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.
Guinness Ad #97: Overprotective Rhino
Our 97th Guinness ad shows an original sketch for ad that may or may not have ever been used. It shows a rhinoceros in the zoo, with the zookeeper peering around the corner as the rhino holds on to his bottle of Guinness for dear life. I think it’s safe to assume he’s not getting that beer back. The slogan for the ad is “My Goodness, My Guinness.”
Beer In Ads #494: This Year Buy Him A Beer
Thursday’s ad is holiday ad for Michelob, from 1963. Their suggestion, “This year buy him a beer” seems like a good one, though in truth Michelob probably wouldn’t be the one I”d want, but maybe that’s just me. I love how they spin it in the ad copy. They refer to giving Michelob as an “unhackneyed” gift, “whether beer lover or bottle fancier.”
Beer In Ads #493: Greetings From Schlitz
Wednesday’s ad is another holiday one for Schlitz, this one from 1960. She certainly looks ready to party, handing our glasses of beer. I want to be at her Christmas party.
And here’s a better scan of the ad, but smaller.
Beer In Ads #492: Light Refreshment For Your Holidays
Tuesday’s ad begins the holiday season for beer ads, and our first this year is for Schlitz, most likely from the 1950s. With the slogan “light refreshment for your holidays,” the ad shows a couple having a few beers by the tree. The woman lounges on a sofa, as the man presumably just gave her a present to open. She certainly looks happy; is it the warm glow of Schlitz or the anticipation of opening a decidedly jewelry box sized gift?
Beer In Ads #491: This Is The Banker Of Blue Ribbon Town
Monday’s ad is a somewhat creepy one from 1943 for Pabst Blue Ribbon. I’m sorry, but those blue ribbon people I find just way too freaky. And how about that copy? “This is the Banker of Blue Ribbon Town who formerly wore a Peppermint Frown.” WTF?!
Guinness Ad #96: A Nose For Guinness
Our 96th Guinness ad shows the iconic Guinness toucan with a man sporting a toucan-like nose of his own. They say pet owners resemble their pets, and this would seem to support that theory. They both seem to have a nose for Guinness. I guess it really is a “Lovely day for a Guinness.”
Beer In Ads #490: Budweiser’s Beach Weenie Roast
Friday’s ad is for Budweiser, from their “Where there’s life …” series, probably from the 1950s or early 60s. The scene shows a smiling and way-too-shiny-faced couple on the beach, having a weenie roast, while the woman pours a can of Bud into an already full mug.
Beer In Ads #489: For Pure Drink Get Rainier Beer
Thursday’s ad is another ad for healthy beer, somewhat similar to yesterday’s Budweiser ad. This one is just a few years later, from 1907, and was sent to me by fellow blogger Lisa Grimm from WeirdBeerGirl (thanks Lisa). The ad is for Rainier Pale Beer, from Seattle Brewing & Malting Co., and shows a group of children using a giant beer bottle as a Maypole. Mother can be seen in the background, arriving on the scene with a tray full of beer bottles and glasses. Again, can you just imagine that ad today? The copy is equally interesting.
Pure Air, Pure Food, Pure Drink are essential to healthy growth … for Pure Drink get Rainier Pale Beer
Another beautiful sentiment.
Beer In Ads #488: The Ladies Home Journal Endorses Beer As Opposed To Patent Medicines
Wednesday’s ad is a Ladies Home Journal (LHJ) ad from 1904 for Budweiser. It’s an interesting ad. First of all, check out the cage and cork on a Bud bottle. That’s not something you see every day. And the endorsement by LHJ is priceless. Can you imagine this today?
Mr. Edward Bok, editor of the Ladies’ Home Journal, in a page article in the May issue gives a list of 36 medicines, with official analysis, asserting them to contain 12 to 47 per cent. of Alcohol!
The ad goes to suggest the reader think of beer, with a mere 2 to 5 percent, is nothing compared to many of the medicines that mothers might give their child, some of which are “stronger than whisky.” At this point, Budweiser suggests that their beer is much healthier even than water with its low alcohol content.
Budweiser contains only 3-89/100 per cent. of alcohol. It is better than pure water because of the nourishing qualities of malt and the tonic properties of hops.
Budweiser is pre-eminently a family beverage; its use promotes the cause of true temperance—it guards the safety of health and home.
Now that’s a beautiful sentiment.
