Kol Premium Quality Beer Flat Top Can

Chicago's Kol Flat Top Can

The Kol Premium Quality Beer Flat Top Can was produced by the Best Brewing Company of Chicago, Illinois. Established by the Hasterlik family, Best Brewing operated out of its historic multi-story facility on Fletcher Street in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. After Prohibition ended, the brewery resumed operations and became known for packaging several house labels and contract brews for regional distribution.

The Kol brand featured bold mid-century styling and typography, often accompanied by marketing taglines such as "Extra Light – Extra Dry" in addition to the "Premium Quality" label designation. These cans were produced using the American Can Company's patented "Keglined" canning process, which utilized a specialized internal protective coating.

For breweriana collectors, the Kol flat top serves as a classic example of Chicago's post-repeal brewing heritage. Known variations exist across different production runs, exhibiting differences in canning codes, tax stamp lids, mandatory information placement, and slight changes in corporate phrasing. The can stands as a notable artifact from the era of independent Midwestern brewing before widespread industry consolidation.