Friday’s ad is another one for Molson, from 1985. Based on the headline — “If You’re Looking Out For #1, You Should Be Carrying #2” — it’s undoubtedly from a trade magazine rather than a consumer publication. Apparently in 1985, Molson was the second best-selling imported beer, which is remarkable because as long as I can remember it was Heineken and Corona that were in the top spots.
Molson was definitely the “cool” beer when I was at Berkeley in the early 80’s.
The #2 claim might be total sales of all 5 Molson brands as Heineken and Corona were definitely the #1 and #2 labels at the time.
In 1984 (since the ad is from ’85, they’d be using the previous year’s total) the Top Ten imported brands were:
Heineken
Molson
Becks
Moosehead
Labatt
St. Pauli Girl
Dos Equis
Foster’s
Amstel Light
Corona
It was Corona’s first year in the Top Ten- after doubling it’s sales from 1983. (from Brewers Digest, 3/85).
Tx, jesskidden – you confirmed my suspicions. Corona took off despite much TV advertising (guess they did it w/bar promos everywhere); the best thing going for them these days is there TV advertising, some of which is cleverly amusing. But who wants a beer with a damn lime in it? If I want lime, I’ll have a margarita.
Given my choice of Molson or Corona, I’ll take a Molson (Brador, Export, or Lager) any day over Corona (which I’ve dubbed Mexican Hi-Life). Pacifico, or any of their cheap imitators (Sol, Chihuahua, etc.). I don’t recall ever seeing Brador out here, & it’s rare around the DC area – I’ve only drunk it in Canada (got my 1st taste of it in Montreal in ’85).
The hell with all of them – right now, I’m enjoying a SN Ruthless Rye!
beerman, Molson quit making Brador. Jess, by the end of 85, Corona was #2.