Fort Pitt Ale Flat Top Can

Classic Fort Pitt Ale Flat Top

The Fort Pitt Ale flat top can represents a prominent chapter in western Pennsylvania brewing history, produced by the Fort Pitt Brewing Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Operating out of facilities in Sharpsburg and Jeannette, Fort Pitt grew into one of the largest brewing operations in the region, widely remembered for its famous marketing catchphrase, "That's It—Fort Pitt!"

Graphic Design and Manufacturing

Manufactured using the American Can Company's "Keglined" process, the Fort Pitt Ale flat top features bold regional graphic design emblematic of mid-century industrial lithography. The can showcases the distinctive Fort Pitt typography, accented with traditional shield and keystone elements paying homage to Pennsylvania heritage. Early production runs incorporated statutory tax statements, such as the "Internal Revenue Tax Paid" (IRTP) designation, alongside mandatory legal notices.

Collector Variations and Historical Significance

Among breweriana enthusiasts, Fort Pitt Ale is celebrated for its regional significance and production variants. Variations exist across production runs, distinguished by minor differences in brewery plant location text, manufacturer canning codes, and slight changes to the color palette and border paneling. Because Fort Pitt generally brewed and packaged ale in smaller volumes than its flagship lagers, authentic Fort Pitt Ale flat tops remain especially prized additions to collections focusing on Pittsburgh brewing heritage and early steel cans.