Comments on: What is the real history of Crown Lager?

By: Jack Wilks

Jack Wilks — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:00:04 +0000

Peter,
Yes Crown Lager was re-released in 1954 for the Royal visit, 500,000 half bottles, however, not in the current bottle shape which did not arrive until circa 1964, and certainly not the gold label, rather an oval label, as used on most CUB products until mid 1960’s.
From another retired CUB brewer, it is Fosters Lager analysed as coming closest to spec., e.g dissolved oxygen, residual protein etc.,
Known by brewers overseas as an adjunct beer, i.e other fermentables as well as barley malt.
I could go on, but I’ll leave it there

By: Editor

Editor — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:25:20 +0000

Hi Peter — when was that interview? Would be interested to hear it.

By: Peter Currie

Peter Currie — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 01:54:09 +0000

I heard an interview on ABC radio with a retired head brewer from CUB. He said that the current bottle and label were packaged for the Queen’s visit in 1954 (not the coronation). The intention was to sell the beer for a year and then retire it. The sales were so good however that they kept it going. He also mentioned that the contents were identical to either Fosters or Calton Draught (I cant remember which).

By: Chris Pickles

Chris Pickles — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:30:49 +0000

I should point out that the Coronation did take place in 1953, after all these things do take some time to organise.

I thought the same thing about Michelob the first time I saw a Crownie.

By: Red Hill Diamond Jubilee British IPA | Tipples Beer

Red Hill Diamond Jubilee British IPA | Tipples Beer — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:16:52 +0000

[…] Queen has inspired a number of beers over the years and although the story behind some of this might be questionable, I’m looking at you Crown Lager, the story behind Red Hill’s latest brew is clear. It is […]

By: Jack Wilks

Jack Wilks — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 05:57:08 +0000

The change from Fosters to Carlton (Crown Lager) occured in the mid 1960's along with the change from 13 1/3 fluid ounces to just 13 fluid ounces. CUB had produced a Crown Lager, a very plain red and white label with no mention of Foster's. I think the addition of "Fosters" would have been because of the war. There were a various "Crown" lagers imported at that time

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 03:55:29 +0000

Arriving here from the US,the first time I saw a Crownie I thought — “Hm,the Aussies are importing Michelob”. Any idea when Fosters started using the same bottle shape and general label design? The Michelob bottle design dates from 1961.