Tuesday’s holiday ad is for Carling’s Red Cap Ale, from 1957. It’s a frenetic scene, as an unseen person’s hand opens — or snaps a cap open — of beer as he watches the army of cartoons he’s invited over to trim his cartoon Christmas tree. The dog’s loose and grandpa’s smoking his pipe by the tree. What could go wrong? Have a beer.
That was version of the ad in French, below is the same ad, though not nearly as good a scan, in English.
Monday’s holiday ad is for Schaefer, from 1942. Mailman #1942 … wait, that’s the mailman for 1942, and he’s delivering “oldtime Holiday Cheer” in the form of a gift box of Schaefer beer. Forget Santa, now that’s what I want the mailman to bring.
Sunday’s holiday ad is for Schlitz, from 1948. This is a holiday-themed ad from a long-running series of ads Schlitz did that were all three-panel cartoons that all began with someone being “curious” about Schlitz beer, trying it in the second panel and then finally declaring it fit for human consumption … I mean great, usually saying now they understood what Schlitz was the beer that made Milwaukee famous, basically self-referencing their slogan. In this one, it’s a Christmas party, with a gift exchange, though it seems odd that they decorated the tree outside, but had none indoors.
Saturday’s holiday ad is for Altes beer, from the Tivoli Brewing Co. of Detroit, Michigan, from 1915. Featuring Santa Claus holding a case of beer, apparently saving your bottle caps could pay off. According to the carton, “Save the Altes caps and get an elegant 42 piece set of china free.” I wonder how many crowns it took to get your free set of china?
Friday’s holiday ad is for the William Simon Brewery, of Buffalo, New York. But on closer inspection it turns out to be just another ad dressed up for the holidays.
Thursday’s holiday ad is for Ballantine’s, from 1937. A man blows the Ballantine logo smoke rings, while a cartoon balloon contains the words. “A Merry Christmas In Every Glass.” And I love how they try to fit Christmas into the narrative. “There always a festive touch when Ballantine’s Ale or Beer is opened.” So here’s their advice. “So, when your friend foregather in holiday mood, pay them the compliment of serving one of the world’s great drinks. And be generous — put in a goodly supply of the quart bottles or “Bumper” cans.” Who talks that way?
Wednesday’s holiday ad is for Hamm’s, from 1953. Although it’s called “Holiday Refreshment” and makes reference to “your holiday snacks,” the only real signs of Christmas seems to be the case carton, which appears to have some sort of snow scene on it, though I can’t quite make out what it is.
Tuesday’s holiday ad is for Miller Brewing, from 1952. This in an interesting old ad from the December 1952 issue of Modern Brewery Age, so not aimed at general consumers. As a result, it’s fairly simple and straightforward, and largely free of hyperbole and adspeak. Showing an illustration of the modern Miller brewery, with a Christmas tree on the roof by the entrance, the text simply wishes everyone “happiness and good health.”
Monday’s holiday ad is for Miller High Life, from 1952. A table of holiday foods — including some pretty odd ones — but I especially love the Christmas tree of finger foods.
Sunday’s holiday ad is for Pabst Blue Ribbon, from 1912. Interesting illustration of Santa Claus peering through a beer glass and you can also see his ear through the bottle. And I love their tagline. “Nothing but the best will do at Holiday Season — especially if you expect to entertain.”
