Colt 45 Malt Liquor
Pabst Brewing Company


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Pabst Brewing Company
- Texas, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Malt Liquor
Ranked #40 - ABV:
- 5.61%
- Score:
- 55
Ranked #30,072 - Avg:
- 2.28 | pDev: 34.65%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Apr 15, 2022
- Added:
- Aug 25, 2001
- Wants:
- 23
- Gots:
- 199
SCORE
55
Awful
55
Awful


Notes:
Introduced in 1963 by the Baltimore, Maryland-based National Brewing Company, Colt 45 was named in honor of running back Jerry Hill, who was #45 on the 1963 Baltimore Colts football team. Through high-profile partnerships with actor Billy Dee Williams and comedian Redd Foxx — who both appeared in radio, print, and TV advertisements – Colt 45 established itself as the premier malt liquor beverage by the early 1970s.
It was also during this time that the iconic slogan, “Works Every Time,” became synonymous with the brand. The Williams relationship lasted for nearly four decades, until he passed the torch to music mogul, Snoop Dogg in 2010.
With Snoop at the helm, we’ve entered an exciting new Colt 45 era.
It was also during this time that the iconic slogan, “Works Every Time,” became synonymous with the brand. The Williams relationship lasted for nearly four decades, until he passed the torch to music mogul, Snoop Dogg in 2010.
With Snoop at the helm, we’ve entered an exciting new Colt 45 era.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3 by GClarkage from California on Apr 15, 2022
2/5 rDev -12.3%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
by tekstr1der from New Hampshire
Use only in extreme emergencies if you are a poor high school kid.
Feb 17, 2022
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
by tekstr1der from New Hampshire
Use only in extreme emergencies if you are a poor high school kid.
Feb 17, 2022
2.41 by TMoney2591 from Illinois on Feb 14, 2022
2.39/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
by jimmah120 from Minnesota
24oz can
Poured this out bc I'm a maniac big lenny style, and it's beautiful, big lenny style. Smells like corn, hops, and rot. Taste is heavy on that spoiled "garbage juice" flavor that I guess some people are keen on... it gets ya drunk
Feb 01, 2022
look: 4.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
by jimmah120 from Minnesota
24oz can
Poured this out bc I'm a maniac big lenny style, and it's beautiful, big lenny style. Smells like corn, hops, and rot. Taste is heavy on that spoiled "garbage juice" flavor that I guess some people are keen on... it gets ya drunk
Feb 01, 2022
2.12 by PapaGoom on Jan 31, 2022
2.33 by BeerBeast from Florida on Dec 12, 2021
1.11 by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota on Nov 25, 2021
3.23/5 rDev +41.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by thebeers from Pennsylvania
Pours a clear straw color with two fingers of lightly yellowed head that don’t last too long, but leave great lacing.
Corn, burnt toast and a hint of hops in the nose.
It’s sweet up front, but has considerably less of the green apple of other popular examples. A kiss of diacetyl extends into the otherwise dry, slightly toasty finish.
Highly fizzy mouthfeel — maybe a touch too fizzy.
This isn’t awful, but I prefer others in the style.
Oct 24, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by thebeers from Pennsylvania
Pours a clear straw color with two fingers of lightly yellowed head that don’t last too long, but leave great lacing.
Corn, burnt toast and a hint of hops in the nose.
It’s sweet up front, but has considerably less of the green apple of other popular examples. A kiss of diacetyl extends into the otherwise dry, slightly toasty finish.
Highly fizzy mouthfeel — maybe a touch too fizzy.
This isn’t awful, but I prefer others in the style.
Oct 24, 2021
2.45 by DillonWheaton on Oct 13, 2021
1.18/5 rDev -48.2%
look: 4 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
by TheSolidifiedSnake
I mean the beer looks fine but everything else about this beer is abysmal. Don't ever buy this nasty beer. The smell made me gag, it burned on the way down, I don't even like Bud light and I will get that over Colt 45 anyday
Aug 27, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
by TheSolidifiedSnake
I mean the beer looks fine but everything else about this beer is abysmal. Don't ever buy this nasty beer. The smell made me gag, it burned on the way down, I don't even like Bud light and I will get that over Colt 45 anyday
Aug 27, 2021
2.83 by NastyNorseman from New York on Jul 27, 2021
2.48 by Nyarko-San from Pennsylvania on Jul 07, 2021
2.24/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.25
by BCole281 from Texas
24oz can, best by date NOV2221. Poured into an Arcoroc nonic pint glass.
A - pours golden yellow with a foamy head that leaves some lacing on the glass as it recedes. Poor head retention.
S - smells primarily of grain and adjuncts. As it warms there's a slight funk that becomes more noticeable.
T - Sweet malts and grains up front with a slight, tangy fruitiness on the finish which threw me off a bit. There's a boozy warmth that takes hold in my chest despite the lower ABV.
M - Thin-bodied with high carbonation; almost watery in its consistency.
O - Drinkable but disappointing. Would go back to this only if better brews weren't available. Tick completed.
Jun 27, 2021
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.25
by BCole281 from Texas
24oz can, best by date NOV2221. Poured into an Arcoroc nonic pint glass.
A - pours golden yellow with a foamy head that leaves some lacing on the glass as it recedes. Poor head retention.
S - smells primarily of grain and adjuncts. As it warms there's a slight funk that becomes more noticeable.
T - Sweet malts and grains up front with a slight, tangy fruitiness on the finish which threw me off a bit. There's a boozy warmth that takes hold in my chest despite the lower ABV.
M - Thin-bodied with high carbonation; almost watery in its consistency.
O - Drinkable but disappointing. Would go back to this only if better brews weren't available. Tick completed.
Jun 27, 2021
2.7 by balizz on Jun 09, 2021
2.53/5 rDev +11%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
by BPVandenbroek from Canada (AB)
Colt 45 is the same pale straw color as any other lager I’ve ever had. CO2 supports a rocky white head that practically melts into nonexistence as I type this.
Taking a sniff, the first thing I smell is cooked corn. Coming in at 8% abv, it’s no wonder the next aroma I pick up resembles rocket fuel. Corn and rocket fuel are supported/accentuated by up front aroma of soda cracker and pale, grainy malt. Everything else is pretty straightforward, leading into an aroma that has barely any detectable hop presence at all.
On the tongue, Colt 45 is kind of smooth but has an oddly slick mouthfeel to it. Flavors of cooked corn start things off before moving into an almost astringent graininess. Then, the center comes along with its high octane booziness. Colt 45’s flavors are an almost barren wasteland of dryness as they move through the center to a finish that only gets some of its roundness back. Too bad, there’s not an ounce of real refreshment anywhere in this beer.
There are no redeeming qualities to this malt lager no matter how hard I look. It’s alcoholic, boozy in a bad way, and not well balanced at all. Its only redeeming quality is that it’s cheap and strong
May 23, 2021
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
by BPVandenbroek from Canada (AB)
Colt 45 is the same pale straw color as any other lager I’ve ever had. CO2 supports a rocky white head that practically melts into nonexistence as I type this.
Taking a sniff, the first thing I smell is cooked corn. Coming in at 8% abv, it’s no wonder the next aroma I pick up resembles rocket fuel. Corn and rocket fuel are supported/accentuated by up front aroma of soda cracker and pale, grainy malt. Everything else is pretty straightforward, leading into an aroma that has barely any detectable hop presence at all.
On the tongue, Colt 45 is kind of smooth but has an oddly slick mouthfeel to it. Flavors of cooked corn start things off before moving into an almost astringent graininess. Then, the center comes along with its high octane booziness. Colt 45’s flavors are an almost barren wasteland of dryness as they move through the center to a finish that only gets some of its roundness back. Too bad, there’s not an ounce of real refreshment anywhere in this beer.
There are no redeeming qualities to this malt lager no matter how hard I look. It’s alcoholic, boozy in a bad way, and not well balanced at all. Its only redeeming quality is that it’s cheap and strong
May 23, 2021
2.97 by Wilkolaczek94 from Connecticut on May 08, 2021
3.25 by Scott17Taylor from Iowa on Apr 24, 2021
3.73 by MatthewJW from Wisconsin on Apr 16, 2021
3.04/5 rDev +33.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
by Stooven from Illinois
Somewhat surprised that this was the first time I've had it. As a younger man, it was almost a game to try as many economy beers as possible.
Poured from a pint can into a pint glass. Straw yellow, astonishingly clear, decent sticky head retention. Generic beer sent. Sweetness makes it highly drinkable. Mouthfeel is watery. I'd much prefer this to a core Bud or Miller product.
Feb 23, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
by Stooven from Illinois
Somewhat surprised that this was the first time I've had it. As a younger man, it was almost a game to try as many economy beers as possible.
Poured from a pint can into a pint glass. Straw yellow, astonishingly clear, decent sticky head retention. Generic beer sent. Sweetness makes it highly drinkable. Mouthfeel is watery. I'd much prefer this to a core Bud or Miller product.
Feb 23, 2021
2.75 by AndrewFord666 from Illinois on Feb 05, 2021
3.18/5 rDev +39.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
by Caldwan123 from Iowa
Setting the stage as a Malt Liqour. Look: appearance is a straw yellow. The smell is hard to place like a harder alcohol bud heavy. Taste: Taste actually really good compared to other types of alcohol in its category.
Jan 19, 2021
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
by Caldwan123 from Iowa
Setting the stage as a Malt Liqour. Look: appearance is a straw yellow. The smell is hard to place like a harder alcohol bud heavy. Taste: Taste actually really good compared to other types of alcohol in its category.
Jan 19, 2021
2.68 by Hazey92 from New York on Dec 24, 2020
2.86 by BenSulli93 from Ohio on Nov 24, 2020
4.82/5 rDev +111.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by PhilsOsgood from Florida
This beer goes down better than fine and makes me feel great! I would've given higher than a 5 for Feel but that's the highest choice available. It really does "work every time" (...except for beer snobs)
10 out of 5
Nov 08, 2020
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by PhilsOsgood from Florida
This beer goes down better than fine and makes me feel great! I would've given higher than a 5 for Feel but that's the highest choice available. It really does "work every time" (...except for beer snobs)
10 out of 5
Nov 08, 2020
2.24 by JonnoWillsteed from England on Nov 04, 2020
2.36 by Roejogan from Canada (BC) on Sep 20, 2020
1.33/5 rDev -41.7%
look: 1.25 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1
by Beer_Mat from Canada (SK)
While this beer really isn't bad tasting for the percentage, it'll straight up put you to sleep. I drank 1 can and all I wanted to do is have a nap.
Not all alcohol is created equal, and this is terrible. The single worst beer I've ever had as far as the buzz goes. Will never buy this again.
Sep 20, 2020
look: 1.25 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1
by Beer_Mat from Canada (SK)
While this beer really isn't bad tasting for the percentage, it'll straight up put you to sleep. I drank 1 can and all I wanted to do is have a nap.
Not all alcohol is created equal, and this is terrible. The single worst beer I've ever had as far as the buzz goes. Will never buy this again.
Sep 20, 2020
2.49/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 2.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.25
by JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
Economics compelled me, so why not review it? It pours almost flat with some mild carbonation. I can read my aspirin bottle through it. It does smell like a beer. The taste is mostly sugary, but not sickeningly sweet. There's no character, so nothing to feel going down. I thank the beer gods that the check was in today's mail.
Jun 19, 2020
look: 2.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.25
by JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
Economics compelled me, so why not review it? It pours almost flat with some mild carbonation. I can read my aspirin bottle through it. It does smell like a beer. The taste is mostly sugary, but not sickeningly sweet. There's no character, so nothing to feel going down. I thank the beer gods that the check was in today's mail.
Jun 19, 2020
1.83 by Seshin from California on May 13, 2020
3 by Gemini6 from Michigan on Apr 20, 2020
3.29 by Stofko1992 from Pennsylvania on Apr 11, 2020
1.75 by cryptichead from Illinois on Mar 28, 2020
3.52 by Nornhero1 on Mar 02, 2020
2.89/5 rDev +26.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
by RochefortChris from North Carolina
Has a nice deep golden color with medium-high clarity and no haze. Frothy white persistent head that leaves lacing
Aroma is grainy and bready with some slight fruity esters. Some floral notes from the hops but malt dominates.
Flavor is very similar to aroma, grainy, bread like, saltine cracker along with some fruity esters. Hop bitterness is medium with notes of earthyness. A bit boozy for a lager of this type
Medium body with medium high carbonation. Significant alcohol warmth for the style, leaves a cloying sweetness on the palate.
Over all this not a terrible beer but it it also far from good. The fermentation could be a lot cleaner and the alcohol could be more hidden.
Feb 21, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
by RochefortChris from North Carolina
Has a nice deep golden color with medium-high clarity and no haze. Frothy white persistent head that leaves lacing
Aroma is grainy and bready with some slight fruity esters. Some floral notes from the hops but malt dominates.
Flavor is very similar to aroma, grainy, bread like, saltine cracker along with some fruity esters. Hop bitterness is medium with notes of earthyness. A bit boozy for a lager of this type
Medium body with medium high carbonation. Significant alcohol warmth for the style, leaves a cloying sweetness on the palate.
Over all this not a terrible beer but it it also far from good. The fermentation could be a lot cleaner and the alcohol could be more hidden.
Feb 21, 2020
1.83 by mamaraza from Texas on Feb 01, 2020
2.41 by Mister_Faucher from Washington on Jan 07, 2020
2.86/5 rDev +25.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 1 | overall: 5
by AirForceBrat
EVERYTIME I crack a 40 of Colt and slug half,,, Insane Clown Posse starts playing in my house! It just happens like that!
Dec 18, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 1 | overall: 5
by AirForceBrat
EVERYTIME I crack a 40 of Colt and slug half,,, Insane Clown Posse starts playing in my house! It just happens like that!
Dec 18, 2019
3.92 by BrewsOverHoes from Georgia on Oct 23, 2019
2.14/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 2.25 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.25
by adab123 from Ohio
Not terrible for shit tier. An effective option is your objective is to get drunk for cheap.
Sep 19, 2019
look: 2.25 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.25
by adab123 from Ohio
Not terrible for shit tier. An effective option is your objective is to get drunk for cheap.
Sep 19, 2019
2 by Bluesfolk19 from Massachusetts on Sep 13, 2019
Colt 45 Malt Liquor from Pabst Brewing Company
Beer rating:
55 out of
100 with
981 ratings