Friday’s ad is for Dow Ale, from 1954. The Canadian brewery in 1954 had “a smart new look” and was “‘cool control’ brewed,” whatever that meant. But the man sure looks comfy in the hammock, while still wearing a tie and holding a fan.
Beer In Ads #1597: When Work Is Done
Thursday’s ad is for Great Britain brewers’ “Beer is Best” campaign, from 1935. Part of the British brewers series of ad promoting beer generally, this one focuses on an after work drink as a positive, where a man can “put away the cares of the day; restores his toil-spent energy; revives his flagging spirit.” But what stood out for me was at the bottom of the ad there’s a simple list of beer’s four ingredients, which they list as “Malt · Hops · Sugar · Yeast.” What was that third one again?
Beer In Ads #1596: Speaking Of Miracles
Wednesday’s ad is for Schlitz, from 1951. This is an odd ad, showing a man who could easily be mistaken for being in drag, but is just dressed up as a gypsy or fortune-teller. Wearing a goofy grin, he’s seeing a bottle of Schlitz and a full glass of beer in his crystal ball, apparently giving him the idea that a cold drink of beer would be a miracle after a hard day of work.
Beer In Ads #1595: The Bow Tie Tuxedo
Tuesday’s ad is for Budweiser, from 1949. Part of Bud’s long-running “there’s nothing like it” series, the ad starts with “Waltz time, rhumba, foxtrot, swing,” showing a couple out dancing, dressed to the nines. You gotta love that teeny, tiny thin bow tie the man is wearing with his tux. But my favorite is a throwaway statement in the bottom right corner of the ad. “There’s more Budweiser — and there will be still more as our vast expansion program continues.” Uh oh.
Beer In Ads #1594: Backyard Curiosity
Monday’s ad is for Schlitz, from 1948. This is another of their long-running “I was curious” three-panel series. This one features a young man with no waist wearing Mom jeans being lured into a backyard by an older couple. Check out the leopard print being worn by the cougar in the second panel. Meow.
Beer In Ads #1593: Better Try Extra-Dry
Sunday’s ad is for Goebel Beer, from 1949. The Detroit, Michigan brewery set their ad at night in the desert, presumably to make the association with an arid climate since the tagline is “better try extra-dry Goebel beer.” It certainly makes me thirsty looking at all that sand, not to mention the campfire.
Beer In Ads #1592: Reflection Of No Bitterness
Saturday’s ad is for Schlitz, from 1943. I’ve talked about this before, how oftentimes back in the earlier part of the century, products like beer were referred to as “friendly.” Here’s another example where Schlitz claims that “for millions of Americans the simple joy of companionship are made richer, deeper, more satisfying with a glass of friendly SCHLITZ.” Damn straight, skippy, I don’t want one of those unfriendly beers touching my lips.
Beer In Ads #1591: Land Of Sunshine
Friday’s ad is for Miller High Life, from 1954. Starting with the tagline “Traditionally the Finest,” the ad equates Florida with vacationers and the state’s fame as “a center of hospitality.” And this is seventeen years before Walt Disney World opened and transformed the state, so I’m not so sure about that claim. I remember a driving vacation my family took when I was fourteen (in 1973) from Pennsylvania to the Sunshine state and we didn’t even consider going; we drove right on past to Miami and the Keys. At any rate, I have a hard time thinking of Florida as an “enchanted land.” Though to be fair, beer-wise, things are a lot better there now than went I flew there once a month when BevMo opened a couple of stores in south Florida thanks to Cigar City and other new breweries.
Beer In Ads #1590: Buy The Big Size
Thursday’s ad is for Budweiser, from 1961. That’s quite a cheese spread she has going, there’s obviously a party about to happen. Good thing she has half quarts on hand. This party’s going to be off the hook.
Beer In Ads #1589: One Of The Real Joys Of Good Living
Wednesday’s ad is for Schlitz, from 1960. “One of the Real Joys of Good Living” is apparently waking up at 11:45 p.m., putting on your robe and going downstairs to make a sandwich and have a beer for a late night snack. Hilarious, I’m usually still up well past midnight, but I do wish I had that robe.
