History and Collecting Tips for Vintage Michelob Beer Bottles

The History of Michelob Bottles

Michelob beer has been around since 1896 when it was first brewed by the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally called Michelob Lager, it was one of the first American lagers made by a large brewery and was marketed as a premium beer. The name Michelob came from a Bohemian brewmaster named Michalob who helped develop the original recipe.

From the beginning, Michelob was bottled in unique, custom-made bottles that helped contribute to its premium image. The early Michelob bottles featured a squat, stubby shape that was reminiscent of European beer bottles. The bottles were embossed with the Anheuser-Busch logo and the words "Michelob Lager Beer" in large block letters.

The 1960s - New Bottle Design

In 1961, Anheuser-Busch introduced a new bottle design for Michelob. The new bottles were taller and slimmer with a curved neck and embossed logo. The embossing read "Michelob - Anheuser-Busch, Inc." around the perimeter of the neck. The new shape gave the bottles an elegant, modern look that matched the premium quality of the beer.

These 1960s vintage Michelob bottles are highly prized by beer bottle collectors today. The embossed logos are a prominent feature that makes these bottles easily identifiable. The slim profile and curved neck give them a distinctly mid-century aesthetic. Most of these bottles were produced in various shades of brown or green glass.

The 1970s - Introduction of the Pry-Off Cap

In the 1970s, Michelob bottles underwent another redesign with the introduction of a pry-off cap. Earlier beer bottles had utilized a variety of closure methods including cork stoppers and crown caps that needed a bottle opener. The new pry-off caps created a more convenient opening while helping prevent accidental openings and spills.

Michelob boasted about the new pry-off cap by using the slogan "Hops on top. Flip off cap." The bottles with pry-off caps can be identified by their flat tops rather than the rounded crown finishes required for applying crown caps. These 1970s Michelob bottles are also wider and bulkier than earlier versions.

The Late 1970s - Early 1980s

By the late 1970s, Michelob beer was one of the top selling beers in America. The bottle design evolved with a leaner, straight-sided profile and a reduction in the embossing. Short neck versions often featured a plastic label wrap around the neck identifying the beer as "Michelob."

Long neck bottles from this era have small embossed logos on the neck with "Michelob" in cursive script - a signature look that is instantly recognizable. These bottles came in various colors like amber, clear and green, as Michelob packaged their beers in multiple ways during this time period.

Collecting Vintage Michelob Bottles

For beer enthusiasts, collectors and nostalgia buffs, vintage Michelob bottles offer an intriguing window into the evolution of beer packaging and branding. Here are some tips for collecting these historic bottles:

Watch for Rare Styles and Sizes

Michelob released various limited edition bottle styles over the years including commemorative Olympic editions, curved bottles and uniquely shaped bottles. Small sample sized "pony bottles" were also produced. Look for hard-to-find bottle sizes, colors and embossing styles.

Focus on Condition

Well-preserved vintage Michelob bottles with chips, cracks, staining or damage are far less desirable to collectors. Valuable bottles should have good clarity, original labels if applicable and intact embossing.

Display Your Collection

Group bottles together from a certain era to showcase the evolution of styles. Use lighting and risers to feature embossed logos. Clean bottles thoroughly and consider methods like dust covers when not on display.

Research and Document Bottles

Consult collector guides to properly identify, date and categorize bottles. Look for identifying marks like date codes on the glass or paper labels. Photograph and catalog your collection along with details like date, bottle style and place found.

Join Collector Groups

Connect with other Michelob bottle collectors to trade stories and information. Groups like the American Bottle Auction Association provide resources for collectors. Membership often provides access to collector newsletters and exclusive bottle lists.

For over a century, Michelob has produced quality beers packaged in distinctive bottles that appeal to breweriana collectors today. With their classic designs and variety of embossing styles, old Michelob bottles are compelling pieces of beer history.

FAQs

What are some defining features of 1960s Michelob bottles?

1960s Michelob bottles had a taller, slimmer shape with a curved neck. The embossing read "Michelob - Anheuser-Busch, Inc." around the neck perimeter. They were produced in shades of brown or green glass.

How did Michelob bottles change in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, Michelob introduced a pry-off bottle cap and adopted the slogan "Hops on top. Flip off cap." The bottles became wider and bulkier. They can be identified by the flat top finish.

What are some characteristics of late 1970s/early 1980s Michelob bottles?

These bottles featured a leaner, straight-sided profile and smaller embossed logos on the neck. Short neck bottles had a plastic label wrap identifying them as "Michelob." They came in colors like amber, clear and green.

What should you look for when collecting vintage Michelob bottles?

Focus on condition, rare sizes/styles, identifiable embossing, original labels, and clarity of the glass. Do research to properly identify and document the bottles in your collection.

Where can I learn more about collecting Michelob bottles?

Join collector groups like the American Bottle Auction Association to connect with other enthusiasts. Consult collecting guides and resources to learn about different Michelob bottles and their origins.