Black Label Beer: Still Available For Purchase?

Black Label Beer, also known as Carling Black Label, is a lager distributed by the Carling Brewing Company. It was first introduced in 1927 as part of a corporate rebranding and has since become a popular beer worldwide, especially in Commonwealth countries. While it is no longer widely distributed in the US, it is still available in select markets, such as metro Detroit, and remains the official beer of Beer Frisbee. In the UK, Black Label was introduced in 1952 and became the country's best-selling brand of beer in 1971. Today, it is enjoyed in more than 30 countries and is known for its deep hue and subtly sweet flavor profile.

Where is Carling Black Label beer sold?

Carling Black Label is a lager distributed by the Carling Brewing Company, which was bought out by the Heileman Brewing Co. in 1979 and is currently owned by the Molson Coors Brewing Company.

Carling Black Label was the first beer to be brewed on a mass international scale and became particularly popular in Commonwealth countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

In the United Kingdom, Carling Black Label was introduced in 1952 and was originally only available in bottles. In 1965, the beer was first poured on draught at the Hill Top pub in Sheffield. It became Britain's best-selling brand of beer in 1971 and Carling was Britain's best-selling draught beer between 1985 and 2024. However, Black Label has been dropped from the brand name and logo in Britain since 1997.

In South Africa, Carling Black Label took on a different tone with the anti-apartheid movement, partly due to its higher alcohol content compared to other brands. The connotation of "black" with the racial issue also became a point of pride for native Africans. The brand has the local nickname "Zamalek", after the Egyptian soccer team Zamalek SC beat Kaizer Chiefs in the 1990s.

Although no longer widely distributed in the United States, Carling Black Label is still available in select markets, notably in metro Detroit, and remains the official beer of Beer Frisbee.

What is the history of the beer?

The history of Black Label Beer, also known as Carling Black Label, dates back to the 19th century and involves several companies and branding changes.

Origins and Early History

The story of Carling Black Label began in 1818 when Thomas Carling, an English farmer, emigrated to eastern Canada with his family, settling in what is now London, Ontario. Thomas Carling brewed ale, and his home-brewed ale became so popular that he eventually transitioned from farming to full-time brewing, establishing the Carling Brewing Company in 1840.

In 1878, Thomas Carling's sons, John and William, constructed a new six-story brewery in London, Ontario, solidifying the Carling name in Canada. The company's first lager, known as Carling's Lager, was introduced in the 1870s, marking a shift from their initial focus on ale.

Rebranding and International Expansion

In 1927, the company underwent a corporate rebranding under its new president, J. Innes Carling, and the Black & White Lager was renamed Black Label. This rebranding proved significant, as it established the foundation for the iconic Black Label name.

In the following years, the company changed hands and expanded its reach. In 1930, Carling was purchased by Toronto business tycoon E. P. Taylor, who merged it into his Canadian Breweries Limited (CBL). Under CBL, Black Label became the flagship brand and achieved international recognition, particularly in Commonwealth countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Post-World War II Era

After World War II, the Brewing Corporation of America, the parent company of Carling, made a pivotal decision to discontinue the Black Label brand in favour of the more profitable Red Cap Ale. This decision, however, was short-lived, as it led to a significant drop in sales. Recognizing their mistake, the company reintroduced Black Label, pairing it with the famous "Hey Mabel, Black Label!" advertising campaign featuring a beautiful blonde named Mabel, portrayed by Jeanne Goodspeed. This marketing campaign lasted for two decades and solidified Black Label's place in American popular culture.

Recent History

In more recent times, Black Label has faced fluctuations in its distribution and popularity. While it is no longer widely distributed in the United States, it remains available in select markets, notably in metro Detroit, and is the official beer of Beer Frisbee.

In the United Kingdom, Black Label was introduced in 1952 and gained significant traction in the 1970s and 1980s due to increased advertising support and the launch of canned Black Label, which opened up the "take-home" market.

In South Africa, Black Label took on a unique cultural significance during the anti-apartheid movement due to its higher alcohol content and the racial connotations of its name, becoming a point of pride for native Africans.

Today, Black Label continues to be a beloved classic among beer enthusiasts worldwide, known for its light, clean taste and subtle hop notes. Its rich history and enduring legacy are a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Canadian brewing.

What does Carling Black Label beer taste like?

Carling Black Label is a lager distributed by the Carling Brewing Company. It was first introduced in 1927 when the company renamed its Black & White Lager to Black Label.

Carling Black Label is described as a contemporary lager beer with a light, crisp, and refreshing aroma and taste. It has a golden body with a white, pillow-like head. The nose is mostly cereal grain, with a slight alcohol scent. The taste is where this beer scores the most points. It has a decent amount of flavor and more taste than most other American Adjunct Lagers (AALs). It is smooth, easy to drink, and refreshing.

In South Africa, Black Label has an alcohol content of 5.5%, while in the United Kingdom, it has an alcohol content of 4%.

What are some alternative black label beers?

There are a few alternative black label beers available. Here are some options:

Carling Black Label

Carling Black Label is a lager distributed by the Carling Brewing Company. The company has been brewing lager-style beers since the 1870s and introduced its Black Label lager in the 1920s. Carling Black Label became the first beer to be brewed on a mass international scale and gained popularity in Commonwealth countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is still available in select markets, notably metro Detroit, and remains the official beer of Beer Frisbee.

Pabst Brewing Company's Black Label Beer

Pabst Brewing Company, based in Texas, also offers a Black Label Beer. This American Adjunct Lager has received mixed reviews, with some considering it a decent, boring, and inoffensive beer, while others have described it as downright bad.

Other Options

While not specifically labelled as "black label", there are other beers with similar names or packaging that could be considered alternatives:

• Black Label Blonde Lager: A blonde lager with a black label, brewed by a variety of craft breweries.
• Black Label Brewing Company: A craft brewery based in California that offers a range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and saisons.
• Black Label Series: A limited-edition series of beers from a craft brewery, featuring unique or experimental styles.

Is the beer still available in the US?

Black Label Beer is still available in the United States, but it is not widely distributed and is only available in select markets. Black Label is notably available in metro Detroit, where it is seeing a resurgence in popularity. It is also available in other parts of Michigan, as well as in Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Black Label Beer is a lager distributed by the Carling Brewing Company and is currently owned by the Molson Coors Brewing Company. It was first introduced in 1927 as part of a corporate rebranding by the company's new president, J. Innes Carling, who renamed their Black & White Lager to Black Label.

Black Label Beer has a long history in the United States, dating back to the repeal of prohibition in 1933 when the Peerless Motor Car Company purchased the American rights to brew the beer. It became widely available across the nation during the Vietnam War when it was made available to GIs, although it was served in steel cans that sometimes arrived rusted and warm.

Today, Black Label Beer is still enjoyed by many, with some describing it as "sweet and refreshing", and "smooth and [with] a great taste". It is often associated with nostalgia, with some reviewers recalling drinking it in their youth or connecting it to family memories.

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