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Today in History: Friday, January 24

1935: First canned beer goes on sale

On Jan. 24, 1935, beer drinkers rejoiced when the American Can Company, in partnership with Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company, delivered the first canned beer to drinkers in Richmond, Va. Two thousand cans of Krueger’s Finest Beer and Krueger’s Cream Ale poured into the city, much to the delight of Old Dominion beer lovers. Ninety-one percent approved of the canned beer. Within three months, more than 80 percent of the nation’s beer distributors were delivering Krueger’s canned beer. Consumers did not have to pay a deposit on the cans, unlike bottles. The cans were easier to stack as well and took less time to chill. By World War II, American beer makers were shipping millions of cans of beer overseas to thirsty GIs.