Fehr's X/l Beer Flat Top Can

Fehr's X/L: A Louisville Classic

Produced by the Frank Fehr Brewing Company of Louisville, Kentucky, the Fehr's X/L Beer flat top can represents one of the cornerstone brands of the Ohio Valley brewing landscape. Frank Fehr originally introduced the "X/L" moniker—standing for "Extra Lager"—in the 1880s, earning consecutive gold medals at the Louisville Southern Exposition. For decades, Fehr's stood alongside Oertel's and Falls City as one of Louisville's prominent "Big Three" breweries.

Design and Collector Significance

The graphic presentation of the Fehr's X/L flat top can centers around bold typography and the brewery's classic heraldic emblem. Many examples prominently incorporate the company's famous rhyming marketing slogan, "It's Always Fehr Weather," a catchphrase featured widely across point-of-sale tavern displays, print campaigns, and can labels.

Among breweriana collectors, Fehr's flat tops are appreciated for their clean mid-century aesthetic and deep connection to Kentucky industrial heritage. The cans represent the high-volume post-war era from the brewery's historic facility on East Liberty Street prior to the market consolidation brought on by national brewing giants.

Known Variations

Collectors recognize variations across different production runs of the Fehr's X/L flat top. Different examples showcase variations in background finishes—including metallic silver and white enamel—along with distinct center colors within the Fehr's trademark shield. Additional variations can be found in the canning company manufacturing marks and regulatory seam statements.