Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Southern Comfort
You can't really go anywhere here in St. Louis, MO without a constant visual reminder everywhere of how this great city I call my home is also the home of the "King of Beers" (aka Anheuser-Busch.) So it was surprising for me to learn that in my 40+ years, I somehow never even knew that the hard lickin' Southern Comfort Corp also brewed it's medicine here. Not that I really give a hoot, because if you know me personally then you also know I care about whiskey about as much as I care about beer, or any other type of liquor. But what I do like is this super stylish Southern Comfort pamphet from 1960, the colorfully evocative paintings and typography that highlight these boozer concoctions almost make this teetotaler want a sip (I wouldn't mind a taste of those Schuss-Sizzlers either!) Bottom's up!
This is beautiful, the art is gorgeous (I particularly like the little painting of this very brochure in the corner of the inner cover), but I question the sanity of making a collins with bourbon. And also the sanity of making anything with Southern Comfort. And hey pamphleteer, bitters are not optional in a Manhattan.
ReplyDeleteIt's really funny to see those disgusting fifties-era housewife recipe booklets applied to bar tending. In case you were wondering, this is definitely the happy hour version of jello salads. Look at that manly Race Bannon type drinking his fruity old fashioned.
Not that you have any idea what I'm talking about I guess. We are like perfect opposites, you and I. You're a pig-eating straight edge and I'm a fish-eating vegetarian who will drink anything you put in front of me.
Haha, I am most certainly not a "straight edge" but close I guess. Thanks for the comment, I have lots more fifties-era art from housewife recipe booklets (disgusting and non) coming up later this month. Don't spoil your appetite now!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I have ever tried Southern Comfort but this pamphlet sure makes it look good. That's the job of great advertising.
ReplyDeleteAnyone recognize the artist?
ReplyDeletethe Scarlet O'Hara?!? "with God as my witness, i'll never be sober again!..."
ReplyDeleteI used to work as a bartender and waitress before making the mistake of--I mean, making the decision to go back into health care. For me, Southern Comfort is decent in certain mixed drinks but vile on its own. However, I don't like sweet liquors (liqueurs) or wines.
ReplyDeleteKahlua, for instance, mixes nicely with things but on it's own? Gross! I am, however, fond of Baileys although it makes me sneeze.
If I ever drink anything alcoholic it's usally some fruity slushie thing with very very little booze in it. And usually it's free, in a Vegas casino, and I only take like 2 sips of it and then leave it on a slot machine somewhere.
ReplyDelete