Simon Pure Beer Flat Top Can

Buffalo's Simon Pure Flat Top

The Simon Pure Beer flat top can represents a classic piece of Western New York breweriana, produced for the William Simon Brewery of Buffalo, New York. As the flagship label of one of Buffalo's longest-surviving brewing establishments, Simon Pure held a dominant presence throughout the Niagara Frontier and surrounding tavern culture.

Historical Context

Founded on Clinton and Emslie Streets on Buffalo's East Side, the William Simon Brewery persevered through industry consolidation and regional competition before shutting its doors in the early 1970s. Alongside local rival Iroquois Brewing, William Simon maintained deep roots within the Buffalo community. Simon Pure served as the centerpiece of the company's packaged lineup, frequently featured in regional print advertisements, sports sponsorships, and tavern displays.

Design and Variations

The exterior displays the prominent "Simon Pure" name paired with the brewery's longtime marketing slogan, "The Best Taste In Town," alongside mandatory text crediting The William Simon Brewery of Buffalo, New York.

Collectors document multiple variations of this flat top container across different production runs. Documented differences include can manufacturer designations—such as cans fabricated by the Continental Can Company and the American Can Company—as well as adjustments in mandatory side-panel wording and graphic alignment. Examples were also produced or modified as promotional coin bank cans featuring slotted lids.

Legacy

Due to the brewery's prominence in Upstate New York industrial heritage, the Simon Pure flat top remains a cornerstone for regional breweriana enthusiasts. The brand's lasting imprint on local culture inspired collector groups, such as the Simon Pure Chapter of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA), to adopt the historic moniker.