Sebewaing Beer Flat Top Can

Sebewaing Pheasant Flat Top Can

Dating to the 1950s, this 12-ounce flat top container features one of Michigan's most recognizable mid-century regional beer designs. The face of the can prominently showcases a ring-necked pheasant in flight, rendered in red outline art across the body. Angled over the bird is the "Sebewaing" brand name in bold black gothic lettering, accompanied directly underneath by a helpful phonetic pronunciation aid reading "SAY CB WING." Below the red "BEER" typography and the "SINCE 1880" date mark flanked by a hop cone illustration, the lower portion highlights the brewery's signature claim, "Made from Deep Rock Well Water," displayed in script above the red brewery identification band.

Sebewaing Beer served as the flagship label for the small-town brewery following the repeal of Prohibition. Positioned to appeal directly to regional workers as well as sportsmen visiting Michigan's Upper Thumb—an area famous for its game hunting and fishing—the brand heavily embraced outdoor motifs. The flying pheasant became a central fixture across the company's product lines and advertising materials. The phonetic "SAY CB WING" line on the can was specifically intended to assist patrons beyond the immediate locale with the pronunciation of the Native American-derived town name, aiding wider regional distribution before changing market conditions phased out the brand.

Brewing roots in Sebewaing date to the late nineteenth century, operating for years under identities including the Huron County Brewing Company before state-level prohibition took effect. During the dry era, the facility stayed open by selling malt extract under the Sebewaing Products Company name. In 1933, an investor group reestablished brewing under the Sebewaing Brewing Company banner. The brewery prospered locally through the 1940s and 1950s, but ownership changes and a corporate rebranding to Michigan Brewing Company in the 1960s alienated loyal patrons, leading to the brewery's eventual closure in 1966.

Sebewaing flat tops remain popular among collectors of Michigan breweriana and wildlife-themed graphic cans. The combination of iconic game bird imagery, period typography, and regional brewing history gives this can enduring appeal among Midwestern beer can enthusiasts.