"Deliciously Different"

This classic advertisement shows "Woody"

the Vernor's Gnome mascot.

I've always loved Ginger Ale; and America's oldest Ginger Ale, Vernor's, takes top billing with this soda lover.

The Vernor's slogan says it all, "Deliciously Different."

Okay peeps, I'm different and different appeals to me therefore I drink Vernor's!

I find it interesting that Vernor's Ginger Ale was developed by a Pharmacist from Detroit, Michigan, in 1866.  

James Vernor was in the process of duplicating a popular ginger ale, imported from Dublin, Ireland, when he signed on to serve in the war.

In 1862, heading off to battle, Vernor sealed up his concoction in an oak case.  There it aged for the next four years.

It was thought that, a year after returning from battle, James Vernor opened the keg and proclaimed the drink inside tasted "deliciously different," due to the aging process in the wood.

However, in later interviews with his son, it was found that the formula wasn't development until after the war.

The Vernor's brand Ginger Ale was sold to customers at his drugstore soda fountain until 1896.

After its rise in popularity, Vernor began selling bottling franchises for his popular brand of ginger soda.

The franchise owners were under contract to follow the recipe precisely, without deviation from the aged old process.

A process that, lets face it, obviously resulted in excellent Ginger Ale; and still does.

It wasn't long before Vernor's began bottling for home consumption; and the company once again expanded.

After James Vernor's death in 1927, his son James Vernor Jr. took over the day to day operations.

Vernor's Ginger Ale expanded throughout the prohibition and in 1966, the family made the decision to sell the company.

It was first purchased by American Consumer Products, then by United Brands.  In 1987, United Brands sold the company to A&W Beverages, which was later purchased by Cadbury Schweppes.

The bottling rights were granted to Pepsi-Cola.

Once a strictly regional product--sold throughout Michigan and in a few major cities--it has grown into a national brand, sold in more than 33 states.

Michigan accounts for 80% of its revenue and the other highest-selling states are Ohio and Illinois.

Vernor's Ginger Ale is bottled under the authority of Dr. Pepper/Seven UP, Inc.

As I'm writing this blog, about my

favorite Ginger Ale, I'm sipping

an ice cold glass full.

 

I love America's oldest Ginger Ale

AND,

old glasses with cartoon characters on them.

A final thought.

I found this cool YouTube video on a 1947 Chevrolet truck restoration.  It just so happens that it was restored into a vintage Vernor's delivery truck.

If you like Vernor's Ginger Ale, vintage stuff and vehicle restorations--like I do--then check out the video clip here.

(A word of caution.  If your drinking Vernor's Ginger Ale, be careful not to breath in just before taking a sip.  It will take your breath away and make you cough . . . I love it!)