Rainier Beer Flat Top Can

Sicks' Rainier Flat Top Can

Produced by Sicks' Rainier Brewing Co. in Seattle, Washington, this flat top can represents one of the most storied chapters in Pacific Northwest breweriana. Issued during the leadership era of brewing magnate Emil Sick, the can features the classic flowing Rainier script and regional motifs paying homage to Mount Rainier.

The Seattle Wind Tunnel Discovery

A defining event in the history of this can involves the legendary "wind tunnel find" in Seattle. An expansive stash of preserved Rainier cans was uncovered inside a decommissioned industrial wind tunnel facility. The discovery introduced a vast assortment of archived factory stock, graphic designs, and production variations directly into the collecting community, making major waves among breweriana enthusiasts.

Design and Production Variations

Manufactured primarily by the American Can Company, these steel cans frequently bear the famous "Keglined" oval emblem along the seam. Collectors actively study diverse variations across production runs, focusing on subtle differences in side-seam weld construction, metallic rim text, and mandatory brewery statements.

Beyond standard commercial labels, the brewery issued decorative pictorial releases, such as the celebrated Jubilee and Party series. These illustrated cans showcased scenes of outdoor recreation, social gatherings, and regional folklore set against vibrant metallic backgrounds. Because these releases appeared across multiple print runs and color variations, they remain among the most celebrated and extensively cataloged regional issues in the hobby.