Drewrys Extra Dry Beer Flat Top Can

Drewrys Iconic Mountie Flat Top

Originating from Drewrys Ltd. in South Bend, Indiana, the Drewrys Extra Dry Beer flat top is among the most recognized mid-century regional cans in American breweriana. The brand traced its heritage back to Canada before establishing a major Midwestern brewing operation in South Bend following the repeal of Prohibition. To highlight this heritage, the brewery adopted a Canadian Mountie as its central mascot.

The Mountie illustration underwent notable graphic evolutions across different production runs. Early iterations portrayed the red-coated officer standing beside his horse, while later artwork shifted focus entirely to the Mountie alone, eventually culminating in a bold graphic covering nearly the entire reverse side of the can. Drewrys was also widely known for issuing decorative themed sets on their flat tops, featuring sports silhouettes, astrological horoscope charts, and facial character guides.

Collectors frequently identify these cans by subtle manufacturing markings. Drewrys utilized major packaging suppliers such as the American Can Company and National Can Company. On cans fabricated by the American Can Company, a small plant code indicates where the can was filled, with an "S" designating the South Bend plant. Several variations exist throughout the run, distinguished by subtle alterations in brewery mandatory text, front shield graphics, and factory-stamped promotional vanity lids.