Colt 45 is an American brand of lager or malt liquor made and primarily marketed in the United States and Canada, originally introduced by National Brewing Company in the spring of 1963.

The credited name change came because of malt liquor’s association with violence in disenfranchised neighborhoods.

To this end, in a memorable ad campaign that lasted over 15 years, Billy Van portrayed a gentleman in suit and tie quietly sitting at a small table and taking little notice of activity around him, until a waiter or someone showed up with a schooner glass and a can of Colt 45.

Music resembling Song of the Nairobi Trio played in the background while a voice-over announcer intoned: "In the dull and commonplace occurrences of day-to-day living, one thing stands out as a completely unique experience: Colt 45 Malt Liquor.

Beginning in 1980, Colt 45 began a long association with actor Billy Dee Williams, who appeared in their print, television, and billboard ads.

Like regular Colt 45, it was a malt based beer but had a lower alcohol concentration and was clear.

Some flavors of the drink included Fruit Punch, Strawberry-Lemonade, Raspberry-Watermelon, Grape, and Blueberry-Pomegranate.