Skol is a lager that was brewed originally by Ind Coope,[1] at Alloa, Scotland, as Graham's Golden Lager. In 1958, the name was changed to Graham's Skol to give a Scandinavian impression (the plant had actually been imported from Sweden). The name was later revised to just Skol.

Skol
TypeBeer
ManufacturerCarlsberg
Unibra (Africa)
Ambev (Brazil)
Country of origin Scotland
Introduced1959; 65 years ago (1959)
Alcohol by volume 2.8–5%
Websitewww.skolafrica.com Edit this on Wikidata
Previous logo

Allied Breweries (UK), Labatt (Canada), Pripps-Bryggerierna (Sweden), and Unibra (Belgium) formed a new company called Skol International in 1964. Its aim was the creation of a worldwide beer brand, Skol, which could be licensed, manufactured and marketed around the world. In the late 1960s, it was heavily advertised on Dutch pirate Radio Veronica as Skol International, with an advertising jingle sung by Patricia Paay, later a very successful Dutch pop singer and TV presenter. Since then participation in the company has changed significantly.[2]

History

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From 1973 to 1982, beer under the Skol brand was brewed by the Dutch Oranjeboom Brewery, but it was not a success in the Dutch market.[3]

In 1980, Skol was the major sponsor of the Fittipaldi Automotive, after the end of the Copersucar sponsorship at the end of the previous season. The brand also sponsored the Scottish League Cup competition from 1984 to 1992, with a second 'Skol Cup' trophy being awarded to winners alongside the standard league cup during this period.[4]

In 1992, the merger between Allied Breweries and Carlsberg created Carlsberg-Tetley's, who moved the production of Skol from Alloa to their brewery in Leeds until this brewery was closed in 2011. It continues to be distributed in the UK,[5] with an ABV reduced to 2.8%.[6]

Carlsberg holds the license to brew and market the beer worldwide, except for Africa and South America.[7] Unibra holds the license for Africa,[8] and Ambev holds it for Brazil.[9] In Europe, the beer is also produced and marketed in Romania[10] and Turkey.[11] In Asia, it is distributed in Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.[5] In Africa, it is present in Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Madagascar, and Rwanda.[12] The name is the English language variant of the Scandinavian drink toast "skål". For a time, the Hägar the Horrible cartoon character was used for promotion.[13]

In the Brazilian market Skol has added a new drink to their brand named "Skol Beats" which has a citrus taste and several flavors, including blue, red, and green, in addition to a newer line of Skol Beats gin and tonic beverages all containing approximately 7.9% alcohol.[14]

Awards

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The brand was awarded a Gold Award at the 2012 World Quality Selections, organized by Monde Selection. This was the second international award that Skol won.[15] The beer was also awarded a gold medal for packaging and a silver medal in the taste category at the 2005 Australian International Beer Awards.[16]

References

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  1. ^ Hornsey, Ian Spencer (2003). A History of Beer and Brewing. Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN 9780854046300.
  2. ^ "Unilever Limited and Allied Breweries Limited" (PDF). Monopolies Commission. 9 June 1969. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 May 2009. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  3. ^ Corven, Toine van (12 September 2002). "Bij brouwerij Oranjeboom is het glas leeg". Trouw. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  4. ^ "Scottish League Cup". stevesfootballstats.uk. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  5. ^ a b "SKOL". Carlsberg Group. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  6. ^ "Carlsberg UK reduces Skol ABV to 2.8%". Talking Retail. 22 September 2011.
  7. ^ "Carlsberg brings cheers with Skol beer". Carlsberg Group. 22 September 2004.
  8. ^ "Présentation". Unibra. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Cervejas". Ambev. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  10. ^ "100% Bere SKOL – Bere blonda pasteurizata". Skol Beer. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  11. ^ "Board Of Directors'report At 31 March 2013" (PDF). Türk Tuborg. 16 May 2013.
  12. ^ "SKOL Africa". SKOL International. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
  13. ^ "Adverts Q-Z". TV Whirl. Archived from the original on 26 June 2009. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  14. ^ "Skol products".
  15. ^ "Local brewery wins international quality award". New Times Rwanda. 11 June 2012. Archived from the original on 13 June 2012.
  16. ^ "Cheers to Skol in Malaysia". Carlsberg Group. 16 June 2005. Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
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