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.

Friday’s ad is for XXX Bock Beer, which was published on July 3, 1870. The bock in question was brewed for them by the Milwaukee Brewery of Detroit, Michigan, which was founded in 1866 by William Voigt. This ad was for “Del’s Tavern located at the corner of Third and Vine”Something Never Seen Before!, or the “Grand Reception of King ‘Gambrinus,’ in Detroit, on the 4th Day of July,” to be held at Long’s Saloon at No. 34 Monroe Ave. in Detroit, Michigan, which was part of the historic Monroe Avenue Commercial Buildings. This ad ran in the Detroit Free Press, also of Detroit, Michigan.