Coors beer being illegal east of the Mississippi is a common misconception. In reality, Coors was not licensed to sell their beer east of the Mississippi River until 1986. This meant that it was not widely available in that region during the 1970s, making it somewhat of a rarity and sought-after product.
During this time, Coors had limited distribution and was primarily available in the western United States. The fact that it was not readily accessible in other parts of the country added to its allure and made it a novelty for those who lived outside of the distribution area.
It is worth noting that while Coors may not have been licensed for distribution east of the Mississippi, it was not technically illegal to possess or consume the beer in those areas. However, the limited availability created a sense of exclusivity and desirability around Coors.
In the 1970s, Coors gained a certain level of prestige due to its limited distribution. It became a symbol of status and sophistication, as it was seen as a luxury item that was not easily obtainable for many people. This exclusivity led to a high demand for Coors beer, with people going to great lengths to acquire it.
There were even stories of individuals, including celebrities like Gerald Ford, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Paul Newman, hoarding Coors beer. This further added to the mystique surrounding the brand and created a sense of intrigue for those who were unable to access it.
Personally, I remember hearing stories from my parents about the difficulty of finding Coors beer in the 1970s. They would talk about friends or family members who would make special trips to the western states just to bring back a few cases of Coors. It became a special treat, something to be savored and shared with friends during special occasions.
The situation changed in 1986 when Coors obtained the necessary licenses to distribute their beer nationwide. This marked a significant milestone for the brand, allowing it to become more widely available and eliminating the exclusivity that had been associated with it for so long.
Coors beer was not technically illegal east of the Mississippi in the 1970s, but rather it was not licensed for distribution in that region until 1986. This limited availability made Coors a sought-after product, with people going to great lengths to acquire it. The exclusivity and prestige associated with Coors during this time created a sense of intrigue and desirability for those who were unable to access it.