Beer for the SCR7 Thursday nighter...

[bkhpah]

Once again it iis time to think about what beer the welcome wagon should provide during the unofficial opening of SCR7 Thursday. As is tradition, Rolling Rock from the glass lined tanks of Latrobe will be in tow. Any other requests? Last year it was beer from around the world with many folks bringing a sample of their local beverage. We are only days away now, it's time to get serious! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif...BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Jeff Murphy]

33 for me!!

[JChlupsa]

Jeff, What are the requirements for shipping on a AirCraft??

[ORIGLS6]

OK, for the rest of you who have been wondering WHAT THE HELL Jeff is referring to with his "33" remark, but were too embarrased to ask, I've done a little research.........

__________________________________________________ __________

Why is there a "33" on Rolling Rock beer labels?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Cecil:

The other day my friends and I were sitting around knocking back a few beers when we came upon a question we realized only you can answer: why does it say "33" on the back of the labels of Rolling Rock beer?

We all know it's brewed from pure artesian well water in the glass-lined tanks of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, hometown of Arnold Palmer and all that. But what does the number mean?

I remember seeing it on the pony bottles ("a little nip") I drank in the Philadelphia of my college youth, and it's also on cans and the long-neck returnables. One of the assembled good ol' persons pointed out there's a French (formerly Vietnamese, he claims) beer called "33," which may have something to do with it. --Stephanie F., Washington, D.C.

Dear Stephanie:

I would venture to say there are still one or two people in this country who don't know about Rolling Rock beer. Too bad. It is a brave little brew with many shining qualities to recommend it. Among them:

(1) It's got a taste with some gravel to it, at least on occasion--the flavor is notoriously variable.

(2) They print the ingredients on the label, unlike most brewers. (They use water, malt, rice, corn, hops, and brewer's yeast, in case you're interested.) But most important of all:

(3) It's got an undeniable mystique, which derives mainly from the enigmatic 33.

The official explanation for the number, which is not entirely coterminous with the REAL explanation, is that 33 signifies two things: the year Prohibition was repealed (1933), and the number of words in the legend printed above the number on cans and returnable bottles. I quote:

"Rolling Rock from glass lined tanks in the Laurel Highlands. We tender this premium beer for your enjoyment as a tribute to your good taste. It comes from the mountain springs to you."

Now, this is a touching sentiment, and there is no question it has 33 words in it. But from the standpoint of intellectual satisfaction, it sucks.

Therefore, I hunted up James L. Tito, who at one time was chief executive officer of Latrobe Brewing, the maker of Rolling Rock beer.

Mr. Tito's family owned Latrobe from the end of Prohibition until the company was sold to an outfit in Connecticut in 1985. After some prompting, he told me the sordid truth.

Based on some old notes and discussions with family members now dead, Mr. Tito believes that putting the 33 on the label was nothing more or less than a horrible accident. It happened like this:

When the Titos decided to introduce the Rolling Rock brand around 1939, they couldn't agree on a slogan for the back of the bottle. Some favored a long one, some a short one. At length somebody came up with the 33-word beauty quoted above, and to indicate its modest length, scribbled a big "33" on it.

More argument ensued, until finally somebody said, dadgummit, boys, let's just use this one and be done with it, and sent the 33-word version off to the bottle maker.

Unfortunately, no one realized that the big 33 wasn't supposed to be part of the design until 50 jillion returnable bottles had been made up with the errant label painted permanently on their backsides. (I suppose this bespeaks a certain inattentiveness on the part of the Tito family, but I am telling you this story just as it was told to me.)


This being the Depression and all, the Titos were in no position to throw out a lot of perfectly good bottles. So they decided to make the best of things by concocting a yarn about how the 33 stood for the year Prohibition was repealed.

In retrospect, this was a stroke of marketing genius. Next to cereal boxes, beer labels are probably the most thoroughly scrutinized artifacts in all of civilization, owing to the propensity of beer drinkers to stare morosely at them at three o'clock in the morning.

The Rolling Rock "33" has baffled beer lovers for generations, and accordingly has become the stuff of barroom legend. I have letters claiming that the number has something to do with a satanic ritual, that it was the age of Christ when he died, even that it signifies the number of glass-lined tanks in the Latrobe plant.

Tres bizarre, but if M. Tito is to be believed, not quite as bizarre as the truth.

--CECIL ADAMS

__________________________________________________ __________



Sorry, but I obsess over things like this! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

First http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif on me Jeff! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[sYc]

DC, you never cease to amaze... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Jeff Murphy]

Thanks for the history lesson, Dennis, but I was referring to quantity... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Canucklehead]

Any of you guys know of a beer here in Canada called "Pilsner"?. It's a cheap beer that is loved by farmers and the like, personally i hate it, well theres a little country setting on it and theres always a discussion on how many rabbits are on the label. If you see one check to see how many rabbits you can find.

FYI it's the best selling beer here in Alberta

[Mr70]

1-2-3-4-5-6 rabbits Drink...Ahhhh
Where was I?
1-2-3-4-5-6 rabbits Drink...Ahhhh
Where was I?
1-2-3 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/photos/molsonpilsner.jpg

[Belair62]

Old Style had frogs on the cans....is Old Style still made ???

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the history lesson, Dennis, but I was referring to quantity...

[/ QUOTE ]

We questioned that at first but I heard you only 'Bought' the brew at Monmouth......never 'Consumed' any! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

That'll have to change this week-end! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[DarrenX33]

Should I bring you some? I thought you were into the highend beers like Black Label. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Old Style had frogs on the cans....

[/ QUOTE ]

I've had some Old Style in the past but never noticed any frogs. How much do you have to drink before they appear? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Are you sure you weren't watching the WB network??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Belair62]

the frogs were real little !!! you have to squint !!! I don't even think G. Heileman is even in business anymore !

[DarrenX33]

Frog beer (http://www.oldstylebeer.com/homepage.htm) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Canucklehead]

As far as i know old stock is not around anymore, it was replaced by Labatt Ice, another 6% beer. They had a great idea but screwed up on the patent and Budwieser stole it from them. I bought a resturant a few years back and when i took over the guy had about 60 cases of Black Label (which can now be had under the name of "Black Ice"), he had bought it becouse there was a recent beer strike and thats all that he could get. It took me forever to get rid of it even at 2 bucks a bottle. When i was down in vegas i asked if they had any Canadian beer available and he proudly displays a Black Ice. I said "thats it"!!, oh and we also have "Molson Export", YUCK!! two of the worst beers you can get here.

[Canucklehead]

I had it pretty good for awhile when i had two friends who were beer reps. One for big rock (Edmonton brewery) and another from Sleamans (Ontario brewery). One of my buisnesses was a tanning salon and they used to drop flats of beer of for tanning minutes. My pop machine had one slot that was "out of order" at all times. They refered other reps there and i had wine, coolers, 26ers, t-shirts, concert passes etc coming through the door. Even had local radio dj's plugging my salon in trade for minutes. Good thing i had some paying customers. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Kim_Howie]

DC you F#C$*&N never cease to amaze me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Taken directly from the "Old Style" webpage.......

"Old Style tradition is a mix of fun, fact and fertilizer."

FERTILIZER??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Because it tastes like _ _ _ _? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

Maybe I'll just stock the cooler with bottled water http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif!

[Mr70]

FOR GODS SAKE,DON'T ANYONE ASK DENNIS WHAT OSMOSIS IS!!!!!
Geez. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

[ QUOTE ]
Old Style had frogs on the cans....is Old Style still made ???

[/ QUOTE ]
Up here in 'sconsin you can buy Old Style any where as well as Pabst...I have my old soda machine stocked with "healthy" quantities of Pabst and Old Style at all times...I was brought up on Pabst and my buddy was brought up on Old Style so we like to have plenty around for when we talk "business"... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif...if anyone would like to partake in some Old Style or Pabst (my preference is bottles), let me know - I'd be more than happy to share the goodness http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif...

[copo9566aa]

Blanche de Chambly, http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Beers (http://www.unibroue.com/english.cfm)

[Belair62]

Hey Born30....bring down a few PBR's and look for the short guy...I'll have one with you.....and someone better save me one of these Rolling Rocks....

[Born30YrsLate]

Hey Bel - how about I wear a sign that says..."I'm Looking for the Short Guy - PBR Me ASAP!"...also, I'll be the one walking around with a tall blonde - the same one as last year... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Jeff Murphy]

[ QUOTE ]
never 'Consumed' any!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, it's true that I never had to consume my emergency/breakfast Guinness. Maybe Annie can bring them to Collinsville and we can have 'em Saturday morning. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Supercar_Kid]

[ QUOTE ]
"Rolling Rock from glass lined tanks in the Laurel Highlands. We tender this premium beer for your enjoyment as a tribute to your good taste. It comes from the mountain springs to you."

[/ QUOTE ] It actually reads..."from the glass lined tanks of old Latrobe..." but after a few who really cares about the "33" anyhow? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif See you all at the SCR7. Maybe I can sneak a sampling of Pittsburgh's finest in my carryon. Gimme a cold Ahrn! (http://www.mondobirra.org/sfondi/iron_City2.jpg) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[AnnieHartweg]

Jeff,

Not to worry....your left over Guinness has been kept safe,sound and cold. It, along with a few "33" friends from Latrobe will be in the cooler Fri.

Bob,if you and Born30 run out,let me know,I will have a couple of extra PBRs with your names on them.

Safe trip to all!

[55chevy]

Well I used to love Ice cold Rolling Rock when I was living in the hills of Greensburg, PA. Personal favorite was the 7oz case of 42s.. Leave 'em outside in the snow and they were as cold as you could ever want 'em http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Otherwise it's "Miller Time". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[hvychev]

Man, when I was a kid like 4-5 years old we used to go to my grandparents house in Cicero and my grandpa used to sit in his arm chair and watch Cubs games. I would sit on his lap and he used to give me a "swig" out of his Tall Boy can of Old Style. Have not had a sip since about 1982 but can still taste it today! Fred, if you have any Old Style I want a can! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just for $hits and giggles the "official" beer of Chicago is Miller LITE. I prefer MGD myself and will have plenty on hand. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[55chevy]

Well last year at SCR6 I made a mistake of staying with a friend of mine in St. Louis.. And I missed ALOT of the best parts of the Supercar Reunion.. That won't happen this year.. I look forward to meeting everyone I've grown to know here for so long... Look for the guy in the white t-shirt with 55 Chevy written on the front and a monster/gasser 55 on my back. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif And lets toast a couple. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

Hey Frank, win or lose - I'll have some Old Style for ya....and if you win, I'll let you have a Pabst http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif...just yankin' your crank, anyone's more than welcome to the Blue Ribbon...I'll be wearing my "Pabst Racing Team" hat Thursday when I get there, even though it won't match my outfit - HA...

[55chevy]

I've decided not to mark on the front of my shirt, but I'll be the only guy at the drags and the show with this on my back. So if you see the monster 55.. say Hi http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif and if you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of me being pushed around in a white/gold car by two tired looking yet handsome older gentleman.. (hey.. considering what's been thrown back and forth the past 4 days that is one hell of a compliment http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif).. Man I can't wait for Friday!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Pantera]

Who said it is your turn to be pushed this time. ??? Those older as you call it gentlemen may not go along with that.




Actually if it was not for 55chev and another older "Gentleman" I just might not have made this show. Last contract pool job ran overtime till I was scared I might not even get to attend.

[sixbrl440]

Careful who you call "gentlemen," too!!

[55chevy]

I got the "corvette with no damn brakes" experience.... remember? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[sixbrl440]

Yeah...good driving, too!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

Hey Bob(Belair62) I still have a Pabst with your name on it and Frank(hvychv) I still have a can of Old Style with your name on it...but don't worry...I'll keep them in a safe place until next year so they have time to age properly... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif...I think next year I'll just walk around with a cooler strapped to my body and hand out beers as I see empty hands.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[hvychev]

Sorry Fred! Man it was such a busy weekend. I did get that can of Old Style left under the hood of my car by some member! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Jeff Murphy]

Annie H. and I thought you might like that little present!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

Rick and Darren - I'll make sure to have a PBR ready and waiting at all times at SCR8 - now that I know who to look for... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif