Skol Lager was a popular beer brand in the 1970s and was popular at 70s parties and dinner parties. Skol had an interesting history and significant market presence. Here’s an overview of Skol Lager during that era:
Origins and Development
Skol lager originated in Scotland as Graham’s Golden Lager, brewed by Ind Coope at their Alloa Brewery[1][5]. In 1958, it was rebranded as Graham’s Skol, and by 1959, it became known simply as Skol[5]. The name “Skol” was derived from the Scandinavian toast word “skål,” meaning “cheers,” reflecting a trend among British brewers to give their lagers a Continental-sounding name[1].
International Expansion
In 1964, Skol International was formed as a partnership between Allied Breweries (UK), Labatt (Canada), Pripps-Bryggerierna (Sweden), and Unibra (Belgium)[5]. This alliance aimed to create a global beer brand that could be licensed, manufactured, and marketed worldwide[1]. By 1967, Skol was being brewed by 20 breweries in 14 countries and consumed in 36 countries[1].
Market Position in the 1970s
By the early 1970s, Skol had become one of Britain’s best-selling lagers[3]. Its popularity was part of a broader trend in the UK, where lager sales were increasing dramatically. This growth was particularly noticeable in the latter half of the 1970s, despite criticisms about the beer’s taste[4].
Production and Distribution
In the 1970s, Skol’s production was moved to Burton at Allied Breweries, which had evolved from the original Samuel Allsopp and Sons Limited through a series of mergers[3]. The beer was heavily promoted and marketed, especially to younger drinkers, in ways that would not be permitted by today’s advertising standards[1].
Characteristics
Skol was known for being a light, easy-drinking lager. However, it’s worth noting that many British-produced lagers of this era, including Skol, were often criticized for their quality compared to continental European lagers. They were typically brewed using methods that differed from traditional lager production, such as using an infusion mash instead of a decoction mash, and employing shorter maturation periods[4].
Legacy
While Skol’s popularity in the UK eventually waned, with the brand being replaced by other lagers in the 1980s, it went on to become extremely popular in other markets, particularly in Brazil. Today, Skol remains one of the best-selling beers in Brazil, selling billions of bottles annually[1].
In retrospect, Skol’s success in the 1970s was part of a larger shift in British drinking habits, moving away from traditional ales towards lager beers. This trend, which Skol helped to pioneer, has had a lasting impact on the UK beer market.
Sources and Further Reading
[1] How Brazil’s favourite beer arrived from Scotland – Zythophile https://zythophile.co.uk/2012/05/11/how-brazils-favourite-beer-arrived-from-scotland/
[2] Graham’s Golden Lager / Skol 1933 – 1994 http://barclayperkins.blogspot.com/2012/08/grahams-golden-lager-skol-1933-1994.html
[3] Percy’s Pilsner: Allsopp’s Premium Beer Legacy https://www.allsopps.com/stories/the-history-of-percys-pilsner
[4] British Lager – Part One – Paul’s Beer & Travel Blog https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/british-lager-part-one.html
[5] Skol – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skol
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