Alps Brau Bavarian Style Beer Flat Top Can

Alps Brau Silver Trim Flat Top Can

This 12-ounce flat top can dates to the late 1950s, manufactured for the Centlivre Brewing Corporation of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Designated by collectors as the silver trim variation, this version is defined by the bare metallic silver bands framing the top and bottom of the label rather than the gold-toned trim found on other printings. The upper metallic border carries the slogan "FROM MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOPS," while the bottom band reads "COOL • CRISP • CLEAR."

Centlivre introduced Alps Brau in 1957 to celebrate the brewery's 95th anniversary. Positioned as a Bavarian-style premium beer, the brand invoked Alpine purity and Old World brewing heritage. The rollout was backed by an extensive advertising push across the region, highlighted by radio jingles performed by local musical act Nancy Lee and the Hilltoppers repeating the refrain, "Very Bavarian, Very Bavarian, Very Bavarian Beer". On the label, this motif is reinforced by a snowcapped alpine peak framing a large blue "A," an embossed-look silver seal declaring "Bavarian Style Premium BEER," and a sweeping red banner displaying the brand name in blackletter type. Alps Brau outlived the Centlivre company name, continuing under subsequent ownership until the late 1970s.

Founded in 1862 by French immigrant Charles Lewis Centlivre, the operation began as the French Brewery along the canal in Fort Wayne. Over decades, it developed into a local institution, even establishing its own streetcar route and the Centlivre Park public beer gardens. The company weathered Prohibition by manufacturing commercial ice and near-beer under the name Centlivre Ice and Cold Storage Company, resuming standard production after repeal as the Centlivre Brewing Corporation. As national shipping brewers squeezed regional producers during the post-World War II era, the family-led brewery struggled against industry consolidation. A corporate reorganization in the early 1960s transferred ownership to employees under the name Old Crown Brewing Corporation, which ran the Fort Wayne plant until closing in 1973.

Midwestern breweriana collectors actively pursue Centlivre containers for their regional significance and vibrant mid-century styling. This Alps Brau flat top marks the final era of the founding family's management, making the distinct trim finishes sought-after additions for collectors documenting Indiana brewing history.