Friday’s ad is for British Columbia’s O’Keefe’s Brewery, from 1960, when they apparently opened their new “plant.” I know it shouldn’t, but I’m always suspect of any company that refers to its brewery as a “plant.” To me, it suggests a lack of passion for the beer itself, instead placing more emphasis on the business aspects of the endeavor. I do, however, love the shiny illustration of the new brewery and the sign for their Old Vienna Lager Beer.
Friday’s ad is also from the 1950s, for the Canadian brand Molson, specifically their Export Ale. It’s a good use of limited colors, and I love the expression on the man’s face.
Thursday’s ad is from the 1950s, for the Canadian brand Labatt’s Crystal Lager Beer. The crystal ball shows a male fantasy of how we should be rewarded after mowing the lawn on a warm summer day. Basically, it’s sitting in an easy chair, smoking a cigarette while watching baseball on television, as the missus serves his every whim with a smile on her face. I don’t need a crystal ball that’s not going to really happen.
Monday’s ad is for Dow Ale, the Canadian brewery from Quebec City. It was around for only a short time, from 1952 to 1966. But I love the slogan, “the up-to-date ale for up-to-date people.” These are folks, mind you, who are “where lively, fun-loving people are enjoying life.” And then there’s this gem at the bottom. “Only Dow is ‘Cool Control’ Brewed.”
Friday’s ad is for the Canadian beer Labatt’s ’50’ Ale, from 1960. Showing a cartoon lumberjack who looks happy enough perched on a log with a full glass of beer, but he looks positively giddy after downing the beer. He’s actually leaping into the air, rubbing his tummy and clapping his legs together. That must be some damn tasty beer.
Tuesday’s ad is for Carling’s Red Cap Ale. I’m not sure of the year the ad ran, but there is a clue at the bottom. It says that for 109 years it was made in Canada but as of the date of the ad was being made in the U.S. It’s a great illustration and I’m assuming it ran in the fall, sometime during football season, since the only element in the ad is the generic “Go Team!” football badge in blue and gold and some ticket stubs, presumably from the game.
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.
Thursday’s ad is for Molson, from — I’m just guessing — the 1960s or 70s. I love the tray, and that ad copy. “Thirsting for the best of Canada? Make sure it’s Molson.”
Monday’s holiday ad is for the Canadian beer O’Keefe Ale, from 1958. With the slogan “… dans l’esprit des fetes!” — “in the holiday spirit” — it features a fetching couple under the mistletoe pouring a glass of O’Keefe Ale.
Thursday’s ad is for Canada’s Carling’s Red Cap Ale, from 1952. The nautical couple romantically drinking their ale — light and hearty — are “having something extra for [their] money.” And I love that slogan. “Be Light-hearted … Stay Light-hearted … drink Carling’s Red Cap Ale.” Priceless.
