Red Cap Ale Flat Top Can

Tacoma Red Cap Ale 11 oz Flat Top

The Red Cap Ale Flat Top Can represents a significant piece of Pacific Northwest breweriana produced by the Carling Brewing Company out of its regional operations in Tacoma, Washington. Following Carling's 1958 acquisition of the historic Heidelberg brewing facility in Tacoma, the company brought its nationally recognized ale to West Coast canning lines.

Regional Packaging and Plant Network

Unlike the 12-ounce standard widely found across most of the United States, this can was manufactured in an 11-ounce capacity. This volume reflected a regional packaging convention popular in Washington and across the Western market during the mid-twentieth century.

The mandatory text on the can reflects Carling's nationwide brewing footprint, citing six major plant locations: Atlanta, Belleville, Cleveland, Frankenmuth, Natick, and Tacoma.

Graphic Design

The can showcases the brand's iconic motif centered on the vibrant red jockey cap emblem set against clean white and forest green fields. The bold typography and mid-century layout also incorporate Carling's classic promotional branding.

Collector Notes

Examples known to collectors exhibit variations in can maker logos, seam layout text, and mandatory placement. The 11-ounce Tacoma designation makes this can an enduring artifact of Carling's manufacturing era in the Pacific Northwest.