Colt 45 40oz is a 5.6% ABV American malt liquor sold in the iconic 40-ounce bottle format. A Bronze Medal winner at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the American-Style Specialty Lager category, Colt 45 has been a staple of the malt liquor segment since its debut in 1963. Quick Facts: ABV: 5.6% | Origin: Baltimore, Maryland, USA | Style: American Malt Liquor | Brewery: Pabst Brewing Company Production & Heritage Colt 45 was introduced in 1963 by National Brewing Company of Baltimore, Maryland. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the brand now falls under the Pabst Brewing Company umbrella. The brew is made from malted barley, hops, filtered water, cultured yeast, and a special corn syrup — notably not high fructose corn syrup. This particular adjunct was chosen for its low fat content, which improves flavor stability and increases antioxidant value in the finished beer. The result is a cleaner, more consistent malt liquor than many competitors that rely on other adjunct sugars. Tasting Notes Aroma: Corn and bready malt lead the nose, with a soft, grainy sweetness underneath. There is minimal hop presence on the aroma, keeping things straightforward and approachable. Taste: The entry is sweet and smooth, with low carbonation giving it a rounder mouthfeel than many lagers in this segment. Mid-palate brings pleasant bready and malt flavors balanced by a gentle corn-grain character. A mild hop bitterness emerges toward the back, providing just enough structure to keep the sweetness in check. Finish: The finish turns dry and toasty, a welcome contrast to the sweeter front palate. It fades relatively quickly, clean and without harshness. How to Drink Colt 45 Colt 45 is best served cold — well-chilled straight from the bottle or poured into a pint glass at around 36–40°F. Its smooth, slightly sweet profile also makes it a functional base for beer cocktails. A Brass Monkey — Colt 45 mixed with orange juice — is the classic pairing that became a cultural touchstone. A Michelada works well here, as the corn sweetness balances lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. A simple Shandy with fresh lemonade lightens the malt character for warm-weather drinking. Best For Casual backyard cookouts and tailgates where easy-drinking volume matters Exploring the classic American malt liquor category with a historically significant brand Mixing a traditional Brass Monkey or beer-based cocktail Budget-friendly gathering where you need a smooth, approachable lager-style beer Frequently Asked Questions What does Colt 45 taste like? Colt 45 has a semi-sweet, bready malt flavor with corn and grain undertones, low carbonation, and a dry, toasty finish. It drinks smoother and less aggressive than many other malt liquors at 5.6% ABV. How does Colt 45 compare to Olde English 800? Both are flagship American malt liquors in the 40oz format, but Colt 45 at 5.6% ABV is generally lower in alcohol than Olde English 800, which is commonly sold at 5.9% or higher depending on the variant. Colt 45 tends to be slightly sweeter and smoother, while Olde English 800 leans more boozy and assertive on the palate. Is Colt 45 good for beginners? Yes — its lower ABV and smooth, mildly sweet flavor make it one of the more approachable malt liquors in the category, without the harsh alcohol bite that stronger options can carry. Where is Colt 45 made? Colt 45 was originally created in 1963 by National Brewing Company in Baltimore, Maryland. It is now owned by Pabst Brewing Company and produced at contract brewing facilities in the United States. What foods pair well with Colt 45? Grilled burgers and hot dogs pair naturally, as the malt sweetness complements charred, smoky meat. Spicy fried chicken benefits from the beer's low bitterness and smooth body. Nachos with jalapeños work well because the corn-forward flavor echoes the tortilla chips. Pizza — especially pepperoni — finds an easy companion in the dry, toasty finish. What sizes does Colt 45 come in? Colt 45 is widely available in the signature 40oz bottle, as well as 24oz cans, 16oz cans, and standard 12oz cans and bottles. Is Colt 45 worth the price? Colt 45 positions firmly in the value tier of American malt liquors, delivering solid flavor and smoothness at a very accessible price point. For what it sets out to be — a clean, easy-drinking malt liquor — it delivers reliably. Why Colt 45? Colt 45 earned a Bronze Medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup, a competition judged blind by international brewing professionals — a distinction few malt liquors can claim. Its use of special corn syrup rather than high fructose corn syrup contributes to measurably better flavor stability and a cleaner drinking experience. Since 1963, the brand has maintained its identity as a smooth, lower-ABV entry in a category often dominated by harsher, higher-proof competitors. For anyone looking to understand the American malt liquor tradition, Colt 45 remains the benchmark.
