Drewrys Extra Dry Beer Flat Top Can

Chicago Drewrys Extra Dry Flat Top

The Drewrys Extra Dry Beer flat top bearing the Chicago, Illinois mandatory statement holds a special status among mid-century breweriana collectors. Although Drewrys Ltd. U.S.A. originated in Canada and maintained its primary American production hub in South Bend, Indiana, the brewery also packaged beer in Chicago. Because distribution from the Chicago facility was far more localized, cans bearing the Chicago imprint are substantially scarcer and more elusive than their common Indiana counterparts.

Graphic Design and Mountie Motif

The label’s visual identity centers on the signature Drewrys Canadian Mountie emblem, which served as an unmistakable homage to the company's Canadian lineage. Depicted in full dress uniform inside a heraldic shield motif, the Mountie design is paired with bold typography highlighting the "Extra Dry" designation. Drewrys featured this classic iconography across its mid-century line, making the brand one of the most recognizable fixtures in Midwest taverns.

The Famous Chicago Tavern Pyramid Discovery

A legendary chapter in breweriana lore surrounds these Chicago-issued cans. During the 1970s, collectors discovered an elaborate, towering display pyramid inside an old Chicago tavern constructed entirely from Drewrys cans. Because the cans had been soldered together to stabilize the massive display, many surviving Chicago specimens from this find carry telltale solder marks along their seams and lids, tying them directly to this historic barroom installation.

Manufacturing and Label Variations

Drewrys sourced cans from multiple major container producers of the era, including the Continental Can Company and the American Can Company. Known variations exist across different production runs, featuring subtle differences in metallic finishes, background enamel coatings, seam styles, and mandatory text placements. Due to their regional distribution and fascinating discovery history, Chicago-labeled Drewrys flat tops remain prized centerpieces for regional can collectors.