We get a lot of crappy beer PR stuff and one day I’m going to write a post about all the things beer PR shouldn’t involve.  Erik just wrote a post about beer PR determining that the best beer PR can only be successful if the product is good.  While I agree with this, there are still good examples that make me take notice.  Like today for example, somebody from Steamworks showed up at my office with a six pack of their new bottled product attached to a giant balloon. We get our fair share of samples, but never quite so dramatically.

Steamworks surprise! Bigger balloon next time please

My office is a mere three blocks away from the Steamworks Brewpub in downtown Vancouver.  I can only assume the guy walked over from the pub carrying the giant balloon laden six pack, surely attracting the attention of local, prospective clientele.  The delivery caused a bit of a stir in the office too, rousing enough attention for my coworkers to be impressed with me or think I’m a massive douche (I mean really, who gets free beer delivered to the office?).  In either case, they know Steamworks is bottling now and had a taste, because I shared.  How many local people know about Steamworks new bottles now? Probably a fair few more, and the local people that count too.  It’s pretty cheap marketing as well, just the price of a six pack and a balloon.

As for the beer itself, it’s the same as what Steamworks has in the brewpub and I don’t love it.  It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just not going to unseat Central City or Driftwood enough for me to buy it.  I tried the Pilsner and the Pale Ale, both decent.  I really like their new labels though, supremely well done (apparently this guy did them).

Another really cool thing happened today as well, I visited the new Tap and Barrel pub in Vancouver’s ex Olympic Village.  The place was absolutely packed and the service was justifiably affected.  We had to wait for our food for a while, then got the wrong food, which was quickly rectified.  When the bill came, straight up $0.  Two meals and four beers for free.  We weren’t sure we’d go back, but now we will.  The location is great, the beer list was very good, and the food was decent, so we’ll give it another shot.  Why don’t more businesses realize these are the kinds of actions that make a difference?

Cheers,

Chris