Chevy Ale Cone Top Can

Hudepohl Chevy Ale Cone Top

Produced by the Hudepohl Brewing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Chevy Ale cone top can holds a notable place in breweriana history. Introduced in the late 1930s, Chevy Ale represented Hudepohl's venture into canning top-fermented ale alongside its dominant regional lager portfolio.

Because consumer demand in the Midwest heavily favored lager, ale was produced and canned in significantly smaller quantities. Consequently, Chevy Ale cans are far scarcer than the brewery's standard lager issues from the same era, making them highly sought after by collectors specializing in Ohio brewing history.

The brand name itself is a frequent point of interest. Rather than being linked to the automotive brand, "Chevy" is believed to draw from traditional British terminology and folklore, such as the historic ballad of "Chevy Chase," reflecting the British origins traditionally associated with ale brewing.

The can appeared across different structural formats throughout its run, including early J-spout styles manufactured by Crown Cork & Seal as well as later Crowntainer formats. Known variations showcase different graphic elements, such as deep blue backgrounds, distinct typography, horseshoe motifs, and variations in mandatory tax statements.

In the post-World War II period, Hudepohl transitioned the brand name to Old 85 Ale and later Chevy 85 Ale before phasing out cone tops entirely. The original cone top remains one of the premier artifacts from Cincinnati's pre-war canning era.