James Bond's 007 Malt Liquor 12 Oz Tab Top Can

Unauthorized 007 Special Blend Can

During the height of 1960s espionage mania, The National Brewing Company sought to capitalize on the worldwide craze surrounding Ian Fleming’s fictional secret agent by introducing James Bond's 007 Special Blend. Packaged in a straight steel container featuring a tab top, this beverage was marketed as a hybrid drink combining malt liquor with premium beer.

The Artwork and Graphic Presentation

The can showcases photographic artwork depicting a glamorous model styled with a 1960s bouffant hair design, posed in front of the historic Tower of London. Above the model, a prominent stencil-style "007" insignia and the "James Bond's" moniker dominate the graphic composition, with the bottom script heralding the contents as "A MALT LIQUOR- blended with PREMIUM BEER." This specific issue lists three brewery cities on the can's mandatory text, reflecting the Phoenix, Arizona brewing location alongside National's other production facilities. Other versions in the broader series featured models set against different London landmarks, as well as minor wording alterations.

Swift Withdrawal and Collector Allure

Despite its striking pop-culture branding, the product had an exceptionally short lifespan on retail shelves. National Brewing launched the beverage line without obtaining the necessary licensing rights or commercial authorization from Ian Fleming's estate. Following legal pressure regarding intellectual property and trademark infringement, the brewery was compelled to halt distribution and pull the brand from retail channels.

Because production ceased abruptly and existing stock was pulled, cans bearing the James Bond moniker became instant crossover rarities. Today, the Phoenix-brewed Tower of London variation stands out as one of the most famous unauthorized pop-culture tie-ins in American brewing history, sought after by breweriana enthusiasts and film memorabilia collectors alike.