Uncle Eddie's Beer Choice: What's His Favorite Brew?

In the film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie is seen drinking a Meister Brau beer while pouring his RV waste into Clark's sewer. Meister Brau was a former Chicago beer that was reformulated into today's Miller Lite. Despite its reputation as wretched stuff, Cousin Eddie likely spent his last few dollars on this beer, reflecting his character and the situation he finds himself in during the famous septic tank scene.

Meister Brau is a former Chicago beer

Meister Brau, the beer that Cousin Eddie drinks in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, is a former Chicago beer. In the movie, Cousin Eddie is seen drinking Meister Brau while pouring his RV waste into Clark Griswold's sewer. This scene has become a memorable part of the holiday classic, with Eddie's unique style and choice of beer adding to the humour.

Meister Brau was once a popular beer in Chicago during the 1980s, but it eventually met its demise as it transformed into Miller Lite. The brand has since been reformulated, and what was once Meister Brau is now known as Miller Lite. This change may have been for the better, as Meister Brau has been described as "wretched stuff" and "mostly undrinkable."

The fact that Cousin Eddie chooses to spend his last few dollars on Meister Brau, despite his financial struggles, says a lot about his character. Eddie's taste for this particular beer adds a layer of authenticity and depth to his portrayal as a down-on-his-luck yet lovable character. It's interesting to note that Clark Griswold, Eddie's cousin, would never consider drinking the same beer as him, further highlighting the differences in their personalities and preferences.

The inclusion of Meister Brau in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation provides a glimpse into the world of beer during the 1980s. At that time, the beer landscape was quite different from what it is today, with a lack of craft beers and a focus on domestic lagers and imported "premium" beers. The movie also showcases the regional differences in beer preferences, with Chicago staples like Old Style and Meister Brau being viewed as inferior by some, including Clark Griswold.

Overall, the choice of Meister Brau as Cousin Eddie's drink of choice adds a layer of realism and humour to the movie, while also providing insight into the world of beer during that era.

Cousin Eddie is drinking Meister Brau during the septic tank scene

In the famous septic tank scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie is drinking Meister Brau beer. This was a former Chicago beer that was the precursor to Miller Lite. Cousin Eddie is known for his vinyl trooper hat, white acrylic v-neck sweater, black dickey, slim-leg green trousers, and white patent leather loafers with a gold snaffle. Meister Brau adds to his signature look as he pours his RV waste into Clark's sewer.

The choice of beer fits with Cousin Eddie's character. Meister Brau was a cheap beer, and Cousin Eddie rolled onto the scene with barely any money left. Despite his financial situation, he still chose to spend some of his last few dollars on this beer. This suggests that Cousin Eddie has a taste for beer that is, shall we say, less refined. Indeed, one source describes Meister Brau as "wretched stuff."

The fact that Cousin Eddie is drinking a cheap beer that was once popular in Chicago adds a layer of authenticity to his character. It shows that he is a man of simple tastes who is proud of his Chicago roots. This contrasts with Clark, who would never drink the same beer as Cousin Eddie. Clark is a food scientist with a discriminating palate, and he has some disposable income to spend on nicer things.

The septic tank scene is one of two memorable scenes involving Cousin Eddie and the "sh*#@er." The other scene is when he tells Clark about "the gift that keeps on giving." In both scenes, Cousin Eddie's choice of beer is Meister Brau, which adds a touch of humor and character development to these memorable moments in the film.

Meister Brau has since been reformulated into Miller Lite

In the film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie is seen drinking Meister Brau beer. This was a former Chicago beer, which has since been reformulated into Miller Lite.

Meister Brau was a popular Chicago beer in the 1980s, and it is now known as Miller Lite. Cousin Eddie is seen drinking this beer in two memorable scenes in the film, including one where he is emptying his septic tank. Despite being a down-on-his-luck character, it is suggested that Eddie spent his last few dollars on this beer.

The reformulation of Meister Brau into Miller Lite marked the end of the former Chicago beer. Miller Lite is now a well-known and widely consumed beer, while Meister Brau met a "cruel demise". This change occurred in the 1980s, a time before the craft beer movement, and it is indicative of the evolution of beer brands and their formulations over time.

The transformation of Meister Brau into Miller Lite serves as an example of how consumer tastes and preferences can influence the beer industry. It also highlights how brands adapt and change to stay relevant and meet consumer demands. While Meister Brau may have had its fans, the shift to Miller Lite indicates a preference for a different taste or style of beer.

Eddie spent his last few dollars on Meister Brau

In the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid, is seen drinking a Meister Brau beer. This was a former Chicago beer brand that was the precursor to Miller Lite. Cousin Eddie is known for his love for this beer, even though it is considered "wretched stuff".

Eddie's character is portrayed as a man who arrived on the scene "on fumes", indicating that he was low on funds. Despite his financial situation, Eddie made sure to spend his last few dollars on a local store's Meister Brau beer. This detail adds to the comedic and sad elements of the character and the scene.

Meister Brau played a notable role in two memorable scenes in the movie. In one scene, Eddie is seen drinking the beer while emptying his septic tank, an act that has become infamous in popular culture. The juxtaposition of Eddie's choice of beverage with his unpleasant task adds to the humour of the scene.

The second scene involving Meister Brau occurs near the movie's end when Eddie tells Clark about "the gift that keeps on giving". Despite his financial struggles, Eddie's willingness to spend his last dollars on this particular beer showcases his dedication to enjoying the simple pleasures in life.

The choice of Meister Brau as Eddie's beverage of choice also serves as a subtle character detail. Clark, on the other hand, is portrayed as a man with more refined tastes who would not drink the same beer as Eddie. This contrast highlights the differences between the two characters and adds depth to their relationship in the movie.

Overall, Eddie's decision to spend his last few dollars on Meister Brau beer showcases his commitment to his favourite beverage, despite his financial situation. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the character and has become a memorable aspect of the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Clark would not drink the same beer as Eddie

In the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie is seen drinking a Meister Brau beer, a former Chicago beer brand that is now known as Miller Lite. This is notable because, despite being a cousin of Clark, he would not drink the same beer as Eddie.

Clark W. Griswold Jr., the classic Chevy Chase character, is a complex individual with a range of personality traits. He is kind, talented, honest, lying, sentimental, resentful, spiteful, reverential, sarcastic, caring, hapless, heartless, hard-working, and flirtatious. He has a discriminating palate and is smart and successful. He also has a penchant for beer.

Given his characteristics and preferences, it is safe to assume that Clark would not drink the same beer as his cousin Eddie. Meister Brau, the beer of choice for Eddie, is described as "wretched stuff." It is a cheap and nearly undrinkable beer unless you grew up with it. Clark, on the other hand, has a more refined taste and can afford nicer things in life. He is a food scientist with a discriminating palate, and he grudgingly despises German beer.

Instead, Clark would opt for a beer that reflects his appreciation for the finer things. He is smart and successful and has some disposable income, as evidenced by his purchase of 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights and a down payment on a pool. Therefore, it is safe to assume that Clark would choose a higher-quality beer than Meister Brau.

In conclusion, while Cousin Eddie enjoys his Meister Brau, Clark would not drink the same beer. Clark's taste in beer reflects his appreciation for quality and his ability to afford nicer things in life. He would opt for a beer that is a cut above the rest, just as he strives for the best in other aspects of his life.

Frequently asked questions