Old Dutch Bock Beer Ad – March 4, 1965

Sixty years ago today, Old Dutch Beer fans in Lorain were celebrating the announcement that Old Dutch draft bock beer was now available in bottles. As the ad above from the March 4, 1965 Journal noted, "Now you can get that glorious dark brown brew in all its hearty flavor – draft beer all the way – either in bottles, or on tap in your favorite tavern."

Speaking of taverns, Old Dutch Tavern, 2219 E. Perkins out in Perkins Township near Sandusky reopened in early January with new owners. The tavern, which originally opened in 1956, had been shuttered and for sale for some time according to a story in the Sandusky Register. Extensive renovations and improvements were completed, but the original comfortable atmosphere has been preserved. Longtime regulars are ecstatic that their hometown bar is back, and especially pleased that the Thursday burger night special has been revived.

Strangely enough, the story makes no reference to Old Dutch Beer, the likely source of the tavern's name. I guess the beer really is fading in the public consciousness, despite my never-ending blog posts about it.

But getting back to Old Dutch Bock Beer.

Here's a look at the label on the bottle in the 1965 ad. 

It's not that different than the regular Old Dutch Beer label at that time. I kind of like this earlier version of the Bock Beer label better – with a photo-bombing billy goat. (The word "bock" means "goat" in German.) I like the way the couple spread out to make room for billy at the table. What, no Old Dutch Beer can for him to munch on?

I've never been much of a bock beer fan myself. I'll just keep enjoying my Hamm's from the Vermilion Farm Market, and the annual Guinness on St. Patrick's Day – which is coming up fast.