Beacon India Pale Ale - Great news for can collectors...Vancouver member
Larry Sampson reports four new cans from a former Draught
sales only microbrewery in Victoria, B.C. Beacon India Pale Ale
is an attractive, 355mL orangy-red can with the LIGHTHOUSE BREWING
COMPANY logo as the label in the middle of the can. BEACON INDIA
PALE ALE is in large block text at the top, and IPA at the bottom
of the can. LIGHTHOUSE BREWING COMPANY, VICTORIA, B.C.
Ball Packaging - March, 2005 |
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Bleue Dry - Ottawa area member Mark Armstrong reports
a completely different design for a new 355ml Bleue Dry can available
in Quebec. This is a silver can designed to look like a bar code!
Bizarre. Like the new 4-pack packaging here in Ontario for 473ml
cans, these cans are available in plastic shrink wrap 4-packs
according to Mark. LA BRASSERIE LABATT LIMITEE, ?
Crown 0430 - March, 2005 |
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Bleue Dry -
Mark also sent along pictures of three other new Bleue Dry cans,
all 950ml sizes, like the many different Carling brand bottles
in Quebec, these have different alcohol content. These 950ml
cans are:
1) Blue DRY 6.1% alc./vol. (royal blue colour)
2) Blue DRY 7.1% alc./vol. (navy blue colour)
3) Blue DRY 8.1% alc./vol. (dark blue/purple colour)
Ball Packaging U.S. - March, 2005 |
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Budweiser - The 750ml size of the "B FRESH" side
panel can finally made its way into Beer Stores in February/March
of this year as a new 355ml can with another side panel was already
out. LABATT BREWING COMPANY - LA BRASSERIE LABATT LIMITEE, 7
cities. Labatt code 4-A-47A.
Ball Packaging U.S., - March, 2005 |
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Budweiser - Ottawa-area member Mark Armstrong sends
along photos and reports several new Bud cans; the first being
a 950ml bilingual version of the "B FRESH" side panel.
One side panel has the English "B FRESH" text and the
other the French "B FRAICHE". Mark found this can in
Quebec and the same can is now on sale in Ontario. LABATT BREWING
COMPANY - LA BRASSERIE LABATT LIMITEE, 7 cities. Labatt code
4-A-57A.
Ball Packaging U.S., - March, 2005 |
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Budweiser - The B Fresh can is also out in a 355ml French version.
This new side panel says, "B FRAICHE" with 10 lines
of French text. Available in Quebec.
Crown 0306 - May, 2005 |
Budweiser - Mark also reports a French, 355ml version of the
first side panel can, this one with "B HOUBLONS" and
eleven lines of French text. LA BRASSERIE LABATT LIMITEE, MONTREAL,
QUE.
Crown 0307 - March, 2005 |
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Budweiser - Following the trend of the different side panel
cans in the U.S., a second 355ml version appeared in Ontario
in March. This one has the "B HOPS" side panel. Same
7 city mandatory as the B FRESH can. Labatt code 4-A-04B.
Crown 0309 - March, 2005 |
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Budweiser - The "B HOPS" side panel is now available
in the 473ml can size. There are actually two versions in Ontario;
one being a minor variation with a different can company. The
first can is from Ball Packaging in the U.S. with the 4-B-03B
Labatt code printed at the bottom of the can in the middle. The
second one is from Crown Cork & Seal's Texas can plant with
4-B-03B positioned to the left side of the panel.
Ball Packaging U.S. and Crown 0485 - April, 2005 |
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Budweiser - ...And Editor Ted Bartolacci reports the
750mL size with the "B HOPS" side panel is now out
in the Toronto area as of this writing the May long weekend.
Labatt code 4-A-47B.
Ball Packaging U.S. - May, 2005 |
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Budweiser - While reporting some of the new Budweiser cans,
Mark Armstrong made the comment the new side panels could
be a "cheap" way of doing commemorative cans. Looks
like you were right Mark! Larry Sampson emailed a photo of a
commemorative 355ml Budweiser can Wayne Cunningham reported on
earlier this year. It's for the Calgary Stampede with the side
panel, "B BUDWEISER IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
THE GREATEST OUTDOOR SHOW ON EARTH." Calgary Stampede JULY
8-17, 2005. These new cans have another change; that being a
prominent, silver crown graphic in behind the text at the bottom
of the label. Along with the new Labatt Shok cans, Larry points
out Vancouver is no longer listed in the mandatory. Labatt code
4-A-04P. LABATT BREWING COMPANY-LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 6 cities.
Crown xxxx - May, 2005 |
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Budweiser - More commemorative/promotional Budweiser cans.
Larry Sherk reports a new 355ml bilingual can in Quebec
promoting "BUDWEISER IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE BMW WILLIAMS
F1 RACING TEAM AND THE GRAND PRIX DU CANADA gpc GRAND PRIX DU
CANADA." Note: this side panel doesn't have the "B".
Labatt code 4-A-07P. LABATT BREWING COMPANY-LA BRASSERIE LABATT,
6 cities.
Crown 0482 - June, 2005 |
Budweiser -
Ditto for a 950ml can for the Grand Prix. The side panel on this
can is very slim. "BUDWEISER IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE BMW
WILLIAMS F1 RACING TEAM AND THE GRAND PRIX DU CANADA gpc GRAND
PRIX DU CANADA." Dave Avdichuk also reported and
emailed photos of this can.
Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2005 |
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Budweiser - Ted reported the 3rd 'side panel' 355ml can out
as of mid-June. Ted's email reports the word on the side panel
as "Natural" but a subsequent email from past-President
George Newman mentions it's actually says, " B NATURALL"
and is an error can with a spelling mistake. As per the new 473mL
can, it should say "NATURALLY" on the side panel. Sources
say Labatt's had already filled either 140,000 or 11,000 cans
(depending upon source) before noticing the error and decided
it was too late to stop production. Labatt code 4-A-04C. LABATT
BREWING COMPANY-LA BRASSERIE LABATT, 6 cities.
Crown 0491 - June, 2005 |
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Budweiser - The 473mL version of "B NATURALLY" is
also available in Toronto area stores.
Crown - June, 2005 |
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Cold Spring Lager - Is it a Canadian or American can? Larry Sherk
and I have been debating this (re: Mountain Crest cans) for some
time. To each his own. This is a "new" brand sold in
cans in Canada, modelled after the old American version. In fact,
this 355mL can is identical to the U.S., a plain white can with
blue graphics. According to Wayne Cunningham, it's made
by 3 Ex-Molson employees out of Edmonton. So it's brewed and
canned in the U.S. but it's imported and sold by a Canadian company.
Check out their web site, www.coldspringlager.com. Imported by
/ Importe Par D.K. Agency Ltd. Calgary, Edmonton, Alberta.
Ball Packaging - April, 2005 |
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Coors Light
- At Larry Sherk's meeting we wondered if the Coors Light
billboards with new slogans would translate to cans. I found
the first one the last weekend in June, called Ted to mention
it, and he called back later that day with two more, so we have
three new 355ml cans: MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities.
1) ANY COLDER AND YOU'D NEED GLOVES
2) EX-GIRLFRIEND COLD
3) PROUD SPONSOR OF THINGS BEST LEFT UNSAID
Ball Packaging, June, 2005 |
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Foster's
- An email from Seattle area collector Bruce Higgins shows a
new logo on the 25oz. Foster's can exported to the U.S. Trillium
member John Ahrens confirms these new cans when he found
them in June. The new logo 'F1 Official Beer' replaces the Grand
Prix logo on the previous can. There is a checkerboard flag pattern
printed underneathe the large Foster's F. FGB BREWERIES, TORONTO,
CANADA.
Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2005 |
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Foster's
- John confirms the new 'F1 Official Beer' logo on the 12oz.
Foster's can exported to the U.S.
Ball Packaging - June, 2005 |
Genuine Western Draft - Not to be confused with Great Western, Wayne
Cunningham reports a new brand in 355ml cans in Alberta,
Genuine Western Draft for Sobey's Grocers made by Big Rock. This
is a brown can with a large "GWD" on the front and
a gold neck also with GWD printed around it.
Crown xxxx - April, 2005 |
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Great Western Extra Gold - Larry Sherk reports a new 355ml can, yet
another hi-test version of an existing brand. This is a 9% beer,
and I believe a green coloured can.
Crown xxxx - May, 2005 |
Hockley Dark - Congratulations to Hockley Valley Brewing, the
small Ontario microbrewery for being the first brewery in Canada
to package their beer in a 500ml can. Larry Sherk had
been keeping us updated with the progress of this can and after
a visit to Hockley Valley in March, Mark Armstrong was the first
to purchase their new can and send along a photo. Mark's description
of "the can looks very much like the Guiness design from
England/Ireland" is true, but despite it's dark colour motif,
is not a bad looking can. The basic black can has a large cream,
black and red oval label covering virtually the entire front
of the can. "TRADITIONAL ENGLISH ALE - HOCKLEY VALLEY BREWING
Co." is in large black, block lettering around the oval
label. There is maroon text printed once on the neck of the can,
'Award Winning' and 'Proudly Craft Brewed in Ontario Canada'
followed by a maple leaf on the front of the label. The other
side of the can is all white text including bar code, USPC code
and info about Hockley Valley. Hockley Village, Ontario, Canada,
L9W 2Z2
Ball Packaging England - March, 2005 |
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Keith's
- The rumoured Keith's commemorative cans were first available
back in March in Ontario, first seeded in 24-bottle cases of
Keith's (one free per case), and then available in shrinkwrapped
packages of four cans. As per the pritned text on the bottle
cases, "LIMITED EDITION HERITAGE CANS, COLLECT ALL 6."
Each of these six commemorative cans replicates an "old"
Keith's label. The first two cans are cream coloured, replicating
the old A.K. & SON labels. The next four cans are "Keith's"
green in colour. One side of each can is the "old"
label, while the other features a red banner with dates and text.
The six heritage cans are 1) 1835, 2) 1851, 3) 1901, 4) 1914,
5) 1952 and 6) 1972. I believe these are the first special issue
cans to have the following text printed on them, "THIS COMMEMORATIVE
CAN IS A REPRESENTATION AND MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE ORIGINAL
LABEL DESIGN." *TM/MC KEITH'S BREWERY, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA,
CANADA.
Ball Packaging U.S. - March, 2005 |
     
     
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King Solomon DRAFT - Wayne Cunningham reports a new design for
King Solomon Draft, a 355ml export can to Japan. This is the
first new can exported to Japan in several years that we are
aware of. This is an attractive white can with a solid metallic
blue label, King Solomon DRAFT in large red/white text and English
text in black, Japanese in blue. 'Imported From Canada' is at
the top of both sides. No brewery or location is listed; it is
believed these cans are filled by Pacific Western Brewing Company
in Prince George, B.C.
Crown 8049 - March, 2005 |
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Kokanee
- Larry Sampson and Wayne Cunningham report a new
four can set of 355ml cans for Kokanee, this time featuring a
new technology from packaging products supplier Crown Cork &
Seal. The thermochromic ink technology is a first for beer cans
in Canada. The cans are called Kokanee Chill Check and have a
thermometer on the side of the can. As the beer cools to 10C
a character appears on the can. The image becomes clearly visible
at approximately 3C. The four characters are 1) Ranger, 2) Sasquatch,
3) Kokanee Glacier Girls, 4) Brew the Dog. Columbia Brewing Company,
Creston, B.C.
Crown xxxx - May, 2005 |
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Laker
- Is it a Canadian or American can (part 2)? If the Cold Spring
can is American, then this new 355mL can being sold in Ontario's
Beer Stores is definately American although it's a Canadian brand
now being brewed by Laker Brewing Company, Waterloo, Ontario
(Brick Brewing). I say American because not only is there not
any mention of anything Canadian on the can, the mandatory is
U.S. Larry Sherk first found out about this new can and
reports it is being brewed and canned at the former Genesee Brewing
Company (now High Falls) in Rochester, New York. It's an attractive
two-tone blue can with red and silver accenting. The label is
a large blue/white/silver Maple Leaf overlaid with LAKER in large,
white text. Very plain, but a great-looking can in my opinion.
Cans are made at Ball's Saratoga Springs, N.Y. plant. Laker Brewing
Company, Rochester, N.Y. U.S.A.
Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2005 |
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Lighthouse Keeper's Stout - This is another one of the new brands in cans from
Victoria's Lighthouse Brewing Company as reported by Larry
Sampson. It's a 355mL can of course.
Ball Packaging - March, 2005 |
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Lighthouse Lager - Ditto on this new brand in 355mL cans. It's one
of the four new cans from Lighthouse Brewing Company in Victoria,
B.C.
Ball Packaging - March, 2005 |
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Miller Lite - I discovered a new design for Miller Lite in the
Beer Store the Saturday prior to Larry Sherk's June meeting.
This brand doesn't sell very well in Canada and hence it's the
first design change in five years, the can was last reported
in 2000 (the square, silver design). Again like it's parent in
the U.S., this can is now royal blue with an oval football-like
label and Miller Lite in large diagonal lettering across both
faces of the can. The can was manufactured some time ago (January)
but is just hitting stores now. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities.
Ball Packaging - June, 2005 |
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Molson Canadian - Trillium member John Ahrens first reported
new designs for the Molson cans exported to the U.S. in mid-May.
Larry Sherk found 1) 12FL.OZ. (355mL) and 2) 710mL versions
of Molson Canadian in Buffalo. These designs retain the same
basics of the previous cans; it appears to me the brand name
is now in a larger font size across the face of the can. "Imported"
is now in small, white script on the neck of the can on both
sides. The "BEER-BIERE" text with the maple leaf in
the middle has changed too, I believe the red maple leaf is a
newer, stylized version, now similar to the ones on the Canadian
cans. BREWED BY: MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA.
Ball Packaging - May, 2005 |
Molson Canadian Cold Shots
6.0 - The slim 250ml can of this relatively
new brand has been changed. I noticed something different about
a can I saw in the "damaged" bin and compared it to
another one lying next to it; the newer can has several changes.
While 6.0 COLD SHOTS is still at the top of the can, a newer,
small MOLSON CANADIAN logo replaces the MOLSON CANADIAN 6.0 text
at the bottom of the can. A large bar code is now on the side
of the can with the mandatory; the mandatory & RETURN EMPTIES
FOR REFUND text now compacted on half the side panel rather than
printed on the entire length of the panel. MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities.
Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2005 |
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Molson Export - From a recent trip to La Belle Province Larry
Sherk reports the re-designed label for Molson Export is
now out in the 950mL can size. *MC/TM MOLSON CANADA.
Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2005 |
Molson Golden - The new design for the 12FL.OZ. (355mL) can exported
to the U.S. is out in the Buffalo area according to Larry
Sherk. BREWED BY: MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA.
Ball Packaging - May, 2005 |
Molson Ice - Dave Avdichuk emailed a photo of the new
design for the 12FL.OZ. (355mL) Molson Ice can confirming John
Ahren's description that the cans are still black. An email from
Seattle area collector Bruce Higgins shows the 710ml can is the
same. BREWED BY: MOLSON CANADA, TORONTO, CANADA.
Ball Packaging - May, 2005 |
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Molson Kick
- In early March Larry Sampson reported a prototype can
for a this new brand, a beer with Guarana added to it. This new
beer is packaged in aluminum bottles in eastern Canada and 355mL
silver/red cans in Alberta and B.C. The can design is very similar
to the aluminum bottle with a large red label covering most of
the silver can. The brand name MOLSON KICK is printed vertically
on the can in an unusual font. *TM/MC MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities.
Ball Packaging U.S. - March, 2005 |
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Moosehead -
While looking for new cans the last weekend of June, I came across
a new Moosehead contest can. In order to make room for the contest
text and graphics, the 355ml Moosehead can has a smaller Moosehead
Lager label than usual on both sides. In between the two labels
on the side of the can at the top are the words, "WIN MOOSEHEAD
BEER VENDOR GAGNEZ DISTRIBUTEUR DE BIERE" in large white
and black text. There is a graphic of a silver Moosehead beer-vending
machine beneath this text. Neat! Black text around the gold neck
of the can says, 'VISIT MOOSEHEAD.CA/BEERVENDOR TO WIN' in English
and French. I call this the 'Surprise Can of the Issue' . Does
the letter 'A' beside the Moosehead code indicate there are others
in this series? (as the Bud side panel cans are numbered A, B,and
C). MHB609P-A. MOOSEHEAD BREWERIES LTD.-LA BRASSERIE MOOSEHEAD
LIMITEE, SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK.
Crown 6016 - June, 2005 |
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Pacific Genuine Draft - A new design is out for the 355mL Pacific Genuine
Draft can in B.C.
Crown 8062 - June, 2005 |
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PC Dry
- Wayne reports Big Rock is now canning three new 355mL cans
for the PC family of beer brands sold in Western Canada. This
is the first major redesign of these cans (the last ones being
from 1995 I believe). All are silver cans with a different colour
going around the can's body with a mountain scene at the bottom
and black lines around the body of the can. PC DRY is turquoise
green with DRY in gold. PREPARED FOR/PREPARE POUR THE REAL CANADIAN
LIQUOR STORE LTD., CALGARY, ALBERTA. T2E 7S9
c. LOBLAWS INC. 2005 WHITEWATER BREWING 1-866-265-8612.
Crown 8059 - March, 2005 |
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PC Light
- This is a silver 355mL can with white text and the new redesign.
c. LOBLAWS INC. 2005 WHITEWATER BREWING 1-866-265-8612 |
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PC Pilsner - The 355mL Pilsner can is metallic blue. These are
three nice cans!
c. LOBLAWS INC. 2005 WHITEWATER BREWING 1-866-265-8612 |
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Race Rocks Amber - This is another new brand to be canned and the
fourth can from Lighthouse Brewing in Victoria. This 355mL silver/sleight
greey can (hard to tell from the photo I have) is another attractive
can with a somewhat standard design from this microbrewry. The
Lighthouse crest is again in the middle of the can with "Race
Rocks" in a great font at the top of the can and "AMBER"
at the bottom. LIGHTHOUSE BREWING COMPANY, VICTORIA, B.C.
Ball Packaging U.S. - March, 2005 |
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Rickard's Red - A magazine ad is an unusual source for a new can
but that's exactly how we found out about a new size Rickard's
Red can in Ontario. This is also the first time this brand has
been sold in cans in Ontario. Larry Sherk called to mention
Chill, the Ontario Beer Store publication, had an ad "INTRODUCING
NEW RICKARD'S RED TALL CANS". Although there is no picture
of the can, the ad stated they would be available in the 4-Pack
packaging starting in April. The can is maroon and two sided
with the Rickard's Red oval label. A black circular graphic "BORN
IN THE PUBS" is printed on the side panel. Ted found the
cans in mid-April. *TM/MC MOLSON CANADA, 5 cities.
Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2005 |
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Robert Simpson Confederation
Ale - Retired Barrie collector Bruce
Richardson has been keeping us updated with the progress
of a new can from Robert Simpson Brewing, the first can from
this Ontario microbrewery. This brewery's packaging is magnificant
so I was expecting similar things with the can and Dave Avdichuk's
photo does not disappoint. This is my 'Pick of the Issue.' Dave
and Bruce reported the new can is available only at the brewery
as of the first weekend in June. The surprising thing to me anyway
is it's a 473ml can, sold in singles ($2.49) and four packs ($9.96).
Dave says the cans also have the temperature indicator as on
the bottle labels. Blue text on the neck says "A Small Brewery
on the Waterfront". There are a couple of paragraphs of
blue text and a map to the brewery on the back (another first?).
This can may use the same technology as on Crown's quick-chill
Kokanee cans as Dave reports the blue in the thermometer comes
out when the can is ready to drink. Great looking can! The Robert
Simpson Brewing Company Ltd., Barrie Ontario Canada L4M 1A6.
Crown xxxx- June, 2005 |
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Sapporo Reserve - Sapporo Reserve ALL MALT BEER is the first brand
extension in a can sold in the U.S. to be brewed by Sapporo Brewing
in Guelph, Ontario (Sleeman Brewing & Malting). The 650ml/22oz.
can is tapered like its silver Sapporo cousin, but has a gold
colouring with a wheat sheaf design. The can also has white Japanese
lettering on a black background. Neil McDonald bought
this can in Indianaopolis.
T - June, 2005 |
Schiltz Genuine Gold - This brand is now available in Ontario with a new
brewer. The 355ml gold/black Schlitz brand has been sold in Ontario's
Liquor stores for many years now. Formerly brewed by the Silver
Creek Brewery, La Crosse, WI., this "Stroh" brand is
now brewed by Stroh Canada, Guelph, Ontario (Sleeman). The can
is the same design as the previous versions. STROH CANADA, GUELPH,
ONTARIO.
Ball Packaging - June, 2005 |
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Schlitz Genuine Gold - The new mandatory is also available on the 473mL
can. Same design and label as the 355ml version. STROH CANADA,
GUELPH, ONTARIO.
Ball Packaging U.S. - June, 2005 |
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Shaftebury FOUR TWENTY - Could this be the first of the newly redesigned
Shaftebury packaging I read about in a trade newsletter awhile
back? In fact, this 355mL can is a new brand in cans, a black
can with red vertical stripes and SHAFTEBURY in white across
the top part of the can. Not sure of the mandatory but we'll
go with Shaftebury Brewing Company, Vernon, B.C.
Ball Packaging - May, 2005 |
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Shok - News of Labatt's entry into the 'beer with Guarana'
category followed immediately after Molson's announcement of
Kick on a Sunday in April. Cans of Shok were not available however
in stores until weeks later. Shok is a slim, 250mL silver can
with blue/black graphics. In a surprising development this week
in May, check your cans...there are two different! I'm shocked.
Dave Avdichuk discovered from the LCBO's web site Shok
is listed from the Gluek Brewing Company in the U.S. When Ted
saw "Packaged in the USA" on his can, he called Labatt's
and they say it is "Brewed in Canada". But the cans
I purchased weeks ago don't say Packaged in the USA. Both cans
are identical with three exceptions; the number of lines &
the text on the side panel, the Packaged designation and the
kind of beer. SHOK is in black text followed by "WITH GUARANA,
A NATURAL SOURCE OF CAFFEINE & Labatt Blue Pilsner (logo).
Shok is also the first can to delete the Vancouver brewing location
from the mandatory and interestingly the French is listed first;
*MC/TM LA BRASSERIE LABATT - LABATT BREWING COMPANY, 6 cities.
LBOC SPEC # 4-B-18.
1) STRONG BEER - BIERE FORTE, 7 lines of text on side panel.
2) MALT BEVERAGE, 10 lines of text on side panel, PACKAGED IN
THE USA.
Ball Packaging U.S. - April, 2005 |
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