Miller Brewing Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Commemorative Beer

Much of our older content has been stored on the back shelves of our offices, and we always have a good time digging into the archives.

Is it every man’s dream to have beer sent FedEx to his office, Priority Overnight, a.m. delivery? Well, somebody wake us up, ’cause dammit if there aren’t a couple of tallboys sittin’ right here!

The graphics thereupon the Miller Genuine Draft and Lite cans begin to tell the story: Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary logos, as well as a picture and a blurb about a historic H-D model. The tie-in (tie-on?) was a natural, because in case you didn't know it, the Miller Brewing Company is just across the street from Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee and has been for a century.

There are eight commemorative cans, each retailing for less than $2 (brown bag often included, if you shop in the right place) and featuring Harley models from across the decades, starting with the original 1903 version and ending with the 100th Anniversary Fat Boy.

The large-displacement, thin-walled aluminum-alloy can–featuring the latest in anchored pulltab technology–is both lightweight and ergonomically shaped, or “round,” to fit in one’s hand. And boy, do these babies fall readily to hand! Finishes available are a rich, almost anodized gold with black accents, or a cool blue over a highly polished base. Fit and finish are excellent. One of the more clever features is that when the can is stored, the liquid within is actually a structural component, thus allowing the can itself to be lighter. That’s just good engineering.

But while the can is what you first see, it's the heart of the matter that really counts: the contents. A bubbling, effervescent 24 ounces net (709cc for you metric types) of the so-called "Champagne of Beers." The first sip was somewhat biting, with a nutty, "not-too-hoppy" finish. By what we would estimate to be the 18 to 20th ounce, though, this $#!+ was awesome, and we were knocking it back like there was no tomorrow–hell, we can't even see this afternoon now! The sense of well-being was profound, and there was definitely a stimulation in the appetite. Some testers noted different effects as the number of cans consumed increased. A few complained of feeling "tired" or "lethargic," while others stated, "I'm gonna kick yer ath, you…ath!" Admittedly, this latter occurrence was rare and usually followed by feelings of regret–or a black eye and concussion from a pool cue–as well as a desire to hug the former object of misdirected ire.

Despite this occasional hiccup, if you will, this product is an unqualified success. The combination of value for money, clever use of materials and cool Harley-Davidson graphics make Miller Genuine Draft or Lite beer a must-have for your 100th anniversary celebration.

Miller Brewing Co.
3939 W. Highland Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53208
414/931-2000
www.millertime.com
Price: $1.39