I am not sure if it is still the case, but until recently, Scotland was the only Western European country where Coca-Cola is not the leading soft drink. In Scotland, Irn Bru reigns supreme. First launched in 1901, it is made by AG Barr to a secret formula and is available everywhere you go up North, including pubs, who get a somewhat posh looking bottle, rather than the more common can. I wouldn't say I grew up on it, but I had it a lot!
In the pub this is used to mix with spirits, usually vodka. It is also particularly recommended as a hangover cure.
The old adverts used to be more subtle, but I couldn't find any. This is quite funny though.
I remember at my union conference years ago, probably in Bournemouth, sitting in a hotel bar near some Scottish delegates. One woman pointed at a male delegate and said: "He forgot the bring the Irn Bru!" He sat shamefaced and silent while his fellow Scots delegates glared at him. I was aware that some terrible crime had been committed.
ReplyDeleteIrn-Bru is certainly a challenge. I've always thought that it was aptly named with it's metallic taint.
ReplyDelete"made from girders" was the old byline. I remember back in the 80's when a truck would drive around our neighbourhood and you could run out and buy some bottles of Irn-Bru along with its stablemates Strike Cola, Red Kola, Cream Soda and Limeade. Days of innocence - and you got 9p back on the bottle.
ReplyDeleteThe other Corona was the fizzy drink of choice in our neck of the woods. It was delivered door to door. Raspberryade was my favourite, jam-packed full of lots of bad stuff no doubt. It was sixpence back on the bottle then, that's 6d not 6p!
ReplyDeleteIrn Bru is terrific for hangovers. I always buy a couple of cans on the way home from a heavy night, one before bed, one in the morning
ReplyDeleteYou guys do a wonderful job! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDelete