Brew 66 Sicks' Select Beer Flat Top Can

Mid-Century Northwest Brew 66 Can

The Brew 66 Sicks' Select Beer flat top can dates to the early 1950s, representing a notable transitional chapter in Pacific Northwest brewing history. Produced as a 12-ounce steel flat top by Sicks' Seattle Brewing & Malting Co., this container features a distinctive design that bridges two of the company's well-known post-war labels. The central cream field is framed by top and bottom maroon bands filled with fine, diagonal gold pinstripes. Bold red numerals dominate the center, crowned by "Brew" in flowing script and crossed by an angled banner presenting "Sicks' Select" in stylized gothic lettering. At the lower left of the banner, a charming illustration of a server in a red coat carrying a drink tray completes the mid-century aesthetic.

The Brand

Brew 66 was formulated in late 1950 by brewmaster Bob Weingaertner and officially launched in July 1951 to cater to shifting consumer tastes favoring lighter lager profiles. Initially introduced with dual branding alongside the established Sicks' Select name, Brew 66 was supported by dedicated regional distribution networks and promotional campaigns throughout Washington and Oregon. As consumer marketing evolved in the mid-1950s, the Sicks' Select nameplate was gradually phased out. Brew 66 transitioned primarily into a popular regional draft beer and budget staple that remained part of the regional brewing lineup well into the early 1980s.

The Brewery

The origins of Sicks' Seattle Brewing & Malting Co. trace back to the Seattle Brewing & Malting Company, which was established in 1893 and became famous across the West for its Rainier brand. Following Prohibition, brewing entrepreneur Emil Sick rebuilt the enterprise into a formidable multi-plant powerhouse across Washington, Oregon, and western Canada. Operating key Seattle facilities including the Century plant on Westlake Avenue alongside the primary production hub on Airport Way, Emil Sick's operations dominated the regional market before ultimately consolidating and renaming as the Rainier Brewing Company.

Collecting Context

For collectors of Pacific Northwest breweriana and mid-century flat tops, this can represents a significant transitional artifact. Its combination of dual brand names, striking graphic layout, and connection to Seattle's legendary brewing lineage makes it an enduring favorite among regional can enthusiasts.