Which Beers Were Featured In Parks And Rec?

Beer plays a significant role in the popular TV show Parks and Recreation, with booze featuring in more than a fifth of the plots. In an attempt to lend authenticity to the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, the show's producers contacted the real-life Upland Brewing Company, based in Bloomington, Indiana, to provide empty bottles and labels for the show. In the episode Boys' Club, the characters drink Upland's Dragonfly IPA, and the company reported that its appearance on the show generated positive publicity for the brand. In another episode, characters enjoy a Flashback India Brown Ale from Boulder Beer Company, which, at 6.6% ABV, is a hoppy, roasty black IPA.

Upland Brewing Co Beers are featured in the show

In addition to Upland Brewing, Boulder Beer Company also had a surprise appearance in the show. In one episode, two of the actors enjoyed a Flashback India Brown Ale, a hoppy, roasty black IPA with 6.6 percent ABV. This beer is available in Indiana, where the show is set, and in California, where it is shot.

Boulder Beer's Flashback India Brown Ale is enjoyed by two characters

Beer is a recurring theme in the popular TV show Parks and Recreation, with booze featuring in more than a fifth of the plots. In one episode, two of the show's characters are seen drinking a Flashback India Brown Ale, crafted by Boulder Beer Company. This beer is described as a hoppy, roasty black IPA, weighing in at 6.6% ABV, and is available in Indiana, where the show is set, and in California, where it is shot.

The appearance of the beer on the show came about when someone in LA, a fan of Boulder Beer, contacted the company about placing their product in a movie. The company sent a selection of beers, and Flashback was chosen for the show. While Boulder Beer did not pay for the placement, it was a pleasant surprise for the company, and a great opportunity for some prime screen time.

The show is known for its realistic portrayal of drinking, with one review noting that "alcohol resulting in bad romance and stupid injuries" is "totally believable". In another episode, Andy explains that he stopped drinking beer and lost 30 pounds in a month, to which Chris responds, "How much beer were you drinking???".

The show also features other beers, such as those from Upland Brewing Company, to lend authenticity to the Indiana setting.

The show features a bar called Essence, which serves molecular mixology drinks

The show Parks and Recreation features a range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. In one episode, Andy Dwyer, played by Chris Pratt, loses 30 pounds by stopping drinking beer. In another episode, the character Tom Haverford takes Ben Wyatt to a bar called Essence for his bachelor party. Essence is a molecular mixology bar in Eagleton, Indiana, where acrobats perform while dangling from the ceiling and liquid nitrogen clouds fill the room. The drinks served at Essence are consumed in a variety of ways, including as a flash of light, whiskey-infused lotion, an "aromasphere", and cotton candy. While Ron Swanson considers this to be "the wrong way to consume alcohol", it makes for an entertaining bachelor party.

The show also features a range of beers, including from the Upland Brewing Company, based in Bloomington, Indiana. The company's Dragonfly IPA beer was featured in the episode "Boys' Club", where the characters drank beer in the town hall courtyard. In another instance of product placement, Boulder Beer Company's Flashback India Brown Ale was featured in an episode where Ben Wyatt drinks it after moving to Washington, DC. Additionally, the show includes scenes with wine, such as when Leslie Knope tries to integrate herself into the local "boys' club" by drinking wine from a gift basket, and when Ron Swanson's first wife, Tammy, challenges his new wife to a "prairie drink-off", chugging a potent moonshine.

The show also includes a range of cocktails and spirits, such as margaritas, tequila shots, gin and tonic, and Scotch. In one episode, Tom Haverford even invents his own cocktail, "Snake Juice", a mix of "a bunch of alcohol, some sugar, coffee, and some other junk", which gets everyone drunk, except for Ron. In another episode, Ron consumes eight of Donna's menstrual pain pills with a bottle of 20-year-old Scotch, leading to a delirious state. Overall, alcohol plays a significant role in the show, with booze featuring in more than a fifth of the plots.

In one episode, Andy stops drinking beer and loses 30 lbs in a month

In one episode of Parks and Recreation, Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt) reveals that he lost 30 pounds in a month. When asked how he achieved this, Andy explains that he simply stopped drinking beer. This is a reference to Chris Pratt's real-life transformation for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, for which he underwent a strenuous exercise regimen.

In the show, Andy's weight loss is briefly mentioned by Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott), who is surprised to hear that Andy lost so much weight just by giving up beer. Andy's response to Ben's disbelief is to acknowledge that he was probably drinking too much beer before.

This scene serves as a lighthearted moment in the show, and it also provides a meta-commentary on the actor Chris Pratt's own physical transformation for a major film role. It's worth noting that while Andy attributes his weight loss solely to giving up beer, Pratt's real-life transformation involved a dedicated exercise regimen in addition to any dietary changes.

The exchange between Ben and Andy highlights the show's ability to blend humour with more serious topics, such as health and fitness. It also showcases the character's self-deprecating humour and their close relationship, as Ben expresses concern for Andy's well-being and Andy playfully acknowledges his previous excessive drinking habits.

This moment in the show has clearly resonated with fans, as it has been referenced and discussed across various online platforms, with many viewers finding it relatable and entertaining.

Ron Swanson has a high tolerance for alcohol

Ron Swanson, a character from the show Parks and Recreation, has a high tolerance for alcohol. In the episode "Sweetums" (season 2, episode 15), Ron has three whiskies and Leslie won't let him drive home. The next morning, he brings a harp into the office and explains that he built it while having an additional six drinks. On top of that, he downs a full bottle of 20-year-old Scotch in the episode "Hunting Trip" (season 2, episode 10) after being accidentally shot. In "Two Parties" (season 5, episode 10), Ron treats the guys to a steak and Scotch dinner, and in "London" (season 6, episode 1), he visits a distillery for his favourite whisky.

Ron's high tolerance for alcohol is a running joke in the show. In "Sweetums", he says, "Swansons have a preternaturally high tolerance for alcohol. My old man used to put Wild Turkey on his cornflakes." In "Win, Lose, or Draw" (season 4, episode 22), Ron makes Ben drink a Lagavulin neat, making him gag. Ron himself downs it with no problem, commenting, "Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets."

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