Rainier Beer Flat Top Can

Spokane Rainier Beer Flat Top Can

The Rainier Beer flat top can produced by Sicks' Spokane Brewery in Spokane, Washington, represents a notable chapter in Pacific Northwest breweriana. Operating under the leadership of brewing executive Emil Sick, the enterprise expanded beyond its flagship Seattle base, utilizing the Spokane facility to package and distribute Rainier Beer across the Inland Empire and neighboring regional markets.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Cans filled at the Spokane plant are distinguished by mandatory text reading "Sicks' Spokane Brewery," differentiating them from issues produced at the Seattle operations. The graphic presentation features the iconic red Rainier gothic script and heraldic crest elements over metallic paneling.

Collectors recognize various variations associated with the Spokane facility. These variations include subtle shifts in mandatory text alignment, metallic background coloration, and top lid stampings created to comply with differing regional alcohol control regulations. The Spokane operation also packaged cans featuring pictorial designs, such as illustrated toast and scene motifs.

The Seattle Wind Tunnel Discovery

Rainier flat tops from the Spokane plant gained widespread fame within breweriana collecting due to the historic Seattle wind tunnel discovery. A massive cache of Rainier flat top cans from both the Spokane and Seattle facilities was found preserved in a decommissioned aeronautical wind tunnel in Washington. This discovery brought substantial hobby attention to Emil Sick's regional packaging and highlighted the diverse label variations produced across his brewing network.