- Colt 45 (malt liquor)
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Colt 45 Manufacturer Pabst Brewing Company Introduced 1963 Alcohol by volume 6.1 In the US, 8.0 in Canada Style Malt Liquor Colt 45 is a brand of malt liquor introduced by National Brewing Company in the spring of 1963. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the National Brewing Company and its brands (including Colt 45) are today owned by the Pabst Brewing Company.
Colt 45 is available today in a multitude of packages and sizes. Cans are available in 12, 16 and 24 ounce packages and bottles are available in 7, 12, 16, 18, 22, 32 and 40 ounce packages. Cans are available in multi-packs including: 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36 packs of 12 ounce cans.
Contents
History
National Brewing Company introduced Colt 45 in 1963. Previously, the only major national brand of malt liquor was Country Club. The label was designed with a kicking horse and horseshoe, a subtle reference to its "extra kick" compared to competing brands.
Listed on the Pabst website as a "Fun Fact", Colt 45 was named after running back #45 Jerry Hill of the 1963 Baltimore Colts and not the pistol or the revolver.
The label has a long-time advertising association with actor Billy Dee Williams, who has been seen in print ads, on billboards and in television ads for Colt 45 starting in the 1980s. The product's slogan during that era, as stated by Williams in his television commercials, was, "It works every time." Williams responded indifferently to criticism of his appearances in the liquor commercials. When questioned about his appearances is alleged to have said, "I drink, you drink. Hell, if marijuana was legal, I'd appear in a commercial for that too."[1] Colt 45 is a historically popular alcoholic beverage within the African-American community.
Alternative products
Colt 45 makers experimented briefly with a mint flavored derivative, marketed under the name Cool Colt, in the early 90s.[2] Available in limited quantities, it was largely met with puzzlement from loyal customers. While it was in production, the slogan for Cool Colt was "Taste the Cool."
A double malt version -- titled Colt 45 Double Malt -- is also produced; it has the same alcohol content as Colt 45 Malt Liquor, contrary to popular belief. Sold in only certain regions, the label is distinguishable by two horseshoes rather than the standard single one.
In 2011, Pabst Brewing introduced Blast by Colt 45. Snoop Dogg signed on to promote the beverage as Blast's "brand ambassador."[3] The 12% ABV fruit-flavored malt beverage has been criticized for targeting underage drinkers.[4] In order to cooperate with FDA regulations, Blast by Colt does not contain caffeine, taurine, or guarana.
References
- ^ Kiefaber, David (July 20, 2007). "Billy Dee’s charisma still works every time". AdWeek Blogs. http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/billy-dee-s-charisma-still-works-every-time-17102. Retrieved 2011-6-1.
- ^ "G. Heileman tests malt liquor segment with Cool Colt debut - G. Heileman Brewing Company Inc". Modern Brewery Age. 1993-01-25. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3469/is_n4_v44/ai_13524074. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
- ^ Press Release: Pabst Brewing Company Introduces the Ultimate Cocktail
- ^ Officials Say New Alcoholic Soda Targets Teens, foxnews.com
External links
Malt liquors (style of beer) Big Bear · Clix · Colt 45 · Hurricane · King Cobra · Laser · Olde English 800 · Mickey's · Private Stock · St. Ides · Steel ReserveCategories:- American beer brands
- 1963 introductions
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