Colt 45 Malt Lager 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Colt 45 Malt Lager Tab Top Can

Produced by the National Brewing Company in Baltimore, Maryland, the Colt 45 Malt Lager 12 oz can represents an iconic era of American brewing. First introduced in the spring of 1963, Colt 45 was launched to compete in the growing specialty malt market, which had previously been dominated by brands such as Country Club.

The graphic design prominently features a kicking stallion leaping through a horseshoe emblem. This visual motif was chosen to emphasize strength and kick, matching the bold branding strategy established by National Brewing. Brand lore ties the name directly to Baltimore sports history, citing Baltimore Colts running back Jerry Hill, who wore jersey number 45 during the 1963 season.

Collectors recognize several variations of this can, reflecting production across different regional facilities operated by the National Brewing Company. These differences can be seen in city line designations, mandatory text formatting, and slight variations in the metallic finish and seam placement. While early iterations carried the "Malt Lager" label, the brand became widely associated with the "Malt Liquor" phrasing across broader distribution.

Supported by high-profile marketing campaigns throughout the mid-to-late twentieth century, Colt 45 secured an enduring place in American commercial history. For can collectors, cans bearing the Baltimore, Maryland address hold particular historical significance as artifacts from the brand's original home brewery.