Bergheim Beer Flat Top Can

Bergheim Beer Flat Top History

Produced by the Old Reading Brewery in Reading, Pennsylvania, the Bergheim Beer flat top can represents a classic piece of Mid-Atlantic brewing history. Originating from a brewery founded in the late nineteenth century by Philip Bissinger, Bergheim was packaged at the historic facility located at 9th and Laurel Streets.

Design and Variations

The can features a traditional Germanic-inspired aesthetic, sporting bold typography alongside regional brewery markings. Collectors note that variations exist across different production runs, showcasing slight differences in brewery corporate text designations—reflecting the evolution between the Old Reading Brewery and subsequent operating names—as well as subtle differences in can manufacturer stamps and mandatory state tax lid markings, such as the Pennsylvania tax stamp.

Souvenir Cans and Brewery Lore

The Bergheim brand holds a well-documented place in breweriana lore tied directly to the final days of the Reading facility. When brewing operations ceased in April 1976, the packaging lines ran out of beer before the remaining empty Bergheim can inventory was exhausted. Plant workers sealed the remaining empty cans containing only brewery air, creating novel souvenirs for employees and visiting collectors. While flat top versions were filled with beer during regular commercial distribution, the brand's long-standing connection to the brewery's legacy has made Bergheim a memorable favorite among regional can collectors.