Cousin Eddie's Beer Choice: What Was It?

In the film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid, drinks a Meister Brau beer. This brand of beer is now known as Miller Lite. Cousin Eddie can be seen drinking the beer in the famous scene where he empties a chemical toilet into the sewer.

Cousin Eddie's Breakfast Ale is an Imperial Brown Ale

The ale is an homage to Cousin Eddie, a beloved character from the classic holiday film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." In one memorable scene, Cousin Eddie is seen drinking beer as he empties a chemical toilet into the sewer, showcasing his unique charm. While the beer in the film was Meister Brau, now known as Miller Lite, Cousin Eddie's Breakfast Ale takes its inspiration from this iconic moment.

Crafted by the Iowa Brewing Company, this ale is a testament to their brewing expertise. With a higher ABV than standard beers, an imperial ale packs a stronger punch, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a more intense beer experience. The addition of coffee and cacao enhances the depth of flavour, creating a smooth and indulgent brew.

Cousin Eddie's Breakfast Ale is a seasonal offering, typically available around Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a hearty beer to pair with their festive feasts. The ale's unique blend of flavours captures the warmth and cheer of the holidays, making it a perfect beer to share with friends and family.

So, if you're looking for a beer that embodies the spirit of Cousin Eddie and the joy of the holidays, Cousin Eddie's Breakfast Ale is the perfect choice. Grab a pint, raise a toast, and embrace the festive cheer with this delightful Imperial Brown Ale.

The brand of beer Cousin Eddie drinks during the septic tank scene

In the film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie can be seen drinking a Meister Brau beer during the famous septic tank scene. This was a popular Chicago beer in the 1980s, which has since been reformulated and is now known as Miller Lite.

The scene in question involves Cousin Eddie emptying a chemical toilet into the sewer, with the memorable line: "the blankety-blank in his bathrobe, emptying a chemical toilet into the sewer."

The character of Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid, is known for his eccentric and humorous behaviour, and the septic tank scene is considered one of the most iconic moments in the film.

While Meister Brau was the original beer featured in the film, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products later teamed up with BrewDog to create an official limited-release beer inspired by the movie, titled "It's a Beaut Pecan & Toffee Stout". This new beer is described as offering "notes of fudge, nuttiness and vanilla, with low carbonation and bitterness", capturing the spirit of the Griswold family's dysfunctional Christmas.

BrewDog's 'It's a Beaut' beer inspired by Christmas Vacation

Cousin Eddie's choice of beer in the movie Christmas Vacation is a fun detail that has inspired many brewers to create their own versions of the iconic beverage. While the character is seen drinking Meister Brau beer, which has since been reformulated into Miller Lite, the brew has taken on a life of its own in popular culture.

One notable example is BrewDog's "It's a Beaut" beer, a limited-release brew inspired by National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. BrewDog, known for their creative and playful approach to craft beer, collaborated with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to develop this unique beer.

"It's a Beaut" is a 7.5% ABV pecan and toffee stout, described as wrapping "all the warm and fuzzy feelings and flavors of the holiday season into one jolly can." The porter offers notes of fudge, nuttiness, and vanilla, with hints of roasted cacao and sweet toffee, resulting in a decadent, smooth, and roasty brew. BrewDog's head brewer, Steve McMillen, shared that the team grew up enjoying the antics of Clark Griswold and his family, making the collaboration a fun opportunity to blend their love for the movie and craft beer.

The BrewDog "It's a Beaut" beer is available in six-packs of 12-ounce cans at BrewDog bars and online, with a suggested retail price of $10.99. Fans of both craft beer and the classic movie can enjoy this festive brew while watching the hilarious Griswold family during the holiday season.

In addition to BrewDog, other breweries have also joined in on the fun, creating their own interpretations of Cousin Eddie's beloved beer. For example, the Iowa Brewing Company offers "Cousin Eddie's Breakfast Ale," an Imperial Brown Ale finished with coffee, liquid cacao, and maple. This brew provides a sweet and indulgent drinking experience, perfect for those who want to start their holiday mornings with a festive beverage.

Meister Brau is now Miller Lite

In the film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie is seen drinking a Meister Brau beer. This was a popular beer in Chicago in the 1980s, but it has since been reformulated and is now known as Miller Lite.

Meister Brau was the perfect beer for Cousin Eddie to drink in the film, given the context. In one of the film's most famous scenes, Eddie is seen drinking the beer while emptying a chemical toilet into the sewer. The septic tank scene has become an iconic moment in the movie, and the choice of beer adds to the humour.

The Meister Brau beer brand played a small but memorable role in the film. It is not the only beer with a connection to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, however. In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products teamed up with BrewDog to create a new limited-release beer inspired by the film called "It's a Beaut Pecan & Toffee Stout". This beer was designed to capture the "warm and fuzzy feelings and flavours of the holiday season".

While Meister Brau is no longer available, its legacy lives on in Miller Lite, and its appearance in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has ensured its place in pop culture history. The film, released in 1989, has become a modern holiday classic, and the septic tank scene, complete with Cousin Eddie and his Meister Brau beer, is one of the most memorable moments for fans.

Cousin Eddie's character was based on someone Randy Quaid knew

Randy Quaid's character, Cousin Eddie, in the National Lampoon film series Vacation, has provided audiences with many memorable and hilarious moments. Quaid's performance as the eccentric and uncouth Cousin Eddie has made him one of the most beloved characters in the classic Christmas comedy, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Cousin Eddie's character, with his memorable quotes and eccentric personality, is based on someone Quaid knew. Quaid has stated that he drew inspiration from an individual he was acquainted with while growing up in Texas, who embodied many of Eddie's charming and eccentric traits. Quaid's ability to capture the unique qualities of this individual and bring them to life on screen has undoubtedly contributed to the character's enduring popularity.

Cousin Eddie, the jovial redneck cousin-in-law of Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold, is known for his resourcefulness, peculiar sense of vanity, and lack of social graces. He often grates on Clark throughout the film, but his unwavering positivity and appreciation for the simple things in life ultimately teach Clark the true meaning of Christmas. Quaid's portrayal of Cousin Eddie is a testament to his talent and ability to bring depth and humour to the character.

Quaid's performance in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is considered a career-defining moment for the actor. His ability to deliver Cousin Eddie's eccentric and hilarious quotes with complete deadpan seriousness showcases his exceptional comedic timing and talent for physical comedy. Quaid's portrayal of Cousin Eddie has left an indelible mark on the film, with the character becoming synonymous with the holiday season, much like Clark Griswold himself.

Frequently asked questions