Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, 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 for “Boylston Bock,” was created in the 1930s, and is a colorized reproduction of yesterday’s poster. which was originally from around 1890. The Boylston Brewery was located in Boston, Massachusetts. The originaly lithographer was Donaldson Litho. of Newport, Kentucky, but this reproduction was done by Erie Lithograph & Printing of Pennsylvania, who are best known for their circus posters. One of its most prominent artists was “John Seyschab [who] studied art in his native Nuremberg, Germany, before coming to Erie and Erie Lithograph in 1917.”