Heileman's Special Export Beer Flat Top Can

Special Export Flat Top Can

The Heileman's Special Export Beer flat top can is a celebrated piece of Midwestern breweriana produced by the G. Heileman Brewing Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Positioned as an upscale companion to the brewery's flagship Old Style label, Special Export was marketed as a European-style brew crafted using Heileman's signature kraeusening method.

The graphic layout of this flat top can reflects its premium positioning. The artwork prominently showcases ornate heraldic crests, bold lettering, and classic maritime imagery featuring a sailing vessel to accentuate the export motif. Set against a rich palette of deep green, crisp white, and metallic gold accents, the design offered strong visual contrast on store shelves. The printed text on the can emphasized the brewer's La Crosse roots and adherence to traditional Old World brewing practices.

Among breweriana enthusiasts, several known variations exist across production runs. These variations include subtle differences in mandatory brewery statement placement, distinct can manufacturer logos, varying trademark symbols, and minor shifts in background shading and border framing. Special Export flat top cans serve as lasting artifacts of G. Heileman's mid-century brand identity and regional brewing prominence.