Rainier Old Stock Ale Pint Can

Rainier Old Stock Ale Pint Can

The Rainier Old Stock Ale pint can is a prominent Pacific Northwest collectible produced by Sicks' Rainier Brewing Co. in Seattle, Washington. Packaged in a full 16-ounce format, this container represents the taller pint classification issued by regional breweries for their specialty malt beverages.

Historical Context

Rainier originally offered Old Stock Ale as a hearty counterpart to its mainstream lager lines. Sicks' Rainier Brewing Co., developed from the brewing enterprise guided by Emil Sick, served as a major regional beverage power across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Over time, the brewery de-emphasized and ultimately dropped the 'Old Stock' phrasing, transitioning the brand simply to Rainier Ale. Because of this evolution, cans retaining the full 'Old Stock Ale' title represent a distinct era in the brewery's post-repeal branding history.

Design and Characteristics

The can features Rainier's traditional green and white graphic scheme, setting the ale lineup apart from the red-accented packaging of Rainier lager products. Pint containers distributed in western markets during this era often carried state-mandated alcohol control statements stamped directly into the top lid.

Among collectors, various manufacturing variations are recognized across production batches. These differences primarily appear in top lid regulatory stampings, seam layouts, and subtle alterations in mandatory brewery credit line text. Its 16-ounce stature and regional heritage make the can a core staple among collectors of Pacific Northwest breweriana.