Red Top Old Flavor Ale Flat Top Can

Cincinnati's Red Top Ale Heritage

The Red Top Old Flavor Ale flat top can is a notable piece of mid-century breweriana produced by the Red Top Brewing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Operating out of Cincinnati's historic Dayton Street brewing corridor—occupying the former John Hauck Brewery facility—Red Top expanded rapidly following the repeal of Prohibition to become one of the largest brewing operations in the state.

Brewery History and Brand Lore

Red Top achieved widespread regional distribution across the Midwest and beyond during the 1940s and 1950s. The company was recognized for its energetic marketing campaigns and local sports associations. In the mid-1950s, the brewery generated headlines when former New York Yankees outfielder and four-time World Series champion Tommy Henrich took over as company president to spearhead advertising and sales initiatives.

Design and Production

The can features the brewery's signature bold crimson palette and clean period typography, displaying the traditional "Old Flavor" ale branding. Red Top was an early adopter of canned beer packaging, utilizing containers produced by major container makers of the era, such as Continental Can Company and National Can Corporation.

Collector Notes and Variations

Among breweriana collectors, Red Top cans serve as a classic representation of Cincinnati's industrial brewing era. Multiple manufacturing variations exist across different production runs, reflecting slight adjustments in can company manufacturing codes, patent markings, and label text layouts. Red Top ceased brewing in Cincinnati during the late 1950s, leaving behind a celebrated graphic catalog that remains central to Midwest breweriana collections.