Billy Beer

Blue text inside an orange rectangular shape overlaying a textured orange oblong shape with orange text all on a textured orange background.

Billy Beer was mass produced in 1977 by the Falls City Brewing Company and promoted by President Jimmy Carter's younger brother Billy Carter.  Billy Carter, known for his colorful character and drinking habits, was described by the Associated Press in 1979 as "a professional redneck." Each can was embossed with the slogan “I had this beer brewed just for me. It’s the best beer I’ve ever tasted. And I’ve tasted a lot." The beer, ironically, was of such poor quality that Billy was quoted telling reports that he still drank Pabst Blue Ribbon at home.  Falls City closed its doors in 1978 along with the production of Billy Beer. There was a resurgence of interest in selling unopened cans or sixers of Billy Beer in the 1980's for big money after a man ran several ads in a Chicago newspaper selling  them for $1,000 dollars. Subsequently he ran more ads selling the beer at the bargain price of $200. In actuality, they were worth somewhere between 50 cents and a dollar. Today, although a six pack of Billy's doesn't have much collectors value, it is considered an interesting novelty item.