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.

Friday’s ad is for Bock Beer for several Canadian breweries and was published March 28, 1928 in the Vancouver Sun. The ad mentions that bock will be available at Government Liquor Stores beginning on April 7, and includes bock beer from Vancouver Breweries, Westminster Brewery, Rainier Brewing Co. of Canada, Silver Spring Breweries, and Victoria-Phoenix Brewing Co. But it’s the fable that’s the most interesting part of this ad.