Rainier Beer Flat Top Can

Sicks' Spokane Rainier Flat Top

Produced by Sicks' Rainier Brewing Co. in Spokane, Washington, this Rainier Beer flat top can holds an important place in Pacific Northwest breweriana history. Part of the regional brewing enterprise established by Emil Sick, the Spokane facility served as a key packaging hub to supply Rainier products throughout Eastern Washington and the Inland Northwest.

Regional Identification and Design

While Rainier packaging was widely recognized across the region, cans filled at the Spokane plant are distinguished by mandatory statement text identifying Sicks' Rainier Brewing in Spokane. This separates them from cans filled at the primary Seattle facility. The lithography highlights the classic red Rainier gothic script and heraldic motifs set against metallic paneling.

Known Variations

Collectors recognize multiple variations of Rainier flat tops produced at the Spokane facility. These variations include subtle differences in the layout of mandatory text statements, shifts in background metallic color tones, and distinct top lids stamped with regional alcohol tax declarations or percentage notices. The Spokane plant also filled cans associated with decorative pictorial releases, such as the Jubilee series.

The Seattle Wind Tunnel Discovery

Rainier flat tops from the Spokane brewery gained widespread prominence in the collector community following the historic Seattle wind tunnel discovery. A massive hoard of Rainier cans from both the Seattle and Spokane operations was discovered sealed inside a decommissioned aeronautical wind tunnel in Washington. This event brought significant hobby attention to Sicks' mid-century packaging lines and cemented Spokane-labeled Rainier cans as celebrated staples among Pacific Northwest collectors.