Northern Beer Flat Top Can

Northern Beer Flat Top Can

Produced by the Northern Brewing Company of Superior, Wisconsin, the Northern Beer Flat Top Can represents a classic mid-century staple from the Upper Great Lakes brewing scene. Northern Brewing Company was an established regional powerhouse in West Superior, at one point dominating local markets across northwestern Wisconsin and shipping significant volumes throughout the Midwest.

Design and Visual Features

The can features bold typography highlighted by the brand's long-running marketing slogan: "It's Superior." This catchphrase served as an intentional double meaning, proudly nodding to both the city of Superior on Lake Superior and the brewery's claim of high quality. The layout incorporates traditional brewery crest graphics, clean border striping, and prominent state tax or volume statements common to the era.

Known Variations

Breweriana collectors recognize several distinct variations of the Northern Beer flat top. These differences appear across multiple production runs and include changes in background color schemes—such as white versus metallic finishes—as well as minor alterations to mandatory text, brewery address phrasing, and canning company markings.

Collector Significance

Because Northern Brewing Company operated independently until closing its doors in the late 1960s, its canned offerings remain a cornerstone for collectors specializing in Wisconsin breweriana and regional Upper Midwest packaging history.