Who owns COLT 45 MALT LIQUOR?

COLT 45 MALT LIQUOR is owned by

PABST BREWING CO

Website

Colt 45 malt liquor was created in 1963 in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. It was initially produced by the National Brewing Company, which had been started in 1885 by members of the Straus family and was previously famous for its National Bohemian Beer (colloquially known as “Natty Boh”).

At the time of its creation, Colt 45 was one of the first malt liquors that was widely available, following the introduction of Country Club by M. K. Goetz Brewery in 1951. Initially, the brand was marketed towards suburban white-collar middle class drinkers, with a bucking colt on its logo to signify the beer’s “extra kick.” Although it’s likely the name is a reference to the popular .45 colt ammunition, the company later claimed that the name was a reference to football player Jerry Hill, who played as a running back on the 1963 Colts and wore number 45 on his jersey.

In 1975, National was purchased by Carling O’Keefe Brewery out of Ontario, Canada. The G. Heilemen Brewing Company of Wisconsin later purchased the brand from Carling O’Keefe in 1979, and soon began to shift its marketing focus. The following year they brought on Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams for a long running campaign, with the tagline “Works Every Time.” The company also briefly experimented with a “Cool Colt” variant that was flavored with mint, and designed to be paired with menthol cigarettes.

In 1996 Stroh Brewing purchased G. Heilemen. Three years later, Pabst brewing purchased most of the Stroh brands, including Colt 45, which they’ve retained to this day. The trademark was also previously licensed to Filipino company Asia Brewery for use in the Philippines.

Popular Beers by this Brand

• Colt 45 Malt Liquor
• High Gravity
• Double Malt Liquor
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Pile Driver
• Raspberry Watermelon

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