I saw this cringe worthy billboard from Stoudt's on the PA turnpike westbound a few miles from their exit. It reads- Good Food Great Head Hoppy Ending This is pretty juvenile and beneath the standards of a respected, well established brewery imo. I'm not offended by sexual humor, it just strikes me as incongruous given the Victorian tea room like decor at the brewpub. Yeah I know, lighten up...
I saw it too, on Friday night. I had the same reaction; not offended, but I question the decision to take their advertising in that direction. Could alienate some. Never actually had a stoudts beer which seems strange given my proximity to the brewery.
I actually laughed out loud as I drove by it. Not because it was funny, but because I was shocked they would put something up like that. Is it possible that they actually didn't mean it that way?
I agree, it is a little juvenile but it's a dog eat dog world out there and for a brewery known for their nice takes on German lagers, they need to reach out beyond their core market with advertising like this and experimenting with IPAs and such. I'm not a huge fan of the billboard but it won't make me stop drinking their beer and maybe it will tap into some of the younger market.
Good points. The Pils and Heifer In Wheat will always be a core part of my rotation, but I agree that Stoudt's needs to keep up with current trends. That means expanding their lineup, as they are doing with the fore(ha!)play IPA and other offerings. I think they can compete on the strength of their beers. I can also see that a change in their marketing strategy to appeal to a younger market is in order. But this as an amateurish and ill conceived approach. There is no way a professional marketing firm came up with this billboard. It is pure speculation on my part, but I'm guessing this was Ed Stoudt after a few too many. But what do I know about running any business, let alone a brewery? I love their beer and wish them well.
I agree and that second part cracked me up. I don't think they sink too much money into marketing so it doesn't completely surprise me.
I think we need a picture... The stoudts brewery tour with the old man was one of the best and funniest I have ever been on
I always think of John Franz when I see the LBC "Hop Hog" billboard on the northbound side of the TPK when heading east. It's partially obscured by a hillock and not entirely readable. When I asked him about it years ago, he agreed but said "we got a really good deal on it !"
I have been of the opposite thought. With there being so many breweries these days. All of which seem to make every style, the play now is to limit the scope of what your brewery does. Do just a few things, but do them extraordinary. I agree that Stoudts' German styles can easily stand on their own. So they are pretty much already there. There are already 100s and 100s of IPAs to choose from, another one isn't going to excite anyone. Yet Stoudts Wheat is now only seasonal. And marketing a new IPA takes away from the message of really great Geman lagers. Sometimes less is more.
How many beers out there are named with sexual innuendo or even drug references, yet a billboard offends our sensibilities? Have to admit I was surprised when I saw it on the way home from Beer Camp (pretty bold for Central PA) but it made me smile. Let's not forget that craft beer was pioneered by those flying against the status quo and sometimes the law. Kudos to Stoudt's for successful advertising (we're talking about it) and the irreverence for political correctness.
I wouldn't say I was offended. I was surprised just like DrBier. I'll try and take a picture on my way home from work today.
