The 1970s were a time of significant changes in the world of beer. With the rise of mass-produced, commercially available brews, the general public began to develop a taste for a wider variety of beer styles.

In the 1970s, some popular beers included Schlitz, Miller High Life, Budweiser, Coors Banquet, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Falstaff.

These beers were predominantly American lagers, which were characterized by their light, crisp taste and lower alcohol content.

The 70s also saw the emergence of light beers, such as Miller Lite, which gained popularity due to their reduced calorie count.

However, the craft beer movement had not yet taken off, so the beer landscape was dominated by these mass-produced options.

In this blog post, we’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore some of the most popular beers from this iconic decade. Get ready to pop open a cold one and remember the good old days!

1. Schlitz

The 1970s saw the peak of Schlitz‘s popularity. This Milwaukee-based brewery was once the largest beer producer in the United States. Known as “The beer that made Milwaukee famous,” Schlitz was a staple in households and bars across the country.

Its distinctive taste and unique advertising campaigns helped it become one of the most famous beers of the decade. Unfortunately, a change in the brewing process and formula in the late 1970s caused a decline in sales, and Schlitz never fully recovered its former glory.

2. Miller Lite

Introduced in 1975, Miller Lite was a game-changer in the beer market. As one of the first commercially successful light beers, it quickly became a hit with consumers looking for a lower-calorie alternative to traditional lagers.

This innovative brew was not only popular because of its reduced calorie count but also because it maintained a full-bodied taste that satisfied even the most discerning beer drinkers.

Miller Lite’s iconic “Tastes Great, Less Filling” advertising campaign helped solidify its place as a favorite among 70s beer enthusiasts.

3. Budweiser

A true American classic, Budweiser was already well-established by the time the 70s rolled around. With its iconic Clydesdale horses and memorable advertising slogans like “When you say Bud, you’ve said it all,” Budweiser remained a popular choice for beer drinkers throughout the decade.

Its smooth, clean taste and approachable branding made it a go-to option for people looking for a reliable, no-frills brew.

4. Coors

While it had been a regional favorite in the western United States since the 19th century, Coors gained nationwide fame in the 1970s. Known as “The Banquet Beer,” Coors’ popularity skyrocketed after it was featured in the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit.”

Fans of the movie were drawn to the beer’s crisp, refreshing taste and the mystique surrounding its limited availability east of the Mississippi River. This increased demand led to Coors expanding distribution across the country, solidifying its place as one of the most popular beers of the decade.

5. Pabst Blue Ribbon

Another Milwaukee-based brew, Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) was a favorite among working-class beer drinkers in the 1970s. Known for its distinctive red, white, and blue can design, PBR was an affordable option that offered a no-nonsense, straightforward taste.

The beer’s popularity was further cemented by winning the titular blue ribbon at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, which was proudly displayed on the can. PBR remains a popular choice today, particularly among the hipster crowd, who appreciate its old-school appeal and unpretentious nature.

Conclusion

The 1970s were an exciting time for beer enthusiasts, with a range of popular brews that catered to various tastes and preferences.

From mass-produced favorites like Schlitz and Budweiser to innovative options like Miller Lite, these beers continue to evoke nostalgic memories for many.

As we look back on this iconic decade, it’s clear that the beers of the 70s played a significant role in shaping the diverse and ever-evolving beer market we know and love today. Cheers to the brews that helped define a generation!