Strange Beer Names
Would you believe that there’s a brand of beer called “Seriously Bad Elf?” I know that there are other odd names for beer brands; for instance, Pig’s Ass Porter is a local favorite around here. WTF?
Yep - he looks seriously bad, all right.
Now, I know absolutely nothing about beer - to me, they all smell the same, and would probably taste the same (like crap), but there’s probably people on the other side who wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between some month-old Folger’s brew and a freshly-ground cup of Starbucks French Roast.
But still, I’m puzzled: what does a “bad elf” have to do with beer?
March 24th, 2007 at 12:32 am
They’re probably trying to appeal to the 18-30 age group. (Yes, I know you have to be 21 to drink beer.) One might expect more sophistication in the wine industry, and one would be wrong. To wit: there is a brand of wine named Fat Bastard. I am not making this up. There are a few others of this ilk, but that’s the one that comes to mind.
There seems to be a perception among marketers that young adults are attracted to brands that display the sense of humor of the 12-15 age group. Volkswagen has been doing this for a number of years, apparently defining their target market as immature young adults,” who are very prevalent in the company’s ads. And now they feel compelled to have a character in every ad say, “Holy sh–!” Bill Bernbach is surely puking in his grave.
March 24th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I won’t even bother hitting you re: beers smelling and tasting the same because it’s just ignorant and prejudiced and it’ll be lost on a retro-grade prohibitionist like yourself
Similarly, MarkFL’s comment re: “sophistication”.
As for beer names being “strange”, naming a beer is just as creative process as brewing one and the brewers do so to express something. They say what the brewer wants them to say (with approval from the various labeling authorities). Most smaller breweries are far less concerned with marketing and focus mainly on producing quality, enjoyable beer. These are not popping up in national ad campaigns or trying to hit a certain demographic any more than the title on a book of poetry is.
Nevertheless, I will point out some other interesting names:
Santa’s Butt Porter
Moose Drool
In Heat Wheat
Daddy’s Little Helper Malt Liquor
Streetwalker Malt Liquor
Homo Erectus
My Old Kentucky Homo
Arrogant Bastard
Kronik (a.k.a. Censored)
Pikop Andropov’s Rushin’ Imperial Stout
Sick Duck
September 6th, 2007 at 6:08 am
I wonder if you maybe can help me??
I am a Norwegian breeder of siamese Cats, and they all get beer-names. I am looking for strange beer-names, and those who start with a -W on my white siameses.
All beer-names are interessting, as long as they are real beer-names.
PLease, if you can help, send me an e-mail….
November 19th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I was just wondering about a beer I remember in college about 34 to 35 years ago. Do any of you remember a beer called (not sure of the spelling)
Hoppingator or Hoppongator beer? Would love to know if you do and do they have it anywhere still. Send me an email if there is any knowledge of this and thanks in advance.