Wednesday’s ad is for Washington’s Olympia Beer, from 1959. Showing a fishing scene in the great outdoors, with fish rilling on the fire and a six-pack of Olympia cans ready to wash it all down.
Beer In Ads #617: Don’t Cry Over Spilled Beer
Tuesday’s ad is for Franz Falk Brewing Co., a Wisconsin brewery which was only around for a short time, from 1856 to 1892 — 36 years. I don’t know for sure, but it looks to me to be from the latter half of the 19th century. I’m not sure why anyone would entrust a couple of beer bottles and glasses on a tray to a young girl, but she certainly knows she’s not supposed to drop them. I can’t tell if she’s so upset because one of them is about to break or she knows she’s going to get a whoopin’ when her father finds out.
Beer In Ads #616: The Beer With The Friendly Flavor
Monday’s ad is another one from the 1950s, again for the Canadian beer Dow Ale. I love how in the fifties everybody dressed up to watch television, lounging at home in a suit and tie or party dress. What is it about the 50s where so many products claimed to be “friendly” in their advertising? For this one, it’s “the beer with the Friendly Flavor.” I love that.
Beer In Ads #615: A Sip Says It All …
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.
Beer In Ads #614: For Cooling Refreshment … Look Into Crystal
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.
Beer In Ads #613: Ice Gave All 48 States A Seashore …
Wednesday’s ad is from 1948, for Budweiser, and uses the seemingly inscrutable slogan “Ice Gave All 48 States a Seashore …” as part of their “Great Contributions to Good Taste” series. The idea is that thanks to ice, along with refrigeration and fast transportation, seafood can be sold anywhere in America. And then it can be paired with Budweiser, since “It lives with good taste everywhere,” whatever that means.
Beer In Ads #612: Real Gusto
Tuesday’s ad is from 1953, for Schlitz. The double-truck ad shows an engaging stadium beer seller pouring two bottles Schlitz into paper cups at the same time. I’ve always liked the look of those Schlitz bottles, and the labels look so shiny.
Beer In Ads #611: The Up-To-Date Ale For Up-To-Date People
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.”
Beer In Ads #610: Easy-Going ’50’ Ale
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.
Beer In Ads #609: One Can Left In The Refrigerator
Thursday’s ad is for the manufacturer Continental Can Company, from 1959, extolling the virtue of their can for beer. Showing an illustration of four seating men standing around an open refrigerator with a can of generic Light Beer in it, the company promises that “Continental has the right beer package for you!”
