Old Topper Lager Beer Crowntainer

Old Topper Lager Beer Overview

The Old Topper Lager Beer Crowntainer was manufactured by the Crown Cork & Seal Company for the Rochester Brewing Company of Rochester, New York. Serving as the brewery's primary brand, Old Topper gained strong regional brand recognition across upstate New York and neighboring territories.

The can design prominently showcases the distinguished "Old Topper" character—a dapper, formal gentleman wearing a top hat, bowtie, and monocle alongside classic typography. The label also highlights the brewery's signature trademark graphics and corporate name.

Over the course of its manufacturing life, several variations appeared across different printing runs. Collectors note subtle differences in the mandatory legal text—such as the presence of Internal Revenue Tax Paid (IRTP) markings—as well as minor shifts in lettering layout, background shading, and metallic finish accents.

Rochester Brewing Company heavily promoted the Old Topper name, putting it in direct competition with fellow Rochester operations such as Genesee and Standard Brewing. Today, this can serves as an enduring artifact of New York State's mid-century brewing landscape.