Colt 45 Malt Liquor 16 Oz Tab Top Can

Colt 45 16 Oz Malt Liquor Pint

The Colt 45 Malt Liquor 16-ounce can from The National Brewing Company of Baltimore, Maryland, represents an iconic piece of American malt liquor packaging. Introduced to compete in the expanding malt liquor market, Colt 45 quickly became a flagship offering for the Baltimore brewery.

Design and Iconography

The front panel prominently displays the brand's unmistakable imagery: a spirited kicking horse framed inside a horseshoe, flanked by bold typography. This visual motif was selected by National Brewing to evoke the beverage's "extra kick." The origin of the brand name also holds a celebrated place in sports lore; brand history connects the Colt 45 moniker to running back Jerry Hill, who wore jersey number 45 for the Baltimore Colts, establishing a lasting tie between Baltimore brewing and the city's football legacy.

Label Characteristics and Variations

As a tall 16-ounce pint container, the can features mandatory volume disclosures alongside the manufacturer credit attributing the product to The National Brewing Co. of Baltimore, Maryland. Collectors document several label and manufacturing variations that appeared across different production runs. These include differences in mandatory text, subtle graphic adjustments, variations in the plant cities listed along the seam as National Brewing expanded production to other regional facilities, and differing can manufacturer stamps from suppliers such as the American Can Company.