Skullsplitting Headache
Posted by Chris in Internet, tags: beer, busybodies, portman group, skullsplitterFrom the ‘Have they really got nothing better to do?’ department, comes this story of Skull Splitter Ale from the Orkney Islands.
We have a bunch of state sanctioned nannies in the UK called the Portman Group (who apparently have chosen a condom for a logo) who niche it is in life to censure companies for innappropriate marketing of alchohol to people. Sounds very noble, although I find it debatable that people drink because an advert told them to, but leaving that aside, this particular story concerns the aforementioned Skull Splitter and how the ‘aggressive’ name and image of an ‘aggressive’ Viking (as the local MP pointed out, is there any other kind?) would drive hordes of children to start throwing the stuff down their neck and eating babies etc.
Now this beer is a real ale of 8.5%, is dark and rich and being a fan of this kind of beer, I can tell you that the one thing you cannot do with these drinks is suck down half a dozen bottles in one sitting. It’s the kind of beer that can only be sipped & enjoyed. This is of course unlike the drunk schoolkids favourite beverage which is either 90% sugar or is a fizzy lager which goes down like lemonade.
This is probably neither here nor there though. What I’d like to know is when did we cure cancer, halt wars and save the world to such an extent that the only ills threatening society were names of beers or characters on the labels? The name on the bottle isn’t a cause of teenage drinking, it’s poor or non-existent parenting coupled with an obsession on the part of the Police & Government to persecute motorists or people putting the out the trash, rather than pursue & punish real criminals.
Happily sense has prevailed in this case, but these people will go on chipping away at our inconsequential freedoms until beer is sold in a plain brown wrapper though it will be too dangerous to walk to the shop to buy some. It’s enough to drive you to drink.
Skull Splitter anyone?
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Even after we cure cancer, halt wars, etc. I hope we don’t have to spend time second guessing the names of beers or the characters on the labels. If the name offends someone, that someone shouldn’t drink it. If it offends a store owner or distributor, they shouldn’t stock it.
Which reminds me — do you know where I can find the stuff in Chicago? It sounds pretty good to me….
Try the power of the interweb Curmudgeon, surely you can buy real beer in the states?
Well said, although this beer seems to be another example of the UK obsession with getting pissed. We have been in the UK over Christmas, and I am noticing a severe decline in the alcohol culture. A couple of parties where several party-goers were hospitalised because of binge drinking. Jeez, whats up with that? In my day we used to fall asleep before we got that bad.
Hi Ed. While I agree with your comment in general, I don’t think this beer is for the pissheads as I outlined above: it’s too grown up & actually has flavour.
The reasons for the binge drinking issues are more rooted in a general failing of society, no fear of punishment and people thinking that being entitled to ‘rights’ is the same as doing whatever they like.
Beer?
I agree with you completely regarding your views on why people over indulge. I will have to tell my husband about this ale. Yeah, a Google search will ensue to see where we can buy it in WA state. We have a very nice beer and wine shop in town too, so if they are told about it, they might be able to get it. Heck, I am still on the hunt for Mateus wine. The winery in Portugal said they still sell it in our state. Life is so hard…lol.
Mateus? Blimey, the supermarkets are full of it over here…..