Craving a taste of nostalgia? Let’s take a sip from the past and revisit some of the most memorable beer brands from the 1970s.
These brews carried more than just a refreshing flavor; they came with jingles and stories that defined a decade.
Join us as we uncover which of these iconic beers have vanished and whether any might still be clinging to life.
1. Rheingold Beer
Ever heard the jingle, “My Beer is Rheingold, the dry beer”? For many older New Yorkers, Rheingold beer brings back fond memories of its iconic Miss Rheingold contest.
Founded by Samuel Liebman in 1840 in Germany, the brand moved to Brooklyn in 1850 and quickly became a local favorite. The clever marketing strategy, including the popular Miss Rheingold competition, helped cement its place in New York’s beer scene.
Rheingold beer was especially beloved by Mets fans, even becoming the team’s official domestic beer sponsor on the radio. Although the brewery shut down in 1976, the name lives on sporadically through occasional revivals.
2. Olympia Beer
Remember when Olympia Beer was a staple in our fridge back in the 1960s? It was a favorite in Washington state, reflecting the region’s love for light lagers.
Founded in 1896 by German immigrant Leopold Friedrich Schmidt, Olympia was known for its slogan, “It’s the Water.” The beer was a hit not just for its quality but also for its affordability, often priced under $5 a case.
Production in Tumwater ended in 2003 when Pabst Brewing moved operations to California. By January 2021, Pabst ceased production due to declining demand, leaving Olympia Beer as a fondly remembered but discontinued brand.
3. Falstaff
Remember Falstaff beer from the 60s? Once a major player in St. Louis, it was on par with Budweiser in popularity.
By 1960, Falstaff was the third most popular beer brand in the U.S. and even sponsored Cardinals baseball broadcasts in the 1970s.
Production ended in 2005, but we can’t forget those unique bottle caps with rebus puzzles. They were a fun part of the Falstaff experience.
4. Hamm’s Beer
Hamm’s Beer, brewed in Minnesota since 1865, is a classic American favorite. Made with pure water, barley malt, grain, and hops, it’s known for its smooth, refreshing taste.
Who can forget the catchy jingle and the funny Hamm’s Beer commercials? The iconic Hamm’s Bear, featured in TV and print ads, added a memorable touch to the brand.
Although Hamm’s is now manufactured by Molson Coors Beverage Company, it remains a nostalgic choice for many. Despite changes over the years, it still holds a special place in the hearts of its fans.
5. Stroh’s Beer
Stroh’s Beer is a vintage brew that many still fondly remember. Known for its fire-brewing technique, where the brew kettle was heated with a direct flame, Stroh’s had a distinctive quality.
The Stroh Brewing Company was founded in Germany in 1775 by Johann Peter Stroh. After moving to the USA in 1850, he established a brewery in Detroit, which his son Bernhard Stroh Jr. later expanded.
Despite facing challenges like Prohibition, Stroh’s adapted and thrived. After being sold to Miller and Pabst Brewing Companies in 1999, it is now owned by Pabst. As of 2016, Stroh’s is back to brewing in Detroit, keeping its legacy alive.
6. Schmidt’s Beer
Schmidt’s Beer, founded by German immigrant Jacob Schmidt in 1855, was a major player in the U.S. beer scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The brewery, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, gained a strong reputation for its quality beers, including the well-known Schmidt’s City Club Beer.
Despite its early success, the brewery faced numerous ownership changes and challenges after Jacob Schmidt’s death. These struggles eventually led to its closure in 2002.
Today, Schmidt’s Beer is remembered not just for its brews but also for its distinctive artwork, which remains a favorite among beer can collectors.
7. Pete’s Wicked Ale
Pete’s Wicked Ale holds a special place in many hearts, particularly among Gen X beer lovers. Known for its distinct taste, it gained popularity in the late 80s and reached its peak in the late 90s.
Originally crafted by a home brewer in 1986, Pete’s Wicked was among the earliest and most beloved craft beers. By the late 90s, it had become the second most popular microbrew in the U.S., just behind Sam Adams.
Despite its early success, changes to the formula in 2000 led to a decline in popularity. The brand, considered by its original brewer to be “dead,” ceased production in 2011, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia.
8. Schaefer
Remember the slogan, ‘Schaefer is the beer to have when you’re having more than one’? Established in 1842, F&M Schaefer Brewing Company quickly gained fame for its great-tasting beers.
For decades, Schaefer beer was a popular choice at parties and events across the U.S. It was a top seller in the 1950s and 1970s, even reaching 5th place at one point.
The brewery underwent several changes over the years, and while Schaefer is now licensed by Pabst, the version available today is somewhat different from the original.
9. Meister Brau
Have you heard of Meister Brau? This iconic beer from Chicago was brewed from 1891 until the early 70s and was a local favorite.
Meister Brau was so popular that it sponsored major Chicago sports teams like the White Sox, Black Hawks, and Bears. Despite its strong local presence, it didn’t gain the same fame elsewhere.
Eventually, Miller acquired Meister Brau and rebranded it as Miller Lite. Although it remains the official beer of the White Sox, some fans still miss the unique taste of the original Meister Brau.
10. Red White & Blue
Red White & Blue is our final vintage beer on the list. Launched on July 4, 1899, it quickly became a favorite, especially in the Midwest.
Known for its light and easy-drinking lager, Red White & Blue was a popular choice for Independence Day celebrations. It was appreciated for both its taste and affordability.
Though the exact date of its discontinuation is unclear, it was still found in the 1990s. A brief revival as a draft beer in 2018 by Pabst Milwaukee Brewery ended when the tavern closed in 2020.