Need A Whiskey To Boycott? Comment Count

Brian

Reader Nick Walstra provides a picture of this enormous Columbus-area billboard analogue for your general disgust:

makersad

Next time you're strolling the aisle looking for a libation, suggest you skip the Maker's Mark.

Comments

Blue2000

February 25th, 2009 at 10:59 AM ^

You understand that this was almost certainly a regional ad, right? I'm pretty sure you won't find that ad outside the city of Columbus (or at least the state of Ohio).

But you're right - if Makers Mark didn't take into account the righteous indignation of MGoBlog readers, that is indeed poor marketing.

cfaller96

February 25th, 2009 at 11:00 AM ^

I'm not sure where M fans get off thinking that a 3-9 abomination is something for which we shouldn't have to take abuse from other schools' fans. If OSU did the same I would gladly rub their noses in it, so I don't get where the OUTRAGE!!! is here.

Michigan went 3-9, we deserve to be mocked for it. That's life, deal with it.

OldManUfer

February 25th, 2009 at 11:47 AM ^

I can also see that there's a big difference between other fans doing the ribbing on the internet and a large multinational corporation doing it on a giant banner ad.

Personally I don't really care about the ad; I'm not offended by it. I don't think it's hilarious or genius like some of the rest of you. It certainly doesn't make me more likely to buy Maker's Mark, but if I did like the stuff I don't think this would stop me from drinking it.

Brodie

February 25th, 2009 at 11:08 AM ^

Here's the situation you're in: You're an advertising agency contracted to design a campaign for a whiskey to run in Central Ohio. Your demo is men aged 21 and up. You can't go for naked women as you know whiskey drinkers are more mature, older men. So you look for a common thread... sports! What sport? Can't go NFL, Columbus is pretty evenly divided there. NBA? Nah, too far from Cleveland for people to care. NHL? The Blue Jackets are too new to appeal to the older demographic. Oh! How about the Buckeyes? Yes!

jblaze

February 25th, 2009 at 12:39 PM ^

you just made the wrong mistake. This blog has >100 comments on it, a bunch of other M blogs will pick this up, and some AA/ Detroit news stations may even pick this up as mocking Michigan (which it clearly is).

I don't believe that "all publicity is good publicity" and this ad campaign just alienated as many M fans as it caused OSU fans to jump to Maker's.

This ad = fail.

mat1397

February 25th, 2009 at 11:54 AM ^

Marketing department/ad agency decides to slight Michigan in order to pander to OSU fans. That's okay because it's just "marketing"...they don't really hate us, they just want to make money by insulting us. So it's okay, and we shouldn't be offended. And if there is a backlash and Michigan fans actually do boycott or send nasty emails, then it won't be the ad exec who gets canned for insulting another team's fanbase that is stupid, it will be us dumb Michigan fans because we don't understand "marketing".

Wait, I forgot, it doesn't matter because it's in Columbus, and the only way a Michigan fan would ever see it to be insulted would be through the internet or email. And only like, what, 1% or so of Americans have access to that.

mat1397

February 25th, 2009 at 1:01 PM ^

But they chose to take a shot at Michigan because they obviously thought it would help sell more whiskey. I can choose to buy something else (there are lots and lots liquours out there...the only one by Beam that would bother me is Old Overholt, since it's a pretty drinkable rye for being dirt cheap) to try and show them they are wrong. I don't take it personally, but if you choose to openly throw your lot in with the Bucks (whether for real or just for money) don't expect my support.

It's not really that big of a deal, but, hey, it's a rivalry! It's your team! It's not supposed to make logical sense. Support your team you heartless bastards!

Yinka Double Dare

February 25th, 2009 at 2:15 PM ^

Hey now, there are some pretty good small-batch ryes out there these days. You live in Chicago presumably -- check out Templeton Rye. Only sold in Iowa (where it's made) and Illinois right now. It originally was a bootlegged rye made in Templeton Iowa, and was Capone's favorite whiskey, and was continued on by people in the town, now they're commercializing it. It is delicious. Try it in a manhattan or sazerac too.

mat1397

February 25th, 2009 at 3:21 PM ^

that I let a guy at Sam's Liquours talk me into buying a $120 bottle of Rye (hobos need not apply), which while very good, will never be worth the $1 per sip or whatever it works out to be. Rye whiskey is good, you should try it. Especially if you don't care for the syruppy sweetness of Bourbon. I'd suggest starting with Overholt, which is pretty mild (and inexpensive) but, well...

Vielfrass

February 25th, 2009 at 1:41 PM ^

so that you can understand that the *point* is still the same:

"No, if you can't see why this ad offends some Michigan fans then you are a moron."

You've just spent how long on here defending an ad that directly rips on your team, and attacking Michigan fans that didn't like it (or were OFFENDED by it). You're awesome.

It's funny. You're quick to defend recruits, players, coaches, etc., but you have no problem ripping on other Michigan fans.

Stay classy!

Chrisgocomment

February 25th, 2009 at 2:36 PM ^

Listen, just because we cheer for the same team doesn't mean we all blindly believe the same stupid bullshit. It's not an offensive advertisement. Look up that word and then see if you feel the same way. You can dislike it, but it's not offensive in anyway. If it does really truly offend you, than my suggestion is that you seek professional help.

Vielfrass

February 25th, 2009 at 5:54 PM ^

YOU need to work on your reading comprehension *doofus*.

Calm down, and see if you can follow this....

One of the definitions from Websters: -intransitive verb- " b: to cause dislike, anger, or vexation"

It's safe to say that this ad was intended to be offensive....TO MICHIGAN FANS. It was meant to "vex" Michigan fans. That's actually, ya know, the whole point of it. It wouldn't work if it DIDN'T offend Michigan fans. You saying that Michigan fans that are offended by this are morons, in turn, only makes you look like a moron.

FTR, I don't have a problem with the ad at all. I was just wondering why you feel the need to rip on your fellow Michigan fans so much, but you explained yourself so that's fine.

No one's asking you to "blindly believe all the same bullshit", just to be civil. You'd rather call people "moron" and "doofus" if they disagree with you. That's cool. Give yourself a pat on the back for 1) being so smart, and 2) being so friendly.

Vielfrass

February 26th, 2009 at 12:03 AM ^

respond to you when you post in a normal tone.

Look, I understand your whole point. The point of the ad WAS INDEED to get OSU fans to buy their bourbon. And how did they go about that? By dissing/zinging their biggest rival. The message in the ad was most definitely a dig at Michigan. And I'm fine with that.

Michigan and Michigan fans only factor into this because they mentioned us BY NAME.

I'll say it again...I don't have a problem with the ad. I have a problem with you guys constantly going batshit on people that disagree with you. How many times do you tell people things like "You should probably just put a gun in your mouth and end it all"? Is it really necessary? Isn't that what we have people like chi and dex for? So they can delete the truly idiotic stuff?

After a post like this from Brian, "OMG! $UCKEYES!" is what I would EXPECT to see on here. It's the impotent rage from a fan that got dissed, and has no forum (other than this) to voice their displeasure.

You can't see why some Michigan fans wouldn't like the ad?

If this same sign was done in Ann Arbor, I would expect to see a ton of Buckeyes fans saying "Fuck Michigan!", etc. on their blogs. Not this: "Wait, you guys are fucking idiots! That signs cool! If you're offended by it, you suck!"

Vielfrass

February 25th, 2009 at 10:54 PM ^

You're kind of cute too, when your not being so belligerent.

No one is asking you to "agree with people just because our TV's are tuned to the same TV station on Saturdays in the fall.". It's NOT ABOUT the ad. Just asking you to show a little courtesy to your fellow Michigan fans, who don't share your opinion. Is that so hard?

No, it's much easier to try to be witty and acerbic.

But again, you've pointed out numerous times what your position is, so I get it. If someone disagrees with you, they are a MORON. In turn, I think that makes you a MORON.

Now that that's been established. We can all resume our regularly scheduled commenting. Fire away!

Cheers.

chitownblue (not verified)

February 25th, 2009 at 7:51 PM ^

The purpose of any advertisement isn't "to vex people" - it's to sell a product. In this case, bourbon. So no, it's not clear that the purpose of the ad was to anger Michigan fans - its purpose was to sell bourbon.

Vielfrass

February 25th, 2009 at 11:27 PM ^

My problem is not with the ad. It's about the constant need to verbally cannibalize our own fans.

He's made it clear that whether or not you are a Michigan fan is irrelevant to him. Fine. So be it. Let the name-calling begin.

Just to be clear, I don't have a problem with the ad., but I understand why some people think it's offensive. Yes, the point of the banner was to sell more bourbon....by *zinging* (read: offending) the local markets biggest rival. That's smart. That's fine. We deserve it. I have no problem with that. I actually think it's great.

But let's be clear about the purpose. I mean they *specifically* mentioned Michigan by name.

Let's put this in perspective for you since you live in Chicago (wonderful city BTW):

If, when the White Sox won the World Series, Maker's Mark decided to run a witty little banner on the South Side near US Cellular that went along the lines of: "Maker's Mark: The Bourbon of Champions", and then just to rub it in the Cubs fans noses a little more, they had a little asterisk that said: "*obviously not sold at Wrigley Field".

Or if you think that's too far fetched, what if the Steelers ran the same campaign, and had: "*obviously not sold in Cleveland".

You don't think that some Cubs or some Browns fans might find that offensive? I mean, really? You can't see that?

The point is: even though I don't find it offensive, I understand why others would, and I have no problem with it.

Ironically, the whole point is that I'm tired of coming on here and reading argument after argument, and yet, I just contributed to a long one.

Pity.

Vielfrass

February 26th, 2009 at 12:18 AM ^

It's a great ad, that was done well. In the end, it WILL sell more bourbon for them...which was the whole point.

I just understood when some posters had a rush of blood to the head and vented. But I've already said my piece.

Let's see what Brian posts tomorrow. Sheesh.

Peace.

cfaller96

February 25th, 2009 at 10:55 AM ^

Cajun Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
6 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 bunch fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
Heat the butter and oil together in a large stock pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the butter and oil until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage slices; cook and stir another 5 minutes. Stir in the potatoes; cook and stir 15 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Mix in the spinach. Remove from heat. Top with Parmesan cheese.

KRK

February 25th, 2009 at 10:58 AM ^

Damnit! I made a comment below this, hit save and realized that instead, I should have posted a recipe. So here goes:

Stomach bag and pluck (heart, liver and lights of a sheep --
you can substitute a selection of organ meats)
2 onions, peeled
2 c pinhead oatmeal (Irish oatmeal)
1 2/3 c suet
salt & pepper
trussing needle and fine string

Thoroughly wash the stomach bag in cold water. Turn it inside out and scald it, then scrape the surface with a knife. Soak it in cold salted water overnight. Next day remove the bag from the water and leave it on one side while preparing the filling. Wash the pluck. Put it into a pan, with the windpipe hanging over the side into a bowl, to let out any impurities. Cover the pluck with cold water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring the water to a boil. Skim the surface, then simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Meanwhile parboil the onions, drain, reserving the liquid, and chop them roughly. Also toast the pinhead oatmeal until golden brown. Drain the pluck when ready and cut away the windpipe and any excess gristle. Mince half the liver with all the heart and lights, then stir in the shredded suet, the toasted oatmeal and the onions. Season well with salt and pepper. Moisten with as much of the onion or pluck water as necessary to make the mixture soft. With the rough surface of the bag outside fill it just over half full, the oatmeal will swell during cooking, and sew the ends together with the trussing needle and fine string. Prick the bag in places with the needle. Place the haggis on and enamel plate and put it into a pan of boiling water. Cover the pan and cook for about 3 hours, adding more boiling water when necessary to keep the haggis covered.

KRK

February 25th, 2009 at 10:56 AM ^

Smoking Jesus Hell people. OSU did not put the fucking banner up. An ad agency hired by Makers, or Makers' own Ad Dept, put the banner up. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE UNIVERSITY. ALL CAPS!!!!!!!!!