Hudepohl Old 85 Ale Cone Top Can

Hudepohl Old 85 Ale Cone Top

This 12-ounce cone top container represents mid-century canned ale packaging produced by the Hudepohl Brewing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Constructed with a classic tapered cone top and sealed by a crown cap, the can carries an Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) tax statement, placing its production squarely in the era between the late 1930s and the early 1950s. The label presentation showcases a distinctive cream-and-gold central oval accented with deep red and gold horizontal border bands. The brewery name appears in traditional Gothic script draped across an arched ribbon banner, hovering over bold typography for "OLD 85" and vibrant red lettering for "ALE."

Hudepohl introduced Old 85 Ale to serve customers seeking a richer, top-fermented brew alongside their primary lager offerings. The numeric "85" paid homage to the brewery's founding year of 1885. Originally linked to the brewery's earlier Chevy Ale brand, the label was rebranded as Old 85 Ale before later becoming Chevy 85 Ale during the post-war era. In the Cincinnati market, it competed directly with regional ales from nearby rivals like Red Top and Burger, giving local drinkers a full-flavored choice in a market that was rapidly trending toward light pale lagers.

The Hudepohl Brewing Company was founded in 1885 by German immigrant Ludwig (Louis) Hudepohl II in Cincinnati, a city renowned for its rich brewing heritage. Hudepohl grew into one of the Queen City's most prominent breweries and became one of the few local operations to survive Prohibition by manufacturing near-beer and other products. When national Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Hudepohl swiftly resumed commercial brewing and invested heavily in modern canning equipment. The brewery remained an independent civic institution for a century before competitive pressures led to a merger with the local Schoenling Brewing Company in 1986.

For vintage breweriana enthusiasts, cone top cans from historic brewing hubs like Cincinnati carry enduring historical appeal. Old 85 Ale reflects a transitional period when regional brewers utilized heavy-gauge cone top cans to distribute specialty styles, making it a standout representative of mid-century Ohio canning history.