Just Say OV

Let’s start this off with a bang. My current favourite beer to drink is Old Vienna (or OV, for those in know). A huge seller at my hometown’s busiest watering hole (and where I bartend), OV is a lager with a lot of character-just like those who choose to drink it. It’s described as a “mainstream lager with moderate hop character and slightly sweet, fruity, refreshing aroma and taste," (The Beer Store).

"You don't care about what I think,
I think I'll just stay here and have
a drink," Merle Haggard.

OV has been enjoyed in hockey dressing rooms since the early 1970’s. It was originally bottled by City Brewing, the rights and recipe were purchased by Koch Beverage Company (Wapakoneta, Ohio) and then sold to Carling O’Keefe after their demise in 70’s. During this time, OV was marketed as a mainstream premium lager sold at a higher price point. Now, OV is brewed by Molson and sold across Canada and select US markets close to the border. It is brewed as a premium beer but sold a lower price point.

“Just say OV” is not only the tagline for the brand, it connotes a way of life. OV beer drinkers are laidback and loyal, forming a community of beer lovers who find beauty in the simple things in life, check out @OVBeer if you don't believe me.

I was introduced to OV by “the regulars” who drink where I bartend at Bentley's in Stratford, ON. They were adamant that OV, despite its reputation as a cheap beer, is incredibly drinkable. I’ve been hooked ever since, impatiently awaiting my first pint on Friday nights.

 Fun Fact: OV was sold in 7oz bottles called “OV Splits” throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s.  

 

OV

Class: Pale Lager

Brewer: Molson

Quality: Premium

Alcohol Content: 5%

Why Blog About Retro Suds?

Over the past year I have noticed a trend in the marketing, selling, brewing and consuming of beer. People are getting back to their roots: craft breweries are popping up and gaining serious momentum, labeling and packaging is giving props to earlier editions and sales reps are taking a more personal approach to market their products. As a bartender and server I am excited about returning to the simple spirit of the malty beverage: bringing people together to celebrate, collaborate and communicate. The surge in retro beer is proof that everything new is not always better. There is a serious demand for capturing something vintage in bottles, cans and kegs.


"Every now and then you just get

 a little thirsty," Hank Williams Jr.

 

Whether beer makers, marketers and consumers are trying to be nostalgic or intrigue a new generation of potential beer lovers, this blog is my attempt to understand why old beer is cool again. Each week I will try an "old-school" brew and write about my experience, where it was served and who introduced me to the beer itself. My goal is to pay homage to beer drinkers who came before us and pave the way for those who have yet to enjoy it. I look forward to tasting my way through the upcoming weeks and sharing my sudsy experiences with you.


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