Champagne Velvet Beer Flat Top Can

Champagne Velvet Oregon Flat Top

Background and Origin

Originally introduced by the Terre Haute Brewing Company in Indiana as "The Beer with the Million Dollar Flavor," the Champagne Velvet brand achieved widespread distribution across the United States. Following corporate shifts and regional licensing arrangements in the mid-20th century, the rights to package and distribute the brand on the West Coast were acquired by Portland's Blitz-Weinhard. To can the brand locally, the brewery operated under the alternate corporate name Brewing Corp. of Oregon (also appearing as Brewing Co. of Oregon).

Regional Packaging Characteristics

Unlike the standard 12-ounce flat tops common throughout the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest market frequently utilized 11-ounce cans to align with regional market conventions. The Champagne Velvet flat tops produced under the Brewing Corp. of Oregon name reflect these regional specifications, carrying the 11-fluid-ounce volume designation alongside pint releases.

The graphic design showcases the classic Champagne Velvet split-label motif, rendered with bold script and crown heraldry. Cans from this run were produced by the American Can Company, commonly carrying Seattle, Washington plant codes along the seam.

Collector Significance and Variations

For breweriana collectors, West Coast Champagne Velvet flat tops document the era when legacy Midwestern labels were licensed to regional Western breweries. Known variations exist across different volume capacities, manufacturing plant markings, and slight mandatory text layouts naming the Portland operation. Because Pacific Northwest distribution was localized compared to the brand's national footprint, cans bearing the Brewing Corp. of Oregon mandatory remain standout additions to regional collections.