Hooray Beer Of The Week

Ryan and I just returned from a much needed vacation in Jamaica and with that, this week's BOTW is Red Stripe.

Red Stripe, brewed in Kingston Jamaica, is probably most recognizable by two things. First, the short and squat bottles, with the simple red and white label (which were first used in 1975). Secondly, the 2001 ad campaign featuring a comedic Jamaican played by Dorrel Salmon shouting the catch phrase "Hooray Beer!" Here is a link to my personal favorite, "Red Stripe and Reggae Helping Our White Friends Dance for Over 70 Years".

Red Stripe has actually been brewed for the past 81 years. The company Desnoes & Geddes which created Surrey Brewery first brewed Red Stripe in 1928. Originally Red Stripe resembled more of an ale, heavier and darker. In 1938 the formula we still drink today was created. This formula is 4.7% Alcohol By Volume, it is moderate in body, bitterness, hop aroma and flavor, it also has a low butterstoch flavor, full bodied and has a smooth post palate sensation.

Although now the majority of the shares are owned by Guinness PLC, Red Stripe still is a true Jamaican beer. In 1962 when Jamaica earned its independence from Britian, a newspaper columnist for The Daily Gleaner was quoted as saying:

The real date of independence should have been 1928, when we established our self respect and self confidence through the production of a beer far beyond the capacity of mere Colonial dependants.

Red Stripe also supports and sponsors the Jamaican Bobsled Team, the 2007 World Cricket Tournament, and several reggae music events.

One interesting history note of Red Stripe is that in 1989 shipments to the US were temporarily suspended due to cannabis smuggling in shipment containers of Red Stripe in the Port of Miami.

Go out and get a six pack of Red Stripe and think of warmer places.

Link of Interest (although somewhat limited):

Red Stripe Beer