John's Blog

Last week at work we had to write and perform lyrics to a song as part of a corporate "rah-rah" thing. In the process, the song inevitably got stuck in my head. This got me thinking about some of the songs that have gotten "stuck" there in the past. Going 'way back, made me recall this really annoying "jingle" (remember when jingles were the backbone of advertising?) that used to be on radio and TV as I was growing up.......
"NATIONAL BEER, NATIONAL BEER, YOU'LL LOVE THE TASTE OF NATIONAL BEER, AND WHILE WE'RE SINGING, WE'RE PROUD TO SAY, IT'S BREWED ON THE SHORES OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY."

And a close 2nd in the "etched in the brain" department was "Mabel, Black Label, Carling Black Label Beer". Since beer commercials seem to be beyond just selling stuff and have become a part of our psyche and popular culture, a look back at this relationship and some other classics. Many of these commercials featured animated pitchmen, such as Natty Boh (above) who was the face of the National Bohemian brand. By using cartoon pitchmen (Burt & Harry Piel, Hamm's Bear, Mr. Magoo, and others) it became an economical way for brewers to gain attention, as well as being effective on both black & white, as well as the then rare color TV sets.

Both of these brands were largely local favorites in the Baltimore metro area (or "The Land Of Pleasant Living" if the commercials were to be believed), even though Carling had national reach before merging with the company that made "Natty Boho". This was back in the day when there were plenty of regional differences, with local companies that actually made things, prior to all the merger madness that ultimately resulted in many of these brands and companies disappearing. Many of these defunct breweries and their history can be found here and a really detailed timeline of the Carling & National Brewing companies can be found here. An interesting look back from the perspective of one who was in the eye of the storm.

You can still get Natty Boh today but only if you live in Maryland I guess. Many corporate ownerships later, the brand was acquired by Pabst, which doesn't brew beer, but pays Miller to make it's brands for them. It's a strange world sometimes. At least the brewery buildings are experiencing a renaissance of sorts.

Since I love to beat a dead horse, here are a few more beer related links:

One Person's Opinion: 20 CHEAP BEERS REVIEWED; Part 1 and Part 2

You would think that a site combining nudity and beer would be good.....don't jump to any conclusions:
We were born nude. We love our beer. After a few, we rip off our gear.

"It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!"; Irish Toasts

Brew Your Own or Use Washington's Recipe
99 Bottles of Beer; One program in 621 variations
5 Stages Of Drunkeness
How Many Would It Take?
Real Men Of Genius
Sneaky Shorts
The World's Largest Six Pack
Bottle Opener/Fridge Magnet
Join The Beer Church
Beer Can House
Beer Butt Chicken
"Now you can enjoy the great taste of Piss Beer"
This Old Kegerator