Bergheim Beer Flat Top Can

Reading's Pennsylvania Dutch Classic

The Can

The Bergheim Beer flat top can is a 12-ounce steel container produced during the 1960s by the Reading Brewing Company of Reading, Pennsylvania. Visually distinguished by its vibrant regional imagery, the label depicts a scenic landscape rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch culture. A dramatic waterfall cascades over rocky terrain alongside evergreen hills, while a pastoral meadow features a horse-drawn buggy, a traditional barn, a split-rail fence, and a brightly colored hex sign. Bold red Gothic lettering anchors the brand name above the scenic illustration, complemented below by the tagline "made with pure mountain spring water FROM THE PENNA. DUTCH COUNTRY".

The Brand

Introduced in the 1960s, Bergheim was crafted to appeal to regional pride across eastern Pennsylvania, leaning heavily on Germanic naming conventions and local folk iconography. By highlighting pure mountain spring water and rustic rural scenery, the brand carved out a distinct identity alongside the brewery's flagship Reading Premium line. Bergheim remained in production through the brewery's final decade, becoming a memorable label in breweriana history before production permanently concluded.

The Brewery

Reading Brewing Company was established in 1886 by Philip Bissinger at the intersection of Ninth and Laurel Streets in Reading, Pennsylvania. The plant steadily expanded its capacity, producing lagers tailored to the area's dense German-American population. When Prohibition halted alcohol production in 1920, the facility adapted by operating as the Health Beverage Company to produce non-alcoholic beverages. Following Repeal in 1933, brewing resumed under the Old Reading Brewery name, eventually returning to the Reading Brewing Company moniker in subsequent years. Despite maintaining loyal regional support throughout the Mid-Atlantic, intense competition and industry consolidation forced the historic brewery to close its doors in 1976.

Collecting Context

Among breweriana enthusiasts, this flat top can is celebrated for its elaborate pictorial lithography and Pennsylvania Dutch motif. Cans from this era that showcase fully illustrated scenic artwork—rather than standard geometric or abstract designs—remain standout display pieces for regional Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic beer can collectors.