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Thursday, 26 September 2019

Hot blood

I've just discovered that my favourite Barclay's Russian Stout advertisement, featuring a Cossack and hounds, was actually part of a series.

The same Cossack character appeared in several different advertisements in the 1930s, all with beautiful illustrations. This is the one I already knew:



"Warmed to the marrow
Out in the cold a Barclay's Russian Stout will keep you warm for hours. It was the Imperial Court of Russia in the days of Catherine the Great that made the pleasing discovery; for this potent beverage was first brewed for export to that arctic land. Always have a dozen in the house to help you through the winter.
Barclay's Russian Stout
Matured at least a year in bottle and goes on maturing Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News - Friday 20 November 1936, page 38.
They seem to be very proud of the warming qualities of Russian Stout. Not sure they're real. But a couple of quick ones would certainly make you feel better. Well, they'd make me feel better.


"Hot blood
There have been changes in Russia, but none in Barclay's Russian Stout. This remains the potent vintage stout that warmed the cockles of the Imperial heart 150 years ago. Remember for a 'Buchan's cold spell' there's nothing like a Barclay's Russian Stout. So keep a dozen in the house.
Barclay's Russian Stout
Matured at least a year in bottle and goes on maturing"
The Bystander - Wednesday 04 December 1935, page 32.
I've actually got more than a dozen bottles in the house. I believe I still have around 50 bottles of the 1992 and 1993 vintages, the last ever produced.*


You can get a tote bag with the first advert from above:





* I don't count the Charles Wells rebrew as it didn't contain Brettanomyces. Not the same beer without it.

3 comments:

  1. Martyn Cornell26 September 2019 at 04:10

    That reference to a "Buchan's cold spell" sent me off Googling: it's an interesting story. Apparently global warming has now brought an end to them. https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/4147165.buchans-cold-spell/

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  2. Chris Pickles26 September 2019 at 07:31

    It must be nearly 40 years since I tasted Barclays* Russian Stout but I can still remember the taste. I guess that was brett.

    South Australian shiraz wine also traditionally featured brett. The taste/aroma it imparted was described as sweaty saddle, but it was declared to be a fault and eradicated. Thus regional variations are eliminated and a sort of world style where anything can come from anywhere is ushered in.

    *The label said Courage but the cap said Barclays.

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  3. kaiserhog27 September 2019 at 19:44

    I love the advertisements. Simply works of art.

    ReplyDelete