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The 1970s were a golden era for beer. Before craft brewing exploded, mainstream lagers, crisp pilsners, and smooth ales dominated bars and backyard barbecues. Some of these beers were wildly popular, while others had a cult following that never quite faded.
Though many were discontinued or faded into obscurity, they still hold a special place in the hearts of beer lovers. It’s time to bring them back! Here are 25 classic beers from the ‘70s that deserve a second chance.
1. Schlitz
Once the king of American beers, Schlitz was known for its smooth taste and easy drinkability. It was wildly popular in the early ‘70s before recipe changes led to its decline.
Thankfully, Schlitz has made a partial comeback, but it’s not as widely available as it once was. The original formula featured a crisp malt backbone with a slightly hoppy finish.
Fans remember it as the go-to beer for blue-collar workers and casual drinkers alike. A full-scale revival could bring it back into the mainstream.
2. Ballantine IPA
Before craft IPAs took over the beer scene, Ballantine IPA was one of the few hop-forward options available. Brewed with a strong malt base and a bold piney hop kick, it stood out in an era dominated by lighter lagers.
Ballantine’s unique aging process in wooden casks gave it a distinct flavor that beer lovers still rave about. It was way ahead of its time, and with the current love for bitter, complex brews, a comeback seems like a no-brainer.
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3. Hamm’s
Hamm’s was a beloved working-class beer with its catchy jingle and scenic commercials. The taste? A smooth, slightly sweet lager with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Though it still exists in limited markets, Hamm’s isn’t nearly as widespread as it should be. It’s an affordable, no-fuss beer that deserves another round in the spotlight.
4. Jax Beer
Jax was a Louisiana favorite, known for its balanced flavor and light body. It had a clean, grainy taste that went down easy, making it perfect for hot Southern days.
While Jax was eventually absorbed by Pearl Brewing, its legacy remains strong. A re-release could bring nostalgia and fresh appreciation for this Southern classic.
5. Falstaff
Once a major competitor to Budweiser, Falstaff was a light and refreshing lager that had a solid following in the ‘70s. It was an easy-drinking beer, perfect for backyard barbecues and football games.
Falstaff’s decline came from a mix of corporate acquisitions and changing tastes, but the beer itself was never the problem. Bring it back, and it could easily find a spot in today’s nostalgia-driven beer market.
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6. Red White & Blue Beer
This budget-friendly brew was an underdog in the ‘70s, offering a surprisingly smooth taste at a low price. It had a simple, no-nonsense flavor that made it popular among college students and bargain hunters.
With retro branding and a renewed appreciation for classic American lagers, Red White & Blue could thrive in today’s beer landscape.
7. Schmidt Beer
Schmidt was known for its wildlife-themed cans and smooth, crisp lager. It was particularly popular in the Midwest, where it was a staple at fishing trips and camping adventures.
Though it’s still around in some areas, it has faded from the mainstream. A larger revival could tap into the love for regional, heritage brands.
8. Mickey’s Malt Liquor
Mickey’s was the go-to malt liquor for those who wanted a little extra kick. It had a rich, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, easy-drinking quality.
The classic grenade-shaped bottle added to its appeal. A comeback could attract both old fans and younger drinkers looking for a throwback malt liquor experience.
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9. Narragansett Lager
Narragansett was a working man’s beer that had a strong presence in the Northeast. It was light, crisp, and perfect for knocking back a few with friends.
Though it has seen a small revival, it still hasn’t reached the widespread popularity it had in the ‘70s. A full-scale comeback could bring this classic brew back into the mainstream.
10. Carling Black Label
“Hey Mabel, Black Label!” This classic slogan was everywhere in the ‘70s. Carling Black Label was a smooth, easy-drinking lager that had a loyal following.
While it still exists in some regions, it has lost its former dominance. A proper relaunch could bring this nostalgic favorite back into the spotlight.
11. Olympia Beer
Olympia was a crisp, refreshing lager that was a West Coast favorite. It had a light malt sweetness and a clean, smooth finish, making it easy to drink.
Its famous tagline, “It’s the Water,” referenced the pure artesian water used in brewing. Though Olympia still exists in name, production stopped in 2021. A full revival could reintroduce this once-beloved beer to modern drinkers.
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12. Blatz
Blatz was one of Milwaukee’s classic brews, known for its mild, malty character and smooth finish. It was widely available in the ‘70s but slowly disappeared as bigger brands took over.
With retro beer brands making a comeback, Blatz could easily fit into today’s nostalgic beer scene. Its easy-drinking quality makes it a perfect alternative to mainstream lagers.
13. Lone Star Beer
Lone Star was the beer of Texas. It had a balanced maltiness with a crisp, slightly hoppy bite.
Though it’s still around, it’s not nearly as prominent as it was in the ‘70s.
A wider national revival could introduce more people to this Southern classic.
14. Piels Beer
Piels had a unique charm, from its quirky cartoon mascots to its smooth, balanced taste. It was a standard lager, but it had a slightly richer malt character than many competitors.
Piels faded out in the ‘80s, but with the growing demand for nostalgic brands, a revival would be welcomed by many.
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15. Rolling Rock
Rolling Rock had a crisp, slightly grainy taste with a clean finish. It was popular in the ‘70s and had a cult-like following, thanks in part to its distinctive green bottle.
Though it still exists, ownership changes and recipe tweaks have altered its reputation. A return to its original form could bring back its die-hard fans.
16. National Bohemian
Better known as “Natty Boh,” this beer was a Baltimore favorite. It had a light, slightly sweet malt profile and an ultra-smooth finish.
Though it’s still available in limited markets, it has never regained its past dominance. A nationwide relaunch could give this classic the attention it deserves.
17. Utica Club
Utica Club was a post-Prohibition staple that held strong through the ‘70s. It was a straightforward, crisp lager with a loyal fan base.
It still exists, but it’s mostly a regional brew. A full-scale comeback could help it find a new generation of drinkers.
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18. Rheingold
Rheingold was once a powerhouse in the American beer market. It had a slightly heavier body than most lagers, with a smooth maltiness that made it stand out.
It disappeared in the ‘80s, but with the resurgence of old-school beers, it deserves another chance.
19. Stroh’s
Stroh’s was a Detroit classic with a smooth, clean taste. It was one of the biggest beer brands of the ‘70s, known for its fire-brewed technique.
Though Stroh’s is still around, it has lost much of its market presence. A proper relaunch could restore its former glory.
20. Old Milwaukee
Old Milwaukee was a budget-friendly beer that packed a surprisingly good flavor. It had a crisp, light body with a mild hop presence.
While it still exists, it’s been overshadowed by bigger brands. A strong marketing push could make it popular again.
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21. Genesee Cream Ale
Genesee Cream Ale was one of the few cream ales that gained national recognition in the ‘70s. It had a smooth, slightly sweet taste with a crisp finish.
It’s still produced, but it doesn’t get the recognition it once did. A larger revival could remind people why it was so beloved.
22. Schmidt’s of Philadelphia
Schmidt’s was a classic Philly beer with a crisp, refreshing profile. It was a go-to lager for many beer lovers in the ‘70s.
It faded out due to competition, but with the resurgence of regional brews, it could easily make a comeback.
23. Pearl Beer
Pearl was a Texas favorite, known for its smooth, slightly malty taste. It was brewed with local pride and had a loyal following.
Though it still exists in limited production, a proper relaunch could bring it back in a big way.
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24. Iron City Beer
Pittsburgh’s Iron City Beer was a blue-collar staple with a crisp, slightly hoppy character. It had a strong presence in the ‘70s, thanks to its affordable price and easy-drinking taste.
It’s still around but could benefit from a national comeback.
25. Meister Brau
Meister Brau was a budget-friendly beer with a surprisingly decent taste. It was light, crisp, and refreshing, making it a go-to for casual drinkers.
Though it faded out in favor of bigger brands, a retro revival could make it a hit once again.
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