Olde English Brand 800 Stout Malt Liquor Flat Top Can

Olde English 800 Stout Flat Top

The Olde English Brand 800 Stout Malt Liquor flat top issued by the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company of Portland, Oregon, represents a foundational piece of Pacific Northwest brewing history and the origins of one of America's most recognizable malt liquor labels.

Brand Origins and Evolution

The brand lineage traces back through earlier iterations before Blitz-Weinhard introduced the "800" designation. The recipe and brand identity originated as Ruff's Olde English Stout produced by the Peoples Brewing Company in Duluth, Minnesota. It subsequently evolved into Olde English 600 under Bohemian Breweries in Spokane, Washington, before Blitz-Weinhard acquired the rights. Under Blitz-Weinhard's stewardship, the beverage adopted the "800" moniker and retained the "Stout Malt Liquor" phrasing on early packaging. Olde English 800 surged in popularity to become the Portland brewery's flagship offering, serving as a primary driver of the company's business prior to its acquisition by the Pabst Brewing Company.

Design and Production

The can showcases classic Old English Gothic typography paired with bold numeral branding and traditional heraldic shield graphics. Sized in the regional 11-ounce capacity common to the Pacific Northwest market, these cans were produced with Continental Can Company manufacturing marks along the seam.

Known Variations

Collectors recognize multiple variations across production batches. Variations primarily feature differences in top lid stamping—such as state-mandated alcohol content statements—as well as minor shifts in mandatory brewery text and canning plant markings.