Over the past few weeks the Beer Living household has been hit with some large repair bills. Nothing decimates the beer budget more than several thousand dollars for unplanned auto and home expenses. So to help balance the budget, I decided to go the cheap beer route. In this case, less than three dollars for a six pack. The beer in question, Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Over the past few years Pabst Blue Ribbon, aka PBR, has enjoyed an almost cult like resurgence. In the early 20th century it was one of the popular beers of the day. But as the Mega Brewers grew, smaller breweries faltered. By the 1970s, PBR sales dropped 90% in volume. PBR was essentially gone.
And then a comeback. Some attributed it to the film “Blue Velvet” which had Dennis Hopper drinking only PBR. Budget strapped college kids began buying the cheap stuff and stayed with it after graduation. In 2009 PBR sales grew 33% over the previous year.
All during this resurgence, I had stayed away from it. And then last week, after the aforementioned fiscal crisis, I bought a 4 pack of 16 ounce cans for $2.59.
Maybe it was the hot sun cooking my head while working in the yard. Maybe it was the hours of back breaking sod planting. Maybe it was the ice cold cans in 90 degree weather. But in the end, PBR tasted damn good. No, it will not replace my love of quality craft style beers. But it is now at the top of my cheap and guzzleable list.