A brew by any other name…

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Mary Ellen Brewington

Cherokee Distributing Company distributes over 200 products including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We have a great portfolio of beers of which we’re very proud to represent – ales and lagers, classics and seasonals, big-name beer brands and independent American craft brews. There’s a taste and style to suit everyone.

In that variety, there’s also a lot of interesting histories, odd names for brews and breweries, unique logos and eye-catching packaging. We’ve selected some of the most unique names and labels seen in our warehouse to share with our ‘On Tap’ readers. Some have really great stories about their origins that you can share with a buddy over a drink and impress with your beer knowledge. Or, next time you’re at the store picking up a six-pack, look for these interesting brews on the shelves – perhaps one will catch your eye and please your palate. After all, you can always make room for new favorite beer in your fridge, right?

abitalogoSOLID Turbodog– We just love this name! Brewed by Abita Brewing Company just north of New Orleans, Turbodog is a dark-brown ale with a sweet chocolate toffee-like flavor. We think it tastes as delightful as it sounds.
Caguama – This Latin cerveza has a simple, beautiful packaging that makes you want to enjoy a cold one on a sandy beach. The name has meaning too. Legend has it that the fishermen of Central America sought the Great Loggerhead Turtle in warm tropical waters. It was tribal belief that this powerful turtle, also known as the “Caguama,” symbolized good fortune for the fisherman’s village. Caguama200
FarmerTed3-166x156 Farmer Ted’s Farmhouse Cream Ale – Brewed by Catawba Valley Brewing Company in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this beer’s name pays homage to the original settlers of Appalachia. Brewed with natural ingredients such as wheat, corn, American hops and free range yeast, the refreshing ale is the product of Catawba Valley’s vision of early American brewing. We think Farmer Ted would approve.
Duck-Rabbit – Fun brewery name, great logo. Paul Philippon, founder of The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery in North Carolina, was a university philosophy teacher years before he became a professional brewer. A version of the duck-rabbit diagram, which looks like a duck or a rabbit, depending on the viewer’s perspective, appeared in a philosophy book Philippon admires. He liked the idea of using a logo with ties to his former life, so today we enjoy delicious dark beers adorned with the Duck-Rabbit image. DuckRabbit
harpoon185 UFO Hefeweizen – Hefeweizens originated in Bavaria over 400 years ago. Hefe means yeast in German, and Weizen means wheat, indicating the style of beer. Brewed by Harpoon Brewery in Boston, UFO Hefeweizen beers were inspired by the cloudy beers drank in many German beer gardens. With increased popularity since it was first brewed in 1998, UFO sightings are much more common nowadays. This beer’s simple yet out-of-this-world label features the fun UFO theme.
Left Hand Brewing Company – For all those lefties out there, raise a glass. American craft brewers at Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, Colorado, named their brewery after one of your own. The company name Left Hand is derived from the southern Arapahoe word “Niwot” meaning left hand. It was chosen in honor of Chief Niwot, whose tribe wintered the local area where the brewery is located. Look for the eye-catching red left hand logo on Left Hand Jackman’s American Pale Ale and Left Hand Milk Stout. LeftHand
Petes200 Pete’s Wicked Ale – It just makes you feel cool drinking a beer called Wicked Ale. Pete Slosberg began brewing as a hobby before starting Pete’s Brewing Company in 1986. According to www.peteswicked.com, his love of beer and taste for variety sparked a wicked revival in brewing. The ruby-brown Wicked Ale comes in bright, colorful packaging as lively as its name – and “is sure to stir up an urge to get loose.”
Rogue Dead Guy Ale – Rogue Ales in Newport, Oregon, created Dead Guy Ale as a private tap sticker to celebrate the Mayan Day of the Dead (Nov. 1/All Souls Day) for Casa U-Betcha, a “taco club” bar and restaurant in Portland. The Dead Guy design was a hit and through pure coincidence became especially popular with Grateful Dead fans. Rogue wisely decided to utilize the distinctive macabre label on its Maierbock German ale. According the brewers, they have “gratefully dedicated Dead Guy Ale to the Rogue in each of us.” Dead_Guy_Ale

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