Drewrys Extra Dry Beer Flat Top Can

Drewrys Extra Dry Flat Top History

Produced by Drewrys Ltd. U.S.A., Inc. in South Bend, Indiana, the Drewrys Extra Dry Beer flat top represents a hallmark era of mid-century Midwestern brewing. Drewrys operated out of the historic brewing complex on Elwood Avenue—originally established by the Muessel family—which grew to become one of the region's largest independent operations, producing over a million barrels annually at its peak.

The label graphics on Drewrys Extra Dry reflect the company's Canadian roots, characterized by the prominent Gothic-style typography and the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police figure. This striking visual branding made Drewrys an iconic fixture in package stores and tavern coolers across the Great Lakes region.

For breweriana collectors, this can presents substantial historical interest through its manufacturing history. Drewrys contracted with several major container manufacturers, including the American Can Company, Continental Can Company, and National Can Company. As a result, known variations exist across production batches, featuring differing metallic background tones, red-and-white color blocking, legal text placements, and state-specific tax stamped lids.

The can also stands as an enduring artifact of Drewrys' forward-looking marketing. The brewery heavily promoted the crisp, clean profile of its flagship Extra Dry brand, pioneering regional advertising themes centered on drinkability well before similar marketing became standard across the modern brewing industry.