong and Bob Berry report yet another new Bowes brand in a can, this time a 473mL can available in 4 packs in Quebec. The can appears to be a dark silver/grey colour with gold, red and white text. The label is an oval, similar to the other Bowes brands, and has a red ribbon at the bottom with "SPECIAL 7" in white text. Brasserie Bowes & Cie / Bowes Brewery & Co., Laval, QC, Canada. Nice looking Ball Packaging U.S. - Dec., 2003
Budweiser - Aside from the CSPC code, the east coast 355ml Budweiser can is different from the one sold in Ontario. This can has the mandatory & the INFO? 1-800 number printed horizontally across the side panel rather than vertically on the side. The mandatory is also framed in a gold border on the can. I found several of these cans in a broken six-pack on an LCBO shelf the Saturday before Xmas. Obviously a packaging error as the "four pack" contained both versions of the Budweiser can and was filled at the Labatt's Halifax brewery. The +687368 code on this can couldn't be read by the LCBO's cash register. The Ontario can is +904338 (CCS-9323). The Labatt specification code is 4-B-38. CCS-9325 - 2001
Budweiser - The 950mL Budweiser can currently available in Ontario is a minor variation from the last one I purchased (year 2000). The 'Union Made/Fabrication Syndicale' text has been removed from the mandatory. One wonders if this accounts for the letter 'M' added to the Labatt code, 4-B-57M. Ball Packaging U.S. - Nov., 2003
Budweiser - Ditto on the 750mL size can in Ontario. The 'Union Made/Fabrication Syndicale' text has been removed from the mandatory. The Labatt code adds the letter 'M' to this variation; 4-A-47M. Ball Packaging U.S. - Nov., 2003
Budweiser - Wayne Cunningham reports a new "8 PACK" Budweiser can in the 355ml size. I was able to pick up a sample during a Xmas visit to Crown Cork & Seal along with some other new cans so was surprised to see that this isn't the usual 8 PACK text on the neck of the can. Instead, "8 PACK" is in white text on a small blue ribbon, overprinted on the top left side of the Budweiser label. This can has the bilingual, standard Labatt mandatory. The Labatt specification code is 4-B-22P. Crown 0132 - Dec., 2003
Chilkoot - We reported this can in our Fall issue but Crown Cork & Seal (note change in can supplier) provided samples so I could report details of the new 355ml can. The can retains the same white, blue red and gold colours but now features a large silver, blue and white snowflake underneath the brand name on both sides of the can. The brand name is now printed diagonally across both faces of the can and the blue band now goes around the neck rather than the top of the can. The brewery's "BEER WORTH FREEZIN FOR" slogan (one of the best beer slogans ever in my opinion) is printed on the neck of the can, albeit in small gold text, only on one side and not centered(?). YUKON BREWING COMPANY WHITEHORSE, YUKON. CCS-8011 - Sept., 2003
Co-Op Gold Premium Light - There is a minor variation to the 355mL Co-Op Gold Light can we reported last issue. The 355mL can is basically the same as the CCS-9995 can with the exception of the bar code, +711168 on this can, and the black text on the side panel. On this can the text is noticably bolder. CCS-8000 - July, 2003
Coors Light - The last Canadian Brewerianist magazine includes a photo of a case or carton from Saskatchewan showing a suppossed 355ml 'contest' can. It has the word "Trackin" on it. This probably should be listed under the 'heard but not seen' category since no one has reported this can or confirmed it exists. Ball Packaging - 2003
Jack Rabbit - First Sleeman, then Labatt, then Molson, and now Big Rock. I'm referring to the newest category of beer, that being the "low carb" segment. It may be the first time we've come across a new can pictured in a magazine before. Larry Sherk emailed me with news of this new can shown in a Maclean's magazine article on low-carb beers (Feb. 9); President George followed up with a phone call about it later. This 355ml Big Rock can is thus a new brand in cans and the first low-carb beer to be canned. The can is primarily orange with either purple or maroon text "Jack Rabbit" across the front of the can (no graphic of a Jack Rabbit?). This may be a 'cross-over' can, that is it was made and/or filled in December but has just come out in January or Feb. I don't have the can yet to date it, but since it's February we'll list it on our 2004 list. Big Rock Brewery, Calgary, Alberta. CCS- Feb., 2004
Labatt Blue - The 950ml size is now available in Ontario in the John Labatt oval label design. This quad-neck can has the mandatory in silver text around the base of the can and the 'RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM CANS' text printed vertically on the side panel. The Labatt code is 4-B-71M. Ball Packaging U.S. - Sept., 2003
Labatt Blue Light - Recently I came across a minor variation of the 355ml Blue Light design that first came out in the year 2000 (CCS-9231). The variation is the 'current' can sold in Ontario Beer Stores and was manufactured and filled towards the end of 2003. This is the can with 'True Northern Refreshment' on both sides of the can. The minor variation is the numbers on the UPC code are silver rather than blue. CCS-0104 - Dec., 2003
Labatt Extra Dry - The 'Union Made' text has been deleted from the mandatory on the 750ml can sold in Ontario. This is the only minor change I can see on the can, although the mandatory is French-English on this can and the reverse on the 950ml size (see below). The Labatt specification code is 4-A-56M. Ball Packaging U.S. - 2003
Labatt Extra Dry - The 950ml can size in Ontario also has the 'Union Made' text deleted from the side panel. The mandatory is 'LABATT BREWING COMPANY, LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 7 cities. Labatt code 4-A-24M. Ball Packaging U.S. - 2003
Labatt Extra Dry - The first real "new can" of 2004 is out in January and as reported by editor Ted and Larry Sherk is a re-designed 355ml Labatt Extra Dry can. The design retains the inverted maroon triangle but is now primarily a silver can with updated graphics. There is a black band around the middle of the can now and at the bottom. Gold text has been added to this band at the base of the can, 'Double Chilled-No Aftertaste. The mandatory is presented on six lines of black text inside a black square on the side of the can. The Labatt code is 4-B-25. *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY, LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 7 cities. CCS-0116 - Jan., 2004
Labatt Lager - While not a Canadian can per se, we try to keep Canadian collectors abreast of Labatt's cans from the U.K. Rob Barrow brought the newest Labatt Lager 440ml steel can with him from England to last year's BCCA Canvention. This is the blue/gold COLD FILTERED (gold diagonal text) lager can. The mandatory, in gold on the side panel, is now 'Brewed & Distributed by Interbrew UK Ltd., Luton LU1 3LS. Crown Cork & Seal, 2003
Miller High Life - Maurice Brandon reports a new design for the 750mL size sold in Ontario. The new design takes Miller High Life back to its U.S. glory days with the return of the parallellogram and Miller in red script on the label of the can. This replaces the green, square block with its large, red 'HIGH LIFE' text and Miller eagle logo on the previous 750mL can. The new "old" design returns the famous "The Champagne of Beers" slogan in red script to the High Life label. A couple of other changes to the can are that the mandatory is not bilingual and the background of the can is not solid gold; it now has gold & silver lines and silver cloud-like graphic in its background. The Miller trademark logo of a lady sitting on a half moon while raising a glass of beer is now on the side panel. BREWED UNDER LICENSE FROM MILLER BREWING COMPANY, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, U.S.A. MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO CANADA. Ball Packaging U.S. - Oct., 2003
Miller High Life - I found the 355mL version of the re-designed Miller High Life can the Saturday before Xmas. Same design changes as above. Like in the U.S., sales of the Miller Brewing Co. flagship brand are not what they once were; these cans were manufactured back in July and filled in October. BREWED UNDER LICENSE FROM MILLER BREWING COMPANY, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, U.S.A. MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Ball Packaging U.S. - Dec., 2003
Mission Springs Extreme Cream Ale - Our friend Dennis Inkster would like this one; an interesting new 355ml can, and another first can, from the B.C. based microbrewery MISSION SPRINGS BREWING COMPANY, located in Mission, B.C., a 45-minute drive from Vancouver in the Frasier Valley. It's an oddly designed can (some might say unique) with odd colours of black, orange, silver, black and red. I say odd as the can has tongue-in-cheek slogans on it ('BREWED & CANNED IN MISSION B.C. THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE' for example), but also silver text printed upside down at the top of the can, "IF YOU CAN READ THIS YOUR BEER MAY BE EMPTY". MISSION SPRINGS BREWING COMPANY, MISSION B.C. CCS-8005 - Oct., 2003
Molson Canadian - The 'Pick of the Issue' is this "HAWAII 2003 LIMITED EDITION" 5L Bubba that was found on sale in Hawaii in early October. Trillium member Curt Bulmer was the first to email me asking if I had seen it. In typical fashion I replied, "No, I don't do ebay!". I cannot say that any longer as I'm the proud owner of one of these Bubbas along with several other Trillium members. Ted's research has determined 10,000 of these bubbas were produced (along with another 10,000 Bubba run for Alaska). The can's design is that of a Reyn Spooner authentic Aloha shirt in blue and white along with a very large red maple leaf covering most of the front of the can beneath the LIMITED EDITION text. Red and white text on the can explains the founding of Reyn Spooner and the importance of family and quality and hence the link with Molson "with this limited edition Reyn Spooner 5 liter can of Molson Canadian." MOLSON CANADIAN is printed in blue and red in a continuous circle around the top and bottom of the can. What I can't figure out is how and why this can would come to be? No matter, the best looking 5L Canadian can yet in my opinion! MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Huber 1 - Oct., 2003
Molson Canadian - Several collectors including Larry Sampson, Editor Ted, and Bob Berry emailed me photos of the Boston Bruin Bubbas which debuted last Fall. There were rumours of 4 cans, then 6 cans, and as we go to press in February, Dave Avdichuk has reported a 3rd release, "Limited Edition #1 of 3" Gerry Cheevers goalie mask Bubba (this one could be a "Pick of the Issue" in another Trillium Tales). The first two are similar to the "IMPORTED" Detroit Red Wings gallon with the traditional white, red and blue Molson Canadian design. Hot off (or on!) the press is the 4th Bruin Bubba: 1) Boston Bruins 'dark' or home jersey with large "B". 2) Boston Bruins 'third' jersey; "BOSTON BRUINS" bear crest. 3) Boston Bruins 'white' or away jeresey with large "B". 4) Gerry Cheevers "Stitch" mask; Limited Edition #1 of 3. Huber 1 - 2003 & Feb., 2004
Molson Canadian - Molson says a 5L Bubba was produced for Alaska and Ted's research found 10,000 were made. We're listing it here for purposes of the correct can counts and the fact I included it on the 2003 list. Huber 1 - Oct., 2003
Molson Canadian Light - Another great looking can in my opinion is this 473mL special issue Molson Canadian Light can reported by Dave Fowler, Mark Armstrong and Bob Berry. This can was (is) available in eastern Ontario last Fall and is a commemorative or promotional can for the 2004 Grey Cup in Ottawa. Strange in that this can was out well before the 2003 Grey Cup game was even played! This is a very nice looking silver, blue, white and red can and if not for the Hawaii Bubba, would by my 'Pick of The Issue.' There is white text on the blue neck of the can "92nd GREY CUP - OTTAWA - 2004", a nice Grey Cup graphic for Ottawa, a CFL logo, a water droplet design on the front of the can and a football player in the background on the side/back of the can. Very attractive design! Trillium member Dave Tosh reports this can was mentioned in Canadian Sports Collector Magazine in December. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S., Oct., 2003
Moosehead - Editor Ted also discovered new Moosehead cans being exported to Mexico! Another ebay discovery, the 355ml green/gold Moosehead Lager can is now available in that country. CCS - Nov., 2003
Moosehead Light - A silver/blue version of Moosehead's Light brand is also being exported to Mexico in a 355ml can. CCS - Nov., 2003
Pacific Dry - Another cantender for 'Pick of The Issue' is this beautiful new design for this Pacific Western brand. This 355ml can is one of the last "new" cans to be manufactured in 2003 with a production date of December 12th and has undergone a complete overhaul. The can is now primarily silver with black and white shading and features a map of the Pacific region in the background. 'Pacific DRY' is now in large red & black lettering at the top of the can. A larger graphic of a dragon now graces both sides of the can. PACIFIC WESTERN BREWING CO., PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. Crown 8012 - Dec., 2003
Pacific Light - This regional B.C. brand is out in a new 355ml design similar to that of the Pacific Pilsner can reported in our Fall issue. The can has a solid royal blue band around the bottom part of the can with silver/white vertical lines on the top portion of the can. The brand name is now printed in blue/red script with the word TRADITIONAL in block letters between Pacific and Light. PACIFIC WESTERN BREWING CO., PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. Crown 8013 - Dec., 2003

CAN...struction - Spring 2004

Alpine - A big thanks to our east coast reporter Curt Bulmer for reporting and supplying photos of all the new east coast cans! There are at least six, including radical new designs for Alpine and Alpine Light. Curt says they 'look like pop cans' and the photos speak for themselves. The 355mL Alpine can has a base gold colour with a large blue and white wrap-around design with Alpine in very large, red text. The Moosehead code on this can is ALP 09E. MOOSEHEAD BREWERIES, SAINT JOHN, NB. Crown 6004 - May, 2004
Alpine - The newly designed Alpine can is also out in a 355mL "12 PACK" version. It's essentially the same design as above with "PACQUET DE 12 PACK". Mooshead can code is ALP 09F. Crown 6006 - May, 2004
Alpine Light - The 355mL Alpine Light can has been totally re-designed with a large wrap-around design with very large 'Alpine Light' text taking up one side of the can. A smaller version of thje brand name and mountain face are enclosed in a silver circle on the other side of the can. Moosehead can code is ALT 09C. MOOSEHEAD BREWERIES, SAINT JOHN, NB. Crown 6003 - May, 2004
Asahi - On my recent trip to Maui I made sure to check the Asahi can produced by Molson as it seems to change every time some one goes there. Sure enough, although the label looks the same the can has many, many changes from the one I brought back from Hawaii in 2001. This 355mL can is by MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA and can likely be found on the west coast of the U.S. Here's a list of the numerous changes: 1. Silver lines around entire can in the background. 2. "IMPORTED BREWED AND CANNED IN CANADA" text deleted from the can. 3. Japanese text on the label now white inside a red rectangle. 4. SUPER DRY in red on one line (rather than two lines). 5. Five lines of black text on label instead of seven. 6. Second line of Japanese text now red instead of black and more characters. 7. Mandatory now Molson Canada instead of Molson Breweries and text compacted. 8. www.asahibeerusa.com added following mandatory. 9. Government warning and contents text is compacted. Ball Packaging U.S., 2003
Boss Light - Crown Metal Packaging has produced a second version of this private label brand that first came out last summer. While the design of the 355mL silver and red can is the same, three lines of red text have been added above the mandatory; "Brewed with only....". An additional line of text following the brewery name says, "MANUFACTURED FOR CROWFOOT LIQUOR". BOWEN ISLAND BREWING COMPANY CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA (Crown) - March, 2004
Budweiser - Curt Bulmer sends word of two new, promotional Budweiser cans in the Maritimes. This is similar to the 355ml '8-Pack' can reported last issue from Alberta. The east coast version however is a "12 PACK" can with 12 PACK in white text on a blue banner. Maybe one day Ontario will change its archaic regulations so consumers could have some flexibility as to what we can buy here. Crown 0144 - April, 2004
Bud Light - The 355mL Bud Light can also has a "12 PACK" version in the Maritimes. 12 PACK is also in white text on this can, but on a red banner and in a different font than that of the Budweiser can. Thanks to Curt for supplying photos. Crown - April, 2004
Carlsberg - President George wanted to be sure to get his name in Trillium Tales, so here it is; George called to let me know the new Carlsberg 355mL can was out in the Oakville area towards the end of March. Due to Labatt's ending its relationship with Carlsberg of Denmark, bottles and cans of Carlsberg and Carlsberg Light were not available for several months. The familiar green can is still basically the same design but has undergone some changes. The label now has a light shadow effect with a black band around the base of the can. White, bilingual text says, "PROBABLY THE BEST BEER IN THE WORLD". The Carlsberg crest/logo on the side panel now has a light green 'C' under the text. Although there is no mention of the brewer on the can, Carlsberg is now being brewed, bottled and canned by Moosehead. The new mandatory is BREWED AND BOTTLED IN CANADA FOR CARLSBERG CANADA LTD., MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF CARLSBERG BREWERIES, COPENHAGEN-DENMARK. Similar to the numbering of their own cans, Moosehead has added a numeric code in gold to this can; CBG 09A. Crown 6001 - March, 2004
Carlsberg Light - President George (that's twice) did however fail to mention the new Carlsberg Light 355mL can which I found in Toronto the same weekend. The Light can is similar in details as that of Carlsberg described above. The band around the bottom is green with the text in silver. Mark Armstrong reports this can in Ottawa too. Moosehead code CBL 09A. Crown 6002 - March, 2004
Coors Light - For some strange reason a black and red circle/spot has been added to the side of the current 355mL Coors Light can with the mandatory. This black/red dot is at the bottom of the can next to the Molson mandatory, and relates to "pushing open" the dot on the "FRIDGE PAK". MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging - Feb., 2004
Coors Light - Several evil-eyed Trillium members noticed the promo cans from last year with slogans on the back panel have returned this Spring. So far there are four new cans plus a fifth with a slogan from last year's batch (this can could be considered a "new" can as it has the 'red dot'; we will not list it separately). Thanks to Bob Berry, Larry Sherk, Joe de Freitas and George for reporting the cans: MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. 1. COLDER THAN JENN WHEN YOU CALLED HER SUSAN. 2. AVAILABLE IN BARS MUCH LIKE YOU. 3. YES IT'S A FAMILY RECIPE. NO WE WON'T ADOPT YOU. 4. WORLD'S SMALLEST BEER FRIDGE. Ball Packaging, May, 2004
Foster's - Dave Fowler brought a new Foster's U.S. Imported can to the last Executive meeting. This 25oz. can has several changes to it, most notably the Foster's Racing sponsor logo on the side. The can has a new stylized Foster's logo "FOSTER'S AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF GRAND PRIX." Nice change! In addition, the "Imported Lager" text is now italicized with the addition of the word Lager. One side of the can now has the red kangaroo and white dot pattern. Thanks to Dave Avdichuk for supplying photos. Stores in Maui still had the 'old' can on the shelves while I was there in April. FBG BREWERIES, TORONTO, CANADA. Ball Packaging U.S., 2004
Labatt Blue - John Ahrens reports the 5L Labatt Blue hockey cans are back in the U.S. this Spring, this time with a new 4th can, so it's a 4-can set instead of three. John says the first three are the same as last year but numbered 1 of 4, 2 of 4, 3 of 4. The new 4th can is "Next Goal Wins". Johns says they were filled 3/10/04. April, 2004
Labatt Extra Dry - Mark Armstrong reported the first sighting of the re-designed 473ml Labatt Extra Dry can from Ottawa in late February. Pretty much looks the same as the 355ml can. President George called shortly after saying the can was now available in the Toronto area. The Labatt code is 4-A-49. *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY, LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 7 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - Feb., 2004
Labatt Extra Dry - George also reported that the 750ml version of the newly designed Extra Dry can was out in the Oakville area in March. I believe Doug Logan may have located this can too. Pretty much looks like the other sizes. The Labatt code is 4-A-56. Ball Packaging U.S. - Mar., 2004
Labatt Genuine Draft - Wayne Cunningham reported a new design 355ml Genuine Draft can several months ago in Alberta, but has anyone seen this can? The 'current' Ontario can (CCS-6105) came out in 1996 and has not changed since. Wayne reports this is a 32-sided can. Crown - April, 2004
Labatt Genuine Draft - Wayne also reports the new design for Genuine Draft is out in an "8-PACK" version. The 8-Pack is only available in B.C. according to Wayne. Crown - April, 2004
Labatt Ice - Larry Sherk reports the 750mL Labatt Ice can also has the 'Union Made' text deleted from the side panel as on several other Labatt cans reported in Trillium Tales. It's likely this is a 2003 can. Ball Packaging U.S. - 2003
Labatt Sterling - Wayne reports Labatt's low carb brand, Sterling is out in cans in Alberta as of mid May and was found in Ontario shortly thereafter. The can is silver and blue as per the bottle label with an oval label including the John Labatt script logo. Labatt code 4-B-16. *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY, LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 7 cities. Crown 0179 - May, 2004
Molson Canadian - Bob Berry, Curt Bulmer and Editor Ted were the first to inform us of more Molson 5L Bubbas with special "goalie mask" designs. The first one in the three can series actually came out just as the Winter issue of Trillium Tales was about to be printed. Two other beautifully coloured designs followed last February; Limited Edition, 2 of 3 - Gilles Gratton Limited Edition, 3 of 3 - Steve Baker Each can has a full face with the goalie mask and "The Art of Hockey" in white, folowed by the goaltender's name and story beneath it. MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Huber 1 - Feb., 2004
Molson Canadian - I first came across the 24oz. Molson Canadian Goalie Mask cans in the Modern Brewery Age magazine I subscribe to back in February. Hot on the heels of the 5L Bubba size, Molson issued the three "goalie mask" designs in a slightly different version on the 24oz. can size. The goalie masks on this set of three cans are black, grey and white on the can's silver background and essentially take up one side of the can. White text around the base of the neck says, "The Art of Hockey". Large MOLSON CANADIAN LAGER text takes up the top half of the other side of the can with text story of each goaltender. From the photos Wayne sent, it doesn't look like the cans are numbered as on the 5L size; 1) Gerry Cheevers, 2) Gilles Gratton, 3) Steve Baker. Ball Packaging - Feb., 2004
Molson Canadian - For those of us drinking bottles during the long, non-can season of winter and hoping for new cans, our prayers have been answered. In my weekly sojourn to the Don Mills Beer Store on a dull, grey, cold Saturday in March I came across a a new commemorative/promotional Molson Canadian can(s) and the best part is it's a new set of collector cans; "MOLSON CANADIAN PRESENTS Champions Can Series"! These 473ml cans are promoting "GREAT CANADIAN HOCKEY CHAMPIONS" as evidenced by the graphics on the side panel. This a series of four cans; 1) 1918-1932, 2) 1935-1957, 3) 1958-1971, 4) 1973-1993, each detailing a list of the years in which Canadian teams have won the Stanley Cup (although there is no mention of Stanley Cup on the cans). The side panel features a goalie mask (current rage, see new 5L Molson Bubba cans). Larry Sherk reports these cans are available individually at L.C.B.O. stors. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - March, 2004
Molson Canadian - Editor Ted discovered a newly designed 473mL Molson Canadian can in late April. The large, red maple leaf is now lighter in colour and placed across the bottom part of the can. The leaf now has the water drop effect on it. A smaller version of this leaf is at the top of this panel, underneath which in blue says 'CANADA'S BEER'. This is followed by several lines of silver text talking about the Molson family. The can now has "PREMIUM LAGER" in large blue, block letters in between the silver 'BEER BIERE' text. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S., April, 2004
Molson Canadian - The 355mL size can with the new design was available in the Toronto area in May. Same details as on the 473mL size above. Interestingly, these cans have travelled all the way from Ball Packaging's Seattle, Washington plant. Ball Packaging U.S., May, 2004
Molson Canadian - Long time Trillium member John Ahrens reports a new 'slant' design for Molson Canadian in the U.S. John found these 12 oz. cans inside the 36 can chiller pack. Ball Packaging - May, 2004
Molson Canadian 6.0 COLD SHOTS - Mark Armstrong, President George and Editor Ted all called or sent emails reporting the newest 'gimmick' in the beer wars this year...a new size can package, 250mL. Molson is the first off the mark with this size and has introduced three of its brands (see info from Molson News release elsewhere in this issue). This can be considered a new brand I suppose as it's listed as MOLSON CANADIAN 6.0 on the front of the can at the bottom and 6.0 COLD SHOTS on a graphic complete with red maple leaf at the top of the can both front and back. This is a plain, silver can with a small bullseye-like graphic on the back and the words, "DRINK VERY, VERY CHILLED!" in English and French encircling the graphic. In my opinion this is an awful looking can; Molson could have done so much more with it. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2004
Molson Canadian Light - The 12 oz. Canadian Light can exported to the United States has also been re-designed in a new 'slant' design according to John Ahrens. Ball Packaging - May, 2004
Molson Canadian Light - As I was locating the above can on Saturday May 1st, I came across a new Molson promotion in 24-pack bottles of Canadian; a free Tall Boy of Molson Canadian Light. Molson seems to be pushing this brand after a long hiatus as a new TV campaign has started and at least two different versions of rink board advertising have appeared at the Air Canada Centre during the recent Toronto-Philadelphia series. This 473mL can may be the same as the one found in an Ottawa in-case promotion last year and reported on in our Fall, 2003 newsletter. We can now report details of the large block-letter text around the top and bottom of the can in silver, "THE LIGHT BEER BREWED TO HAVE MORE FLAVOUR." The can has the water droplet design as reported on the 473mL Grey Cup can. In my opinion, a great looking can with a beautiful design. Just heard a radio commerical as I'm typing this, "In Ontario for a limited time". MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S., April, 2004
Molson Dry Cold Shots 6.5 - This is the second new brand to be placed in the new size 250ml can this Spring. Molson Dry is available in Quebec. Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2004
Molson Ex Light - Mark Armstrong reports a colourful new 355ml can for this brand is now out in Quebec. This would be the first aluminum can (but not first can as there was an old steel can many years ago) for this brand. Mark says the can is bilingual, with one side in French and one in English. Great looking can! Ball Packaging - April, 2004
Molson Ultra - Molson's entry in the Low Carb segment is a "new brand" to be canned and the 2nd Low Carb beer to come out in a can package following Big Rock's Jack Rabbit. Molson has chosen the new 250mL can size for this brand. It's a nice looking, slim, gold can with a blue, red and white label. John Molson's signature appears in silver on the side of the can. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2004
Moosehead - Mark Armstrong reports a variation to the Moosehead Lager can made for Mexico and reported in the last issue of Trillium Tales. That new can has 'QUALITY & TRADITION' in white text and the green text on the neck of the can is five lines one side, three lines the other. This 355ml version has the 'QUALITY & TRADITION' TEXT in both English & Spanish, but now in gold text. As well, two words have been added in gold above this statement. The text on the neck is different too; 2 lines on one side, 3 the other. Both the Moosehead and Moosehead Light cans have two variations. The cans shown here are different from those shown in the last issue. CCS - Feb., 2004
Moosehead - Crown's Montreal can plant has produced another version of the can that is exported to South America (& perhaps many other countries). This is at least the 4th version I'm aware of and may in fact be a 2001 or 2002 design as the Crown number on this can is sequential to that of other new Moosehead cans that came out in 2001. The basic design of the 'current' green/gold/white/red Lager can is the same; this can is distinctive by the amount of green "fine print" text on the can. The U.S. government warning is printed in green on five lines of text on one side of the neck of the can with the Importer for Chile/Product of Canada information on two lines on the other side. As well, there is now Importing information for multiple countries printed in green around the gold band at the bottom of the can. Countries mentioned are New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Ireland, U.K., Switzerland, France & Iceland. Moosehead code MSA-09. Moosehead Breweries Ltd., La Brasserie Moosehead Limitee, Saint John, New Brunswick. CCS 9804 - May, 2004
Moosehead Light - Curt Bulmer reports a new Moosehead Light can in the Maritimes with an interesting slogan in a red band around the top, "IN CASE OF DIRE THIRST"....followed by an arrow or triangle that points up to a red tab and says, "PULL TAB". Imagine the number of new cans there would be if they all went this way! Moosehead code MLH 09E. MOOSEHEAD BREWERIES LTD., SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK. Crown 6005 - April, 2004
Mountain Crest Light - Wayne Cunningham reports yet another new Mountain Crest can, this time a new brand, Mountain Crest Light Lager. Wayne says the 355ml (12oz. as it's filled in the U.S.) can is very similar to the lager can but has a silver background intead of white. It also has the "Craft Breweed in Small Batches" & "www.DamnGoodBeer.ca" text as found on the 'current' Lager can. Imported by/Importe par Mountain Crest Liquors Inc. Calgary, AB, Canada T3G 4R7. Ball Packaging U.S. - March, 2004
Sapporo - Larry Sherk reports Sleeman Brewing is now canning a 650ML can in Guelph, Ontario for the Japanese brewing company for export to countries such as the U.S. No details at press time. May, 2004
Sleeman Clear - Interesting twist with this new can from Sleeman, there are two versions! If I'm not mistaken this would be the first time a new brand has been introduced in two different cans. Thanks to Larry Sherk for reporting this fact. Sleeman Clear is a new brand in cans and is Sleeman's entry in the low-carb market. The first version is Sleeman's now traditional 330mL "barrel" or "mini-keg" can. Like Sleeman's other brands this can is primarily silver, with a royal blue band around the neck. The Sleeman name is in white on a marron background on both sides of the can. On the neck in English & French is "2.5 g Carbs & 90 Calories. The 'barrel' can is available in six-packs in Ontario. Interestingly, these cans have come all the way from Ball's can plant in Hawaii. SLEEMAN BREWING & MALTING CO. LTD., LA BRASSERIE SLEEMAN GUELPH, CANADA N1L 1E9. Ball Packaging U.S. - May, 2004
Sleeman Clear - A second version of the new Sleeman Clear brand is available in a traditional 355mL aluminum can. Larry points out while the more expensive barrel cans are in six packs, the traditional can is available in 12-packs in Ontario. Editor Ted reported this can too. With the limited return of the 12-pack carton for cans in Ontario Beer Stores last year and the fact Sleeman Brewing is an owner of the provincial beer monopoly, one would assume they've decided to offer this package for the first time alongside Coors Light, Canadian and Blue. The 'regular' cans of Sleeman Clear are made at Ball's plant in Whitby, Ontario. Ball Packaging - May, 2004
Sleeman Silver Creek Lager - This Sleeman brand has come out in cans for the first time in the Province of Quebec and is a traditional shaped aluminum can like the new Clear can above. Ball Packaging - May, 2004
Victoria Lager - While not the 2nd can from this B.C. microbrewery it is the 2nd brand to be canned by Vancouver Island Brewery. This 'new' can follows the design of the re-designed Piper's Pale Ale and is a very nice gold and navy blue can. One side features the VICTORIA Lager oval label and the other side the brand name, VANCOUVER ISLAND BREWERY LOGO, text and mandatory. This just might be the 'Pick of the Issue'. A great looking can from VANCOUVER ISLAND BREWERY, VICTORIA, B.C. Crown 8027 - May, 2004

CAN...struction - Summer 2004

Boss Lager - As suspected the 355mL black Boss Lager can has been revised to include the "MANUFACTURED FOR CROWFOOT LIQUOR" text on the side panel. This can is listed as by BOWEN ISLAND BREWING COMPANY (Big Rock, Calgary). Note the can does NOT have the additional text as on Boss Light. Crown 8017 - March, 2004
Bud Light - Dave Fowler sent along a photo of several new cans in Quebec including this new size can for this brand, a 950ml version of Bud Light. This silver can has the newest "oval" label design and says, "BREWED IN CANADA". Ball Packaging U.S. - July, 2004
Canterbury - Wayne Cunningham reported a new Canterbury can back in May via email. Thanks to Doug Goegan we have a photo to describe it. Essentially the new 355ml can is the same design except that rather than all white, the can is now dark blue on the bottom half and around the neck with red outlines. White text on the neck says, "Naturally Dark...Refreshingly Mild". The can has a red circle on the side panel, REGISTERED ISO 9001 QUALITY SYSTEM. PACIFIC WESTERN BREWING CO., PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. Crown 8026 - June, 2004
Clear Creek Ice - On the last day of June Wayne also reported yet another new brand from Mountain Crest Liquors, the private chain in Alberta. Wow, these guys must be selling a lot of cans, I've lost count of how many different cans they've had already in the short 2-3 years since they first launched a can. Wayne says Clear Creek Ice is a 6.2% alc./vol. can is not a bad looking can. It's blue, gold and white with an interesting blue background. The mandatory has changed however, and I think this is the first of their cans to say "Imported by/Importe par Mountain Crest Brewing Corp. Calgary, AB, Canada T3G 4R7 (rather than "Liquors"). Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2004
Coors Light - Another Coors Light 355ml promo can surfaced shortly after the last Trillium Tales was published. Apparently this can is only available in B.C. The promo text on the back panel says "PROUD SUPPORTER OF WAKEBOARDING." Interestingly, unlike the others, this can has an added element; a black/white/silver graphic of a wakeboard printed below the slogan and underneath the red/white "Coors LIGHT" logo. Thanks to Larry Sherk for mentioning it and Doug Goegan for providing a photo via email. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Coors Light - Dave Fowler reports the first 355mL Coors Light can with a promotional slogan in French. Dave found this one on a trip to Quebec in July. It says, "PARTOUT OU CA BRASSE". The annual beer run to Quebec to purchase new cans confirms these "French" cans of Coors Light are by MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging - July, 2004
Coors Light - ....Followed not too long after by a 2nd French slogan can reported by Dave Avdichuk (who got word of this from a non-member email to the Trillium web site no less). This can's text on the back panel says, "ACCOMPAGNER D'UNE PLAGE ET DE BIKINIS". MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging - July, 2004
Coors Light - Later that same evening Ottawa member (ok, Oxford Station to be more correct) Mark Armstrong reported a 3rd can with the slogan, "OUVRIR VERSER: REPETER AU BESOIN". MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging - July, 2004
Foster's - One of the new Canadian cans to show up at Dearborn was the Imported Foster's 12 FL. OZ./355mL can with the new design as reported for the 25oz. 'oil' can in our Spring newsletter. This size now has the kangaroo (in red) and stars (in white) beneath the large Foster's "F". The long-time sponsorship logo with the grand prix flags has been replaced with a much nicer stylized race car, "FOSTER'S AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF GRAND PRIX". "Imported Lager" is now in blue script on the neck. FBG BREWERIES, TORONTO, CANADA. Ball Packaging - Sept., 2004
Keltic Beer - Prior to the Canvention Bob Berry reported two new cans from a new microbrewery located in Truro, Nova Scotia. Keltic Beer is a fairly plain blue and silver 355mL can with "Keltic" in large white letters across the top of the can. The can is bilingual and has some gold text & trim. Blue, block lettering on the neck says, "FRESH BEER. AT ITS BEST." KELTIC BREWING CO. LTD. TRURO, NS CANADA. Ball Packaging - Aug., 2004
Labatt Bleue - The current 355ml Labatt Bleue can available in Quebec is a previously unreported variation from 2003. This can is the darker blue version with the additional mandatory text as reported last year on the other size cans. CCS-9692 - (2003)
Labatt Blue - In mid-July Larry Sherk found a plain, regular label 5L Labatt Blue gallon in Connecticut. This would be a "new" can since the U.S. "Imported" version has not been reported before. I didn't see one at this year's Canvention and to the best of my knowledge, no one else did and/or has reported it. Larry's email says "saw a Labatt Blue 5L..."; does this mean he doesn't have it and we cannot confirm it exists? John? unknown - July, 2004
Labatt Nordic - This is a previously unreported can from 2003. I picked up this 12 FL.OZ./355ml version of Nordic at the BCCA Canvention. The can has an earlier and different CCS # than the one reported in our Fall 2003 newsletter. I don't have the other can but the CB-9XXX code matches that of the Canadian Nordic can. So, that is a long way of saying I'm not sure how the can differs but this can has the gold band around the neck and base of the can with "IMPORTED" in white, italicized text at the top left of the can. Labatt code 4-A-29. LABATT BREWERIES OF CANADA, LONDON, MONTREAL, VANCOUVER. CCS-0002 - (2003)
Labatt Select - Kerry Winters called to report a new can "IMPORTED" into the U.S., that being the Labatt low carb brand. This is a nice looking 12fl.oz./355ml silver blue and red can with the Labatt script logo over top of a red/silver maple leaf and large blue/silver, 3-D lettering for the brand name. Interestingly, Labatt has chosen to name the U.S. version "SELECT" (remember that one time can?), rather than "STERLING" as used in Canada. LABATT BREWERIES OF CANADA, LONDON, MONTREAL, VANCOUVER. Crown 0196 - June, 2004
Lucky Lager - This western Canadian brand now has some minor changes to the familiar white, red and gold can with the "LUCKY X" label. Primarily it's the mandatory that has changed; now English only, 'LABATT BREWING COMPANY, 7 cities and the addition of the RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM CANS text, etc. on four lines on the side panel. Ironically, the last non 8-PACK can I can find listed is in 1997 when this 355mL brand was introduced in cans in Ontario with a bilingual mandatory (Ontario?, I don't remember this at all). 4-A-10. Crown 0208 - July, 2004
McCeol's Irish Red ALE - This is a new brand and the second new 355mL can from a new micro in Truro Nova Scotia as reported by Bob Berry. This silver, black and red can has a tremendous amount of text on it with a plain, distinctive design. "McCeol's" is written in black italics across the middle of the can. The bilingual text on this can's neck is "GOOD 'TIL THE VERY END". Both Truro cans have an interesting snowflake graphic on the side panel; on Keltic it's "Keep Kool." On McCeol's it's "Keep Ceol". These cans won't win any design awards, but they're new Canadian cans from a new micro! KELTIC BREWING CO. LTD. TRURO, NS CANADA. Ball Packaging - Aug., 2004
MGD - Molson Canada and Miller Brewing have again teamed together in releasing a 4-can set of cans, each with a photo of a Harley Davidson motorcycle taking up most of one side of the can. This year's set is titled "2004 CAN SERIES" as printed in white on the neck of the can along with silver/black graphics and the HARLEY-DAVIDSON logo. This is the second consecutive year for a 4-can set except that this year, these cans were only available in Alberta and B.C. until mid-Sept. As we go to press, Larry Sherk reports 6-pack bottles of Imported MGD in Ontario Liquor Stores now have a "freebie" can included. In alphabetical order this year's cans are: PRODUCED BY MOLSON CANADA: VANCOUVER, CANADA FOR SANTA FE BEVERAGE CO. 1. THE DYNA GLIDE. (FXDL DYNA LOW RIDER). 2. THE SOFTAIL (FLSTF FAT BOY). 3. THE SPORTSTER (XL 1200R SPORTSTER 1200 ROADSTER). 4. THE V-ROD (VRSCA V-ROD). Ball Packaging U.S. - July, 2004
Molson Canadian - Dave Fowler sends word the 24oz. U.S. Molson Canadian can has changed to the new 'slant' design as reported for the 12oz. version in our last issue. The new design has a red band both around the top and bottom of the can with "IMPORTED" in large white lettering on the neck. Ball Packaging U.S. - Aug., 2004
Molson Canadian - Kerry Winters also reports another new Canadian can now available in the U.S. This time it's the first can exported to the U.S. in the new size (250mL)/8.4 FL.OZ. can. Kerry found the can in Port Huron, Michigan. The can is the familiar red, white and blue U.S. design for Molson Canadian with "IMPORTED" in white on both sides of the neck. Graphics are "slanted" on one side of the can as per the new design, while the label is vertical on the other side. We found the can in a Dearborn liquor store for $2.29 U.S. after paying $5 to a dealer for a four pack! BREWED BY: MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Ball Packaging U.S. - Aug., 2004
Molson Canadian - Larry Sherk emailed me to let us know the 750mL Molson Canadian can in Ontario has finally changed to the new "CANADA'S BEER" design. This leaves the 950mL can still to come. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - Aug., 2004
Molson Canadian - Wayne Cunningham just emailed me a photo of the newest 5L MOLSON can in the U.S. As we go to press this sports can comes out following the Canvention in time for the NFL season and follows on the heels of the two 5L Coors Light NFL cans; it's a brown and white "pigskin" design wrapped around the can with MOLSON CANADIAN in large red, white and blue lettering on both sides of the laces. White text on the back sides of the can says, "MAKING 'FRIENDS' SINCE 1786". MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Huber 1 - Sept., 2004
Molson Canadian Light - A number of months back Wayne Cunningham sent word a yet another 473mL Molson Canadian Light can, this time a promotional "2 PACK" can. It's too bad we cannot buy this package size in Ontario because the four different 473mL Canadian Light cans are all great looking (Dave Fowler confirms 473mL in-case promo can reported last issue is in fact different from the 2003 can from Ottawa) . This silver, blue, red and white can has the water-droplet/splash design with blue bands around the neck and base of the can. The silver text on the neck is "2-PACK - $3.99*" printed three times around the neck. Smaller text around the base of the can is "THE LIGHT BEER BREWED TO HAVE MORE FLAVOUR. *MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE". MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - May, 2004
Molson XXX - Larry Sherk first reported this new can for the U.S. back in mid-July and Dave Fowler emailed a photo. This is a 25.4 FL.OZ. (750mL) can size and has the standard black/white/grey "XXX" label. There is no "Imported" visible in Dave's photo (front of the can) but presumably says so on the side (actually it doesn't, other than the "Imported by: MOLSON USA LLC, GOLDEN, CO" part of the mandatory). The can does have small gold text at the top of the side panel, "ALE IN TEXAS" meaning gone are the days of two separate cans. Larry found the can in Connetticut while Dave got the can in New York state. MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Ball Packaging U.S. - July, 2004
Moosehead Light - As Ted mentioned last issue, each of the Moosehead and Moosehead Light cans exported to Mexico has a variation can. The Light variation has three lines of text on each side of the neck and has a deep blue colour around the label. CCS-9826 (2004)
Moosehead Light - The first new can to be reported after the BCCA Canvention in Detroit is a 355mL Moosehead Light by New Brunswick member Curt Bulmer. Curt reports the text on the red band around the neck now says "12 PACK" in place of the previous promotional can "In Case of Dire Thirst...." Crown XXXX - Sept., 2004
Mountain Crest Classic Pilsner - What's a newsletter without a new Mountain Crest can or two? Wayne Cunningham reports this Pilsner brand has undergone a complete redesign (remember the 'Old Style' version?). This 355mL can is now silver, black and red with "Classic Pilsner" in large, script text across the face of the can. The design now includes two black deer in the bottom right hand corner. Interesting text around the neck of the can, "CRAFT BREWED IN SMALL BATCHES - SINCE 1845 - NO PRESERVATIVES." Since 1845? What is since 1845? Mountain Crest Liquors? Classic Pilsner? Craft Brewing? There is no mention of a brewer on this can like the numerous other Mountain Crest cans so I'm at a loss to explain this text. Oh well, like the other cans, 'Imported by/Importe par Mountain Crest Liquors Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada T3G 4R7. Ball Packaging U.S. - Aug., 2004
Okanagan Spring 1516 - Back in June Wayne Cunningham reported the Okanagan Spring cans were re-designed. The 1516 can is a gold can with a grey ribbon across the face of the can. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Okanagan Spring Helles - The re-designed Helles can is cream coloured with a gold ribbon. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Okanagan Spring Lager - The Lager can is green with the gold ribbon. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Okanagan Spring Pale Ale - The Pale Ale can is black with the gold ribbon. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Okanagan Springs Mild Dark - Wayne reports a new brand in cans from Okanagan Springs. It is a Mild Dark beer and presumably takes the same standard new design as their other brands mentioned (& photographed) above. This is a 355ml can of course. These cans are from Okanagan Spring Brewery, Vernon, B.C. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Old Style Pilsner - Wayne also reports a new three* can set of 355mL cans in Western Canada. Each can has a different story on the back panel; as of mid-August Wayne says only one can is available in Alberta; a yellow can with the Pilsner flag in red. The design is a complete change for any previous Old Style can; a solid yellow can with a green/white horse drawn carriage at the top and small green text, 'Special Edition Can The Label With A Story.' The back panel is titled, "THE STORY BEHIND THE COACHMAN" in red, block text at the top followed by eighteen lines of text in green. *At Dearborn the B.C. guys confirmed the other two cans were not yet out. The mandatory is in red text on the side; note the mandatory change from the previously used Molson regional listing of three cities on Old Style cans. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities Ball Packaging U.S. - July, 2004
Olympia - This former independent, former Pabst, former Stroh owned brand has yet another brewer...at least in Canada. The familiar cream coloured, 355mL can with the orange 'GOOD LUCK' horseshoe on the label is now brewed by "OLY BREWING COMPANY SASKATOON, CANADA S7K-2C6", otherwise known as Great Western Brewing Company. A couple of other changes on the can are the CSPC code has been deleted and the contents text at the bottom is now 'BEER-BIERE' on both sides. The previous Stroh Brewing, Vernon Canada can from 2000 is 'BEER' on one side, 'BIERE' on the other. Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2004
Sapporo - I read some time ago about Sleeman signing a deal with Sapporo Breweries of Japan to can and supply their export beer for North America. The first 'new can' hit Ontario's Liquor Store shelves in July. This is the usual silver, 650ml barrel shaped can that Sapporo has had available for many years. The only real change is the addition of thin, black text under the contents info, "Brewed under the strict supervision of Sapporo Breweries Ltd. by Sleeman Brewing & Malting Co. Ltd., Guelph, Canada. This is English one side and in French on the other as is the bold black 'RETURNABLE FOR DEPOSIT...QUEBEC REFUND' text. Larry Sherk confirms the U.S. Imported can we reported last issue has a different mandatory, Sapporo Brewing Company. As well the can has "IMPORTED" on the face of the can under the brand name of course. T - July, 2004
Sleeman Cream Ale - Just in time for this week's upcoming Canvention, Sleeman Cream Ale is out in a regular 355mL aluminum can in 12-pack cartons in Ontario. Like the 355mL Sleeman Clear can, this is pretty much a silver/red version of the 330mL barrel-shaped can. It's primarily silver based with fire-engine red around the neck and a red pull tab. The can has red and gold text with the SLEEMAN label and beaver crest in maroon. The mandatory is the bilingual Guelph, Canada version complete with postal code, which interestingly differs from the unilingual, English mandatory used on the new canned brands sold in Quebec (see below). Ball Packaging - Aug., 2004
Sleeman Silver Creek Lager - Several members including Mark Armstrong and Bob Berry emailed me to report a new can(s) in Quebec, actually another new Sleeman brand in cans. This time it's a 473ml can, so it's the first Sleeman brand to be canned in this size in Canada. This is a different design from the 'typical' Sleeman can, although it's still primarily a silver base can. Interestingly, there is a green pattern with silver lines or highlights around the top of the can. The brand name "Silver CREEK" is also in green, with this white/silver line pattern underneath and the base of the can has a sleight grey solid band around it along with the top part of a maple leaf. Strangely enough while this brand has been launched in cans in Quebec in two sizes, the mandatory on the cans is English only; SLEEMAN BREWING & MALTING CO. LTD. GUELPH, CANADA WWW.SLEEMAN.COM. Thanks to Dave Fowler for supplying photos of the new Quebec cans. "Silver CREEK" is a lighter green on the 473mL version and the SLEEMAN crest is a brighter red than the 355mL can. Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2004
Sudds Lager - Larry Sherk reports Sudds Brewery in Chippewa, Ontario has now finally come out with their 2nd can. This is however a plain can, with a clear sticker label affixed to it. Ball Packaging - Aug., 2004
Sudds Ale - Sudds' flagship brand is also out in a similar can to the above. Ball Packaging - Aug., 2004
Upper Canada Lager - It seems to me that 355ml cans of Upper Canada have not been available for some time in the Toronto area?...perhaps it's just my local store or that they are a Spring/Summer package or even that with all the new brands and package sizes being produced by the canning line at Sleeman in Guelph, Ontario, cans of Upper Canada have taken a back seat (after all they are not a top seller). With new stocks now in stores I noticed the can looked somewhat different. Although the Upper Canada label and can design are the same, there are numerous text changes to the can. First and foremost the mandatory has changed since the last can from 2001 lists Toronto, Ontario; Upper Canada Brewing Company, Guelph N1L 1E9 on one side and Brasserie Upper Canada, Guelph N1L 1E9 on the other. This text is now dark green, larger, bolder and moved higher up on the can. The web site address underneath this is now lower case. Two lines of text in dark green have also been added to the left of the seam; this text is the bilingual Return for Refund information. The text on the side of the can has changed too, now starting with "Upper Canada Lager is....". Lastly, the 'HANDCRAFTED' 'ARTISANALE' text on the neck of the can is now noticeably smaller and spaced out. Ball Packaging - June, 2004
Wildcat - The Wildcat family of cans has undergone some changes since the last new design in 2002. The new 355ml can is the same multi-colour design as the 2002 can but is now a metallic version with darker colours. The mandatory is the usual long, bilingual Labatt company listing with 7 cities; Labatt code 4-A-38. Crown 0158 - June, 2004
Wildcat Strong - Ditto on the 355ml Wildcat Strong can. Editor Ted reports the can is the metallic version is out and both cans have colour changes as well. The mandatory on these cans is the *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY, LA BRASSERIE LABATT 7 cities. Labatt code 4-A-26. Crown 0160 - June, 2004
Wildcat Strong - Wayne reports from Alberta the "8 PACK" version of the new metallic 355ml Wildcat Strong can is out. Labatt code 4-B-45. Crown 0161 - June, 2004

CAN...struction - Fall 2004

Black Label Ice - Alberta member Wayne Cunningham reports a new, promotional 473mL version of Black Label Ice. This can has "4-PACK" SUPERCAN written on the neck. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S., - Nov., 2004
Bowen Island Lager - Bruce Richardson had this very unusal 355ml Bowen Island can at our Horst Wendland trade in October. It's an all-black can with a silver neck and silver/white text. I say unusal for two reasons; 1) it's colours are the reverse of another unusual Bowen Island can that was first reported as a new brand on our 2001 list of new cans, but may have been a test can. The silver can with black neck is CCS-9949 and was manufactured in 2001. It has the "old" wider neck. Earlier this year I received the same can from western member Wayne Cunningham in the small, tapered neck version, manufactured this year. It had beer in it. The silver cans are "BREWED & PACKAGED BY WHISTLER BREWING CO. LTD., CALGARY, AB," The 2nd reason the black can is unusual is there is no brewery listed. In place of the mandatory is a gold, numeric code, 55-4-0236. The +607861 is the same on both cans but the bar code differs by one digit. Strange indeed. Crown 8025 - Oct., 2004
Budweiser - Budweiser is out with a new design on the side panel of the 355mL can. The new design is similar to one of the many versions in the U.S, this one has the stylized "B" at the top of the panel and the word "FRESH" on a red panel and the story of fresh beer; in other words Budweiser Fresh. The label is the usual. TM/MC Labatt Brewing Company - La Brasserie Labatt, 7 cities. Labatt spec. code 4-A-04A. Crown 0308 - Nov., 2004
Budweiser - Editor Ted Bartolacci reports the new design is also out in the 473mL size. Same mandatory as above. The "B" "FRESH" panel on the side is very thin; why didn't they make it wider? Labatt spec. code 4-B-03A. Ball Packaging U.S. - Nov., 2004
Coors Light - While we're still looking for the supposed 4th French slogan can, along comes a new 355ml English slogan can in time for Christmas with a Christmas motif; Editor Ted reports a can with "TO: ME FROM: ME". MOLSON CANADA., 5 cities. Ball Packaging - Nov., 2004
Foster's - Larry Sherk reports the 750mL Foster's has changed to the new design as of mid October. Like the new cans in the U.S., the design now has the kangaroo (in red) and stars (in white) beneath the large Foster's "F". The long-time sponsorship logo with the grand prix flags has been replaced with a much nicer stylized race car, "FOSTER'S AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF GRAND PRIX". "Premium Quality" is now in blue script on the neck. BREWED BY MOLSON CANADA UNDER LICENSE FROM FOSTER'S BREWING INTERNATIONAL, AUSTRALIA - MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - Oct., 2004
Foster's - U.S. member John Ahrens reports a variation on the new label/logo, export version of the 25.4 Ounce can. This can has the Grand Prix logo on both sides, in a racing checkered flag design combined with a Southern Cross. John says he only found a few cans with this design, and seems to recall this variation was produced on the previous can as well. MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA. Ball Packaging U.S. - Nov., 2004
Hockley Gold Draft - Barrie member Bruce Richardson (& Larry Sherk) reported at our trade that Hockley Valley Brewing, a central Ontario microbrewery, has released their 2nd 355ml can, this time it's a gold can. The design is very similar to the first (silver) can with blue, script text on the face of the can along with the Hockley shield/crest. There is also three lines of blue text on one side panel and the brewery's web site is printed in bold text, www.hockleybeer.ca. No spelling mistakes this time. Note, the can supplier has changed from Ball Packaging to Crown Metal Packaging. The mandatory is printed around the base of the can, Hockley Valley Brewing & Malting Company, Inc., Hockley Village, Ontario, Canada L9W 2Z2. Crown 0303 - Oct., 2004
Labatt Blue - Wayne Cunningham emailed me in early October with news of another 5 Litre, special promotional gallon in the U.S. This time it's Labatt's Blue and the can has an overhead graphic of a football stadium on one side. Ken Kubik had this brand new design at our Trillium Trade and our new board member Neil McDonald emailed me a photo in early December. "Show Your Fall Colurs" LIMITD EDITION Collector Series is written in black text at the top of the side of the can with the graphic. The other side of the gallon is the regular 'Imported' Labatt Blue label. Huber 1 - Oct., 2004
Labatt Extra Dry - The "new" design finally made its appearance on the 950mL can size in early November. Same basic design as the 355mL, 473mL and 750mL cans. *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY - LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 7 cities. Labatt spec. code 4-A-24. Ball Packaging U.S. - Nov., 2004
Labatt Genuine - George Newman reports a new Labatt Genuine can. This silver 355ml can with a mountain scene was last changed in 1996 (CCS-6105). While the mountain scene, brand name and graphics have been modernized, what is noteworthy is the brand name is no longer Labatt Genuine Draft. This can is therefore somewhat a new design with a new brand name. The words "CRISP, CLEAN TASTE" are now printed in gold on the label beneath the white/gold text of Labatt GENUINE. Another change is the addition of black, block text at the bottom of the can, "BREWED TO PERFECTION". The can is generally the same silver, black and gold of its predecessor version however. Labatt code 4-A-27. *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY LA BRASSERIE LABATT , 7 cities. Crown - Nov., 2004
Labatt Genuine - The new 355ml design is also out in the "8 PACK" version that is sold in B.C. The can has the familiar black band around the neck with "8 PACK" printed in white text x 4 times. Crown - Nov., 2004
Lucky Lager - I had the pleasure of having a nice dinner with Doug & Carolyn Logan prior to their cruise to Hawaii in December and one of the cans we talked about was Lucky Lager that was sold in Ontario for a short period of time a number of years ago. Ironically, it's back on LCBO shelves in an updated 355ml version as Doug & Carolyn are literally at sea on their way home. Larry Sherk discovered the can in the first week of December. The can differs from the plain white/red 'western' label with the large "X", in that it is the eastern version; a round label with gold sunburst and "LUCKY" Lager written across the oval and "ORIGINAL BIERE-BEER" around the label. It's basically the same design as the CCS version from 1997, but now with the standardized *TM/MC LABATT BREWING COMPANY...mandatory. The mandatory is printed on six lines, outlined with a silver square. The 1997 can is only three lines, not outlined and no *TM/MC. The bar code is the same number but not outlined on the newer can (is outlined on the old version). Most new 355ml cans no longer have a UPC code and it's deleted from this one. The recyclable logo has been moved to the neck and the Labatt code is now 4-B-28. All the differences are on the same side panel. Crown 0326 - Dec., 2004
mano's Canadian WHITE TAIL - This is a new brand in a 355ml can from mano's brewpub in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and features large white lettering and text around both the neck and base of the can. Text around the bottom says, "Born In the Canadian North". It says "mano's SMOOTH LAGER" at the top of the can. NA - 2004
mano's CANADIAN WILD LIFE - The second of two new 355ml cans from mano's brewpub in Saskatoon. This can has the same text around the top and bottom of the can but does have some kind of northern scene on it while the WHITE TAIL can is plain. NA - 2004
Miller Genuine Draft - While the special issue, Harley-Davidson 2004 Can Series cans have barely made their way to Ontario, a new 355ml design for this brand is out in B.C. The can retains the usual gold, black and red colours but now has the label on a vertical'slant' design as on the U.S. can from Milwaukee based Miller. Ball Packaging U.S. - Nov., 2004
Molson Ex Light - Molson Ex Light came out in a new size, 950mL can in late Sept. according to Mark Armstrong. The can is the same silver, blue, and red design as the 355mL version. The English-French text on the neck is "THE LIGHT BEER WITH TASTE." MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities. Ball Packaging U.S. - Sept., 2004
Molson Canadian - Just back from a trip to the east coast and visiting 19 breweries, Larry Sherk reports the 355mL Molson Canadian can is out east with the "Canada's Beer" design brewed under license by Moosehead Breweries Ltd., Saint John, New Brunswick. Crown 6007 - Oct., 2004
Old Style Pilsner - Bruce Richardson had the 2nd 'Special Edition Can' at our Trillium Trade in October. The 2nd of the three can set is a red, 355mL can called "THE STORY BEHIND THE PILOT." This is a 19-line story in white text on the can's back panel. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities Ball Packaging U.S. - Oct., 2004