Drewrys Bock Flat Top Can

Drewrys Bock Flat Top Beer Can

The Can

The Drewrys Bock Flat Top Can dates to the late 1950s and early 1960s, representing the seasonal dark lager canned by Drewry's Ltd. in South Bend, Indiana. Set against an all-white background, the front displays a gold heraldic shield emblazoned with bold typography, featuring "BOCK" in bright yellow between "DREWRYS" and "BEER." Positioned inside an inset shield crest at the top is the brewery's trademark Canadian Mountie dressed in a red tunic, Stetson hat, and gloves, flanked by stars and the text "CONTENTS 12 FL. OZ." The upper rim bears the line "BREWED FROM CHOICE MATERIALS," while the lower rim features the slogan "A FAMOUS NAME SINCE 1877." Original cans from this run are especially celebrated among collectors for featuring factory Drewrys Bock vanity lids.

The Brand

The Drewrys brand originated with Edward Lancaster Drewry, who founded the original Canadian operation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1877. Following the repeal of Prohibition, the company expanded into the United States, utilizing the Mountie figure and Canadian heritage to establish brand identity. Drewrys Bock was brewed as a spring seasonal in the German brewing tradition, offering a malt-forward complement to the company's year-round Extra Dry lager. Positioned as a beloved Midwestern staple, the brand maintained high visibility across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio throughout the mid-20th century.

The Brewery

Drewry's Ltd., U.S.A. made its American home in South Bend, Indiana, during the mid-1930s by acquiring and revitalizing the pre-Prohibition Muessel Brewing Company complex. South Bend served as the engine of the company's regional dominance, expanding capacity until annual output eclipsed one million barrels by the early 1960s. In 1963, Drewrys merged into Associated Brewing Company. Amid fierce consolidation and nationwide price competition, Associated was acquired in 1972 by the G. Heileman Brewing Company, which permanently closed the South Bend plant late that same year.

Collecting Context

Bock beer cans from the flat-top era are prime focal points for breweriana collections due to their limited seasonal brewing schedules compared to standard lagers. Featuring Drewrys' signature Mountie iconography and historic South Bend heritage, this can represents a standout piece of post-war graphic design and Midwestern brewing history.