Old Crown Ale Test Can

Old Crown Ale Test Can Overview

The Old Crown Ale Test Can represents a pivotal transition period in Midwestern brewing history. Originally established and brewed for decades by the Centlivre Brewing Company (later the Old Crown Brewing Corporation) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Old Crown brand portfolio was acquired by Chicago’s Peter Hand Brewing Company during the 1970s brand consolidation era.

To explore refreshed packaging and evaluate market viability after acquiring the label, Peter Hand produced sample test cans for Old Crown Ale. These mock-ups allowed brewery executives and marketing teams to experiment with typography, color palettes, and the placement of the classic Old Crown heraldic insignia alongside Chicago mandatory brewery text.

Because test cans were manufactured strictly for internal review, distributor presentations, and preliminary line trials rather than standard mass retail distribution, they provide valuable insight into the final era of the historic Peter Hand facility on North Avenue—the last operational legacy brewery in Chicago during that era. Known variations feature subtle differences in background metal finishes, lettering weight, and mandatory label layout.