Northern Beer Flat Top Can

Northern Beer Flat Top Can

This 12-ounce flat top beer can represents mid-century packaging produced for the Northern Brewing Company of Superior, Wisconsin. The design features a centered dark maroon rectangular panel showcasing the bold white script brand name alongside a green circular emblem depicting Northwoods evergreen trees. Beneath this central block, a prominent green star accompanies the cursive slogan "It's Superior," while the bottom rim carries the mandatory statement noting the container was brewed and filled by Northern Brewing Company.

Northern Beer served as the brewery's flagship label, positioned as the premier hometown beverage of northwestern Wisconsin and the Twin Ports region. The marketing leaned heavily into local identity and regional pride, using memorable catchphrases such as "It's Superior"—a deliberate double entendre celebrating both its brewing home in Superior and the purity associated with Lake Superior. Across its distribution footprint, Northern Beer became an everyday staple at local taverns and dinner tables throughout the mid-20th century.

The brewery's origins trace back to 1890, when it was established as the Klinkert Brewing Company by Louis Rueping and John A. Klinkert in West Superior. After the initial partnership dissolved in 1898, Rueping reorganized the enterprise as the Northern Brewing Company. The operation steadily expanded, absorbing the West Superior Brewing Company in the early 1900s to solidify its standing as a major regional commercial force. Although national Prohibition temporarily disrupted production, the plant successfully reopened upon repeal in 1933. Northern Brewing Company remained a cornerstone of Superior's industrial landscape until mounting competition from national brewing conglomerates led to its closure in 1967.

For breweriana enthusiasts, cans from Northern Brewing Company hold enduring appeal as tangible artifacts of the bygone brewing heritage of the Lake Superior harbor district. As the long-standing brewing company operating out of Superior during the peak era of flat tops, its mid-century cans remain prized additions for collectors dedicated to Wisconsin brewing history and classic Great Lakes regional breweriana.