MILWAUKEE – July 14, 2026 – Miller High Life today announced a search for the inaugural mayor of the “Champagne of Beers” region, an honorary role celebrating the Milwaukee resident who embodies the spirit and pride that defines the city that High Life calls home.
For over 50 years, Miller High Life has proudly carried the title “The Champagne of Beers,” an accolade that gained even more significance in 2021 when Milwaukee’s Common Council designated the area around the historic Miller Brewery as the city’s “Champagne of Beers” region, a playful nod to the official Champagne region in France.
Now, that hometown heritage is coming full circle with the launch of a search for the region’s first-ever mayor.
“Every great region deserves a great mayor, and we can’t think of anyone better to represent the Champagne of Beers than someone who truly loves Milwaukee and Miller High Life,” said Alison Hanrahan, community affairs manager, Molson Coors. “We’re looking for someone with hometown pride, a great story and the personality to wear the ceremonial crown with confidence.”
Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they embody the pride, tradition and spirit of Miller High Life, as demonstrated through their personal story, passion for the brand and connection to the Champagne of Beers.
The honorary inaugural mayor will be sworn in during an inauguration ceremony on Sept. 19 at the Miller Visitor’s Center in Miller Valley.
To further support the initiative, commemorative merchandise designed by local artist Fred Kaems will be available at the Molson Coors visitor’s center, with all proceeds benefiting the Milwaukee Parks Foundation.
Take Your Place in High Life History
Applications are now open for the mayor of the “Champagne of Beers” region.
- A judging panel will evaluate applicants based on how well they embody the spirit of Miller High Life.
- Eligible residents age 25+ can apply to become the mayor of the “Champagne of Beers” region by visiting the application page before Aug. 23 at 11:59 p.m.
- The honorary term for the mayor of the “Champagne of Beers” region is one year. The mayor’s official duties are limited to participation in the inauguration event.
One selected resident will be deemed honorary mayor of the “Champagne of Beers” region and
will receive:
- Two cases of Miller High Life®
- A dinner for eight people (winner and seven guests; all guests must be 21+) at Miller
Caves in Milwaukee - Two Miller High Life branded t-shirts
- Two Miller High Life branded hats
- A check made out to the winner in the amount of $2,000 to assist with taxes potentially associated with prize acceptance
Anyone who applies to become mayor of the “Champagne of Beers” region will automatically be
recognized as a citizen of the “Champagne of Beers” region and receive an official citizenship certificate. Individuals who do not wish to apply for mayor can also become citizens by registering through the Miller Brewery Tour website and will receive the same certificate.
For more information on the program and full eligibility, including what zip codes applicants must
live in, and to apply, visit http://www.millerhighlife.com/mayor.
About Molson Coors Beverage Company
For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has brewed beverages that unite people to
celebrate all life’s moments. From our core power brands Coors Light, Miller Lite, Coors Banquet, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Ožujsko to our above premium brands, including Madrí Excepcional, Staropramen, Blue Moon Belgian White and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, to our value brands, like Miller High Life and Keystone Light, Molson Coors produces many beloved and iconic beers. While Molson Coors’ history is rooted in beer, it offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well, including flavored beverages like Vizzy Hard Seltzer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Molson Coors also has partner brands, such as Simply Spiked, ZOA Energy, Fever-Tree, among others, through license, distribution, partnership and joint venture agreements. As a business, Molson Coors’ ambition is to be the first choice for its people, its consumers and its customers, and Molson Coors’ success depends on its ability to make its products available to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com.
