The Big Lebowski's Favorite Beer Revealed

The Dude, the main character in The Big Lebowski, is known for his love of White Russians. However, he also enjoys the occasional beer. In the film, he has two encounters with beer. In one scene, he drinks a fictional Meichtry Draft Beer while driving and smoking a joint. In another scene, he orders “two oat sodas” at the bowling alley bar, which appear to be Miller Golden Drafts. The popularity of The Big Lebowski has inspired several craft beers that reference the film, such as The Brewed Abides, a White Russian-inspired cocktail beer, and Lebowski, an India-style lager endorsed by Jeff Bridges himself.

The Dude drinks fictional Meichtry Draft Beer

The Dude, the main character in The Big Lebowski, is known for his love of White Russians. However, he also has two notable encounters with beer in the film.

In one scene, The Dude is seen drinking a beer—the fictional Meichtry Draft Beer—while driving and smoking a joint. He uses the beer to douse a burning roach that had bounced off the window and landed between his legs. This is a memorable moment in the movie, showcasing The Dude's laid-back attitude and unique way of dealing with unexpected situations.

The second beer scene occurs at the end of the movie, when The Dude is practicing for the bowling finals. He walks up to the bar and orders "two oat sodas" from the bartender, Gary. The beers are believed to be Miller Golden Drafts. This scene also includes a conversation with The Stranger, ending with The Dude's iconic line, "The Dude Abides."

The fictional Meichtry Draft Beer, chosen for The Dude's drinking and driving scene, adds a humorous and quirky touch to the film. It's interesting to note that craft beer makers have embraced the film's popularity, with some even naming their beers after The Big Lebowski or its characters. For example, "The Brewed Abides" by Pelican Brewing is a White Russian-inspired cocktail beer, paying homage to The Dude's favorite drink.

The Big Lebowski has clearly left its mark on pop culture, influencing not only craft beer names but also special events like the "Big Lebowski" Beer Tour in Michigan. The film's cult following, known as "Dudeism," even has an annual holiday called the Day of the Dude, which celebrates the unique philosophy and lifestyle embodied by The Dude himself.

He also drinks Miller Golden Draft

In the cult classic film The Big Lebowski, the main character, The Dude, is known for drinking White Russians. However, he also has two encounters with beer throughout the film.

In one memorable scene, The Dude is seen drinking a beer while driving and smoking a joint. He uses the beer to douse a burning roach that has bounced off the window and landed between his legs. While the brand of beer is fictional (Meichtry Draft Beer), it is worth noting that The Dude's drinking habits, particularly his affinity for White Russians, have become iconic among fans of the film.

In the second beer-related scene, The Dude practices for the bowling finals at the bowling arena. He walks up to the bar and orders "two oat sodas" from Gary the bartender. These beers are believed to be Miller Golden Drafts. This scene concludes with The Dude's iconic line, "The Dude Abides."

The popularity of The Big Lebowski has inspired craft beer makers to name their beers after the film. One such example is the 'official' beer endorsed by The Dude himself, called Lebowski. It is an India-style lager brewed in the Netherlands by Brouwerij De Molen (Swinkels Family Brewers) and bills itself as a pilsner perfect for "dudes and dudettes who like to take it easy."

The film's influence extends beyond its dedicated fan base, with breweries creating unique beers that pay homage to The Big Lebowski. These include The Brewed Abides, a White Russian-inspired cocktail beer, and The Nihilist, a bourbon barrel-aged double IPA. The Dude's drinking habits, both on-screen and in popular culture, have left a lasting impact that continues to be celebrated by beer enthusiasts and movie lovers alike.

The 'official' beer is Lebowski, an India-style lager

The Dude, the main character in The Big Lebowski, is known for drinking White Russians. In fact, he drinks nine of them throughout the film. However, he also has two encounters with beer. In one scene, he drinks a fictional Meichtry Draft Beer, and in another, he orders two oat sodas, which appear to be Miller Golden Drafts.

Craft beer makers have been keen to name their beers with references to the film. The "official" one, endorsed by the actor Jeff Bridges, who plays The Dude, is Lebowski, an India-style lager. It is brewed in the Netherlands by Brouwerij De Molen (Swinkels Family Brewers) on behalf of Cinema Brewers Lebowski. The 4.5% dry-hopped American lager is described as a pilsner for "dudes and dudettes who like to take it easy, with a twist of lemongrass". The description goes on to say:

> "A light beer that's still very suitable for a hard night of bowling. We're very proud to say that Jeff Bridges has approved this brew, so the dude actually abides. Lebowski. Not a beer, a way of life."

Other beers inspired by The Big Lebowski include The Brewed Abides by Pelican Brewing, a White Russian-inspired cocktail beer, and The Brew Abides by West Michigan Beer Tours, an imperial white Russian stout.

The Big Lebowski inspires White Russian-inspired cocktail beers

The Coen Brothers' cult classic film The Big Lebowski has inspired a range of White Russian-inspired cocktail beers, reflecting the main character's drink of choice. The film's protagonist, Jeffrey Lebowski, also known as "The Dude", is known for his unconventional taste in cocktails, specifically the White Russian, or as it is more commonly referred to in the film, "The Caucasian". This unique cocktail choice has sparked the creation of innovative beers that pay homage to the beloved movie.

One notable example is Pelican Brewing's "The Brewed Abides", a 7% ABV milk stout crafted with fresh roasted coffee, cacao nibs, and vanilla beans. The brewers at Pelican aimed to emulate the flavours of The Dude's favourite cocktail, resulting in a beer that pours a dark chocolate colour with dense off-white foam. This unconventional beer entices the senses with its aromatic bouquet of coffee, dark chocolate, and a subtle hint of vanilla, creating a smooth and delightful drinking experience.

Another beer inspired by The Big Lebowski is the "Imperial White Stout" by 8 Degrees Brewing. This award-winning beer, also known as "The Big Lebowski", combines cocoa nibs, lactose, and Messenger Coffee to create a smooth, boozy, and rich white stout. The name itself is a playful reference to the film, inviting drinkers to ponder what The Dude might drink.

The influence of The Big Lebowski extends beyond these beers, with breweries like Greenbush Brewing Co. and Dark Horse also creating their own interpretations of White Russian-inspired stouts. The film's cultural impact is evident in the creative ways it has inspired craft brewers to experiment with unique flavours and pay tribute to the iconic characters and scenes from the movie.

The Big Lebowski has not only left a lasting impact on popular culture but has also found a unique expression through these cocktail-inspired beers. These beers invite fans of the film to raise a glass and celebrate the world of The Big Lebowski, embracing the philosophy of taking it easy and abiding, just like The Dude.

The Dude's other drink of choice is the White Russian

The Dude's other drink of choice in The Big Lebowski is the White Russian. This cocktail is made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and light cream, and it's a rich and satisfying after-dinner drink. The Dude's love for the White Russian is so well-known that it has become synonymous with the film, and he is seen drinking nine of them throughout its duration. In one scene, he even substitutes powdered non-dairy creamer for cream when making the drink.

The White Russian was created in 1949 by a bartender at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium. It was invented as a pair of cocktails to honour Perle Mesta, the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. The White Russian contained cream, while the Black Russian did not. In the sixties and seventies, the White Russian was popular with "lightweights and lushes" due to its sweetness and high alcohol content.

The Dude's affinity for the White Russian has inspired a variety of cocktail variations, often named after other characters from the film. For example, the "Jackie Treehorn," named after the villainous pornographer, includes Reyka vodka, Kahlúa, Mickey Finn chocolate liqueur, white cocoa, cream, and Cocoa Puffs. Another variation, "The Dude's Delight," includes whole milk, cold brew coffee, Luxardo sambuca, vodka, and St. George Coffee Liqueur, garnished with cocoa powder.

The White Russian's cultural significance was further solidified by its appearance in The Big Lebowski, and it has since gained a bigger audience and a longer shelf life. The cocktail's simple recipe, creamy texture, and sweet taste have made it a popular choice for those looking to unwind and "abide" like The Dude.

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