PBR: 168 Years Young

Before we jump to conclusions after recalling the Season 15 episode of South Park that claimed Pabst Blue Ribbon is white trash beer, perhaps we should delve into its history for just a brief moment. PBR (as it is lovingly called today) had its start when German immigrant Jacob Best established the Empire Brewery in Milwaukee, WI. Best and his sons produced 300 barrels within their first year (which is pretty impressive, all things considered). In 1860, Best's son Phillip took over the business. His son-in-law Frederick Pabst (spoiler alert) bought an interest. In 1872, after having produced 100, 000 barrels and becoming the second largest brewery in the United States, Frederick Pabst takes over  the legacy.
In 1876 Pabst Best Select Lager wins the gold medal at the Centennial Celebration and in 1882 after continuing to win awards, Pabst begins hand-tying blue silk ribbons around every bottle (in a blue ribbon marketing move) so it could be easily identified as a winner. 

Conan O'Brien sporting his PBR t-shirt.

 Skip ahead to 2014 where PBR has become the unofficial beer of the "hipster". Prominently featured in books like "The Hipster Handbook", on t-shirts and other merchandise,  PBR is all about tapping (pun intended) into things yet to be discovered. Those who drink PBR do so because it hasn't been gorilla marketed, it takes a conscious effort to buy a case, pint or tall boy: therein lies its cool factor. I was first introduced to PBR while working off of Queen St. West in Toronto, where the hipster population is rumoured to thrive. Many of the local bars served PBR and at discounted price in order to appeal to their target market. 



Fun Fact: Patrick Swayze appeared in a 1979 ad for
PBR which featured groovy disco dancing and unforgettable lyrics:

 "I've got Pabst Blue Ribbon on my mind."

"There's no place that I'd rather be than right here
With my rednecks, white socks and blue ribbon beer," Johnny Russell.

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Class: Pale Lager

Brewer: SLEEMAN BREWING

Quality: Discount

Alcohol Content: 4.9%

Check out their website for the entire colourful history!