“Skål” echoes in the air. Skol in Buenos Aires shares its name with the Scandinavian toast. But its story stretches far beyond a simple cheers.
Skol is an international lager brand. It’s brewed by different companies across the globe. Here in Argentina, Ambev holds the license. But the beer’s journey began in Scotland. Ind Coope first brewed it in Alloa. It was originally called Graham’s Golden Lager.
In 1958, the name changed to Graham’s Skol. This was to give it a Scandinavian feel. Ironically, the brewing equipment came from Sweden. The name later became simply Skol.
Skol International was formed in 1964. Allied Breweries, Labatt, Pripps-Bryggerierna, and Unibra joined forces. Their goal was to create a worldwide beer brand. Skol could be licensed, manufactured, and marketed globally.
Patricia Paay sang an advertising jingle for Skol International. She later became a successful Dutch pop singer.
From 1973 to 1982, Oranjeboom Brewery in the Netherlands brewed Skol. However, it wasn’t a hit there.
Skol sponsored the Fittipaldi Automotive team in 1980. The brand also sponsored the Scottish League Cup from 1984 to 1992.
In 1992, Allied Breweries and Carlsberg merged. This created Carlsberg-Tetley’s. They moved Skol production to Leeds. The Leeds brewery closed in 2011. But Skol continues to be distributed in the UK.
Skol has also made its mark in Brazil. They introduced “Skol Beats.” These citrus-flavored drinks come in blue, red, and green. There are also Skol Beats gin and tonic beverages. They contain about 7.9% alcohol.
Skol won a Gold Award at the 2012 World Quality Selections. It also received a gold medal for packaging. It won a silver medal in the taste category at the 2005 Australian International Beer Awards.
Ironically a comparison of supermarket prices between Argentina and Brazil reveals that a can of Skol beer is cheaper in Brazil. A can of Skol will cost you about $625 Argentinian pesos in Brazil. In Argentina, a similar can of Quilmes will cost you $1465 Argentinian pesos.
So as you enjoy your Skol here in Buenos Aires remember its global journey. From Scotland to Argentina, it carries a taste of international brewing history. Cheers to Skol.