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Beer In Ads #5130: Pearl Bock Is Back!

February 25, 2026 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

Two years ago I decided to concentrate on Bock ads for awhile. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising. With Spring approaching, there are so many great examples that I’m going to post two a day for a few months.

Wednesday’s first ad is for Pearl Bock Beer, which was published on February 25, 1966. This one was for Pearl Brewing Co., of San Antonio, Texas and was founded in 1883. This ad ran in The San Antonio Express News, also of San Antonio, Texas.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Texas

Beer In Ads #5129: Try A Glass Of Magnolia Bock Beer Today

February 24, 2026 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

Two years ago I decided to concentrate on Bock ads for awhile. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising. With Spring approaching, there are so many great examples that I’m going to post two a day for a few months.

Tuesday’s second ad is for Magnolia Bock Beer, which was published on February 24, 1907. This ad was for the Houston Ice & Brewing Co. of Houston, Texas, which was originally founded in 1893. This ad ran in The Houston Chronicle, also of Houston, Texas.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Texas

Beer In Ads #5195: It’s The Time Of Year For Pearl Bock Beer

February 7, 2026 By Jay Brooks

Two years ago I decided to concentrate on Bock ads for awhile. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Saturday’s ad is for Pearl Bock Beer, which was published on February 7, 1964.  This one was for Pearl Brewing Co., of San Antonio, Texas and was founded in 1883. This ad ran in The San Antonio Express, also of San Antonio, Texas.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Texas

Beer In Ads #5194: Ring In Spring With Pearl Bock Beer

February 6, 2026 By Jay Brooks

Two years ago I decided to concentrate on Bock ads for awhile. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Friday’s ad is for Pearl Bock Beer, which was published on February 6, 1962.  This one was for Pearl Brewing Co., of San Antonio, Texas and was founded in 1883. This ad ran in The El Paso Herald-Post, of El Paso, Texas.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Texas

Beer Birthday: Jaime Jurado

January 15, 2026 By Jay Brooks

mbaa-logo

Today is the birthday of Jaime Jurado, who for many years was the Director of Brewing Operations for the Gambrinus Company, which included several beer brands and breweries, such as Shiner, BridgePort, Pete’s Wicked and Trumer. A couple of years ago, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he was the brewmaster at Susquehanna Brewing Co. in Pittston, then moved back south, this time to Louisiana, where for five years he was the Director of Brewing Operations at Abita Brewing. After that, he struck out on his own, and was doing brewery consulting and for a time was Vice-President of two start-ups, Ennoble Beverages and JHH. These days, he’s the GM at the 49th State Brewing Co. in Anchorage, Alaska. Jaime’s an incredibly talented brewer. More importantly, Jaime is one of the nicest people I know in the business. Join me wishing Jaime a very happy birthday.

obf06-05
A blushing Jamie at OBF in 2006.
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Jamie with Lars Larson, brewmaster of Trumer Brauerei, at the Celebrator 18th anniversary party.
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Jamie (far left) with some NBWA luminaries at the 2008 NBWA welcome reception. From left, Jamie, Lucy Saunders (the Beer Cook), Charlie Papazian (President of the Brewers Association), Kim Jordan (from New Belgium Brewing) and Tom Dalldorf (from the Celebrator Beer News).
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Jamie with Todd and Jason Alström, founder of Beer Advocate, at the 2008 GABF.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: Jamaica, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, United States

Beer Birthday: Harry Schuhmacher

January 7, 2026 By Jay Brooks

bbd
Today is Harry Schuhmacher’s 57th birthday. Harry covers the business side of beer news at his wonderful Beer Business Daily. Our paths cross only occasionally, but I had the pleasure of getting to know Harry better during a press junket to Bavaria several years ago, and he’s one of the warmest, thoughtful and funniest people I’ve met. And he’s a beertard, too. You can also read his occasional personal ramblings at Thanks For Drinking Beer, essays from which is also available as a book, too. Join me in wishing Harry a very happy birthday.

Harry in Germany on a press trip.


With fellow beer writer Horst Dornbusch in Bamberg.


Harry and me enjoying a meal in the Hallertau region of Bavaria.

Harry-and-fan
Harry with a server at his favorite sushi restaurant, presumably in his native San Antonio, Texas, who apparently bought and enjoyed his collection of essays.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: Southern States, Texas

Historic Beer Birthday: Howard Hughes

December 24, 2025 By Jay Brooks

grand-prize
Today is the birthday of Howard Hughes (December 24, 1905–April 5, 1976). He was, of course, “an American entrepreneur, known during his lifetime as one of the most financially successful individuals in the world. He first made a name for himself as a film producer, and then became an influential figure in the aviation industry. Later in life, he became known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle, oddities that were caused in part by a worsening obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic pain from a plane crash.”

Hughes

As a maverick film tycoon, Hughes gained prominence in Hollywood beginning in the late 1920s, when he made big-budget and often controversial films like The Racket (1928), Hell’s Angels (1930), Scarface (1932), and The Outlaw (1943).

Hughes formed the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1932, hiring numerous engineers and designers. He spent the rest of the 1930s setting multiple world air speed records and building the Hughes H-1 Racer and H-4 Hercules (the “Spruce Goose”). He acquired and expanded Trans World Airlines and later acquired Air West, renaming it Hughes Airwest. Hughes was included in Flying Magazine’s list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation, ranked at No. 25. Today, his legacy is maintained through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

HUGHES-Howard-with-Hughes-H-1-NR258Y
While not even mentioned in most accounts of his many accomplishments, Hughes also founded the Gulf Brewing Co. on his property used for the Hughes Toll Co. in Houston, Texas, just after prohibition ended. He hired one of the area’s most famous brewers, Belgian-born Frank Brogniez to create their beers, and his Grand Prize ended up becoming the best-selling beer in the state. Here’s some more about the Gulf Brewing Co. that Howard Hughes founded, from the Houston Past:

Howard Hughes’ connection with the Houston-based Hughes Tool Company is fairly well-known. It is less well-known that Hughes started a brewery in Houston, on the grounds of the Hughes Tool Company, called Gulf Brewing Company. Hughes opened the brewery at the end of Prohibition, and its profits helped the tool company survive the Depression.

Grand-Prize-Beer--Labels-Gulf-Brewing-Company
Gulf Brewing Company produced Grand Prize beer, which for a time was the best-selling beer in Texas. It has been reported that a beer called Grand Prize beer was also produced prior to Prohibition, by the Houston Ice and Brewing Company. While that may be accurate, any confusion is likely connected to the fact that Hughes’ Grand Prize brewery was operated by the man who served as brewmaster at Houston Ice and Brewing before Prohibition. In 1913, while he was brewmaster at the Houston Ice and Brewing Company, Belgian-Houstonian Frantz Brogniez was awarded Grand Prize at the last International Conference of Breweries for his Southern Select beer – beating out 4,096 competing brewers. Brogniez left Houston during Prohibition, but Hughes convinced him to return to serve as brewmaster for the Gulf Brewing Company. Brogniez’ son operated the brewery after his father’s death.

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grandprize10
grandprize1
Grand-Prize-Light-Dry-Beer-Labels-Gulf-Brewing-Company

Filed Under: Birthdays, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: History, Texas

Beer Birthday: Elizabeth Belden

November 28, 2025 By Jay Brooks

Today is the 43rd birthday of Elizabeth Belden. Elizabeth is currently a Quality & Sensory Specialist at Pabst Brewing in San Antonio, Texas. When I first met her she was brewing at Boulevard, but she later spent more time brewing at KC Bier Co. We judged together at GBAF and the World Beer Cup for years now, and I always enjoy spending time or sharing a beer with her. Join me in wishing Elizabeth a very happy birthday.

Me and Elizabeth in Minnesota for World Beer Cup judging.
A bunch of us, including Elizabeth, with John Dean from Blind Tiger Brewing at GABF in 2025.
A press shot when Elizabeth was with KC Bier Co.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: Missouri, Texas

Historic Beer Birthday: Frank Brogniez

November 19, 2025 By Jay Brooks

grand-prize
Today is the birthday of Frantz Philip “Frank” Brogniez (November 19, 1898-February 20, 1968). He was the son of Frantz Brogniez, a Belgian brewery who founded several breweries in the United States, ending up in Houston, Texas working for Howard Hughes’ Gulf Brewing Company.

Frank-BrogniezFrank Brogniez in his office in 1941.

Frantz’s son Frank was also trained as a brewer and worked there with his father. He took over as brewmaster for Gulf Brewing when his father passed away in 1935.

Frantz-and-FrankFrantz and his son Frank examining the brewery.

Here’s some more about the Gulf Brewing Co., founded by Howard Hughes, also from Houston Past:

Howard Hughes’ connection with the Houston-based Hughes Tool Company is fairly well-known. It is less well-known that Hughes started a brewery in Houston, on the grounds of the Hughes Tool Company, called Gulf Brewing Company. Hughes opened the brewery at the end of Prohibition, and its profits helped the tool company survive the Depression.

Grand-Prize-Beer--Labels-Gulf-Brewing-Company
Gulf Brewing Company produced Grand Prize beer, which for a time was the best-selling beer in Texas. It has been reported that a beer called Grand Prize beer was also produced prior to Prohibition, by the Houston Ice and Brewing Company. While that may be accurate, any confusion is likely connected to the fact that Hughes’ Grand Prize brewery was operated by the man who served as brewmaster at Houston Ice and Brewing before Prohibition. In 1913, while he was brewmaster at the Houston Ice and Brewing Company, Belgian-Houstonian Frantz Brogniez was awarded Grand Prize at the last International Conference of Breweries for his Southern Select beer – beating out 4,096 competing brewers. Brogniez left Houston during Prohibition, but Hughes convinced him to return to serve as brewmaster for the Gulf Brewing Company. Brogniez’ son operated the brewery after his father’s death.

grandprize2
grandprize10
grandprize1
Grand-Prize-Light-Dry-Beer-Labels-Gulf-Brewing-Company

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: History, Texas

Beer Birthday: Grant Wood

November 15, 2025 By Jay Brooks

revolver
Today is the 63rd birthday of Grant Wood, co-founder and brewmaster at Revolver Brewing in Granbury, Texas. For many years, Grant worked at the Boston Beer Co., making Samuel Adams beer, and many of their more experimental offerings, which is where I first got to know him. I knew he’d left to open his own place back home, and he sent me a text at the end of the GABF awards a couple of years ago inviting me to stop by his booth to see what he’d been up to. Not surprisingly, what that was is making great beer. All of the beers I tried were terrific. Join me in wishing Grant a very happy birthday.

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Grant on the floor at GABF a few years ago.
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Grant with Revolver’s first keg sold.
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In case anybody was confused as to what they were doing; that’s Grant on the far left.
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Grant back in his Sam Adams’s days two-fisting a pair of Sam Adams Light Beer, before he traded them in for a pair of revolvers. [Note: photos purloined from Facebook.]

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: Texas

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