Richbrau Bock Flat Top Can

Richmond's Richbrau Bock Flat Top

The Richbrau Bock Flat Top Can was issued by the Home Brewing Company of Richmond, Virginia. Although Richmond holds a notable place in breweriana history as the testing ground for early canned beer, Home Brewing Company long favored traditional bottles before expanding into canned products. When the company packaged its seasonal bock, it created what has become a coveted regional staple among breweriana enthusiasts.

Design and Visual Variations

Home Brewing Company decorated the Richbrau Bock can with classic bock heraldry, prominently displaying a goat mascot set against a bold background. Among dedicated collectors of Virginia cans, this label is particularly well-known for its subtle production differences. Several variations exist across production runs, featuring differences such as metallic versus non-metallic paint finishes, varying text colors for the word "Beer," and minor alterations to the size and placement of the goat illustration.

Collector Significance

Because bock beer was traditionally brewed as a seasonal offering rather than a year-round product, canning runs for Richbrau Bock were substantially smaller than those for the standard Richbrau Premium Lager. This lower production output, combined with the regional distribution of the Home Brewing Company, makes the flat top version a significant highlight in East Coast and bock-themed collections.

Brewery Background

The Home Brewing Company, located at Harrison and Clay Streets in Richmond, was an enduring local institution that weathered Prohibition and served the central Virginia market for decades. The Richbrau brand was its flagship label, and the surviving Richbrau Bock cans stand as prominent artifacts of Richmond's post-Prohibition independent brewing history.