Highlander Beer Flat Top Can

Sicks' Highlander Flat Top Can

This 12-ounce flat top can represents an important mid-1940s release from Montana's brewing scene. Originating during the Internal Revenue Tax Paid era, the can carries the mandatory tax statement along the upper rim alongside the state-mandated caption, "CONTAINS NOT OVER 4% ALCOHOL BY WEIGHT". The front label features bold red border bands framing a white background, highlighted by the diagonal phrasing "A Sicks' Quality Product" in light blue script above the stylized, sweeping script of the "Highlander" brand name. Below the primary logo, block lettering identifies the contents simply as "BEER," while the lower margin designates the packager as "Sicks' Missoula Brewing Co." of Missoula, Montana, noting that it was a product of one of the world's great brewing organizations.

Highlander stood as Western Montana's quintessential regional brew. Marketed heavily across the state as a homegrown staple, the brand was promoted in tavern signage and regional publications as "Montana's Favorite". Under the stewardship of the Sick brewing empire, Highlander enjoyed broad distribution throughout the northern Rockies. In subsequent years, the brand transitioned to a well-known Scottish tartan label before the label finally ceased regular production in the mid-1960s.

The brewing lineage in Missoula dates back through earlier operations including the Garden City Brewery, which was reorganized as the Missoula Brewing Company following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. In 1944, Pacific Northwest brewing magnate Emil Sick—whose holdings included Rainier Brewing Company—purchased the operation and renamed it Sicks' Missoula Brewing Company. Emil Sick incorporated the facility into his extensive brewing enterprise across the Northwest and Western Canada. By 1949, the brewery returned to operating under the Missoula Brewing Company name. The historic plant at the foot of Waterworks Hill continued operations until 1964, when regional consolidation and the construction of Interstate 90 led to its permanent closure.

Flat top cans from Montana's mid-century era hold considerable appeal for breweriana collectors. Early cans from regional mountain facilities were produced in comparatively modest quantities compared to national shipping breweries, making examples from Emil Sick's Missoula tenure especially sought after by regional specialists and can enthusiasts alike.