Thursday, February 21, 2008

Brewing Beer for Barack



Obamamania has intoxicated many of America's primary and caucus goers, but in Kenya, it has been elevated to a higher level - 6% alcohol content to be exact - in what is now the hottest selling item in the country. Senator Beer. The fascination of Kenyans in seeing one of their own battle it out for the Democratic Presidential Nomination against a formidable rival in the person of Hillary Clinton, has generated tremendous interest in the country as well as in other parts of the world.

Barack Obama has consistently drawn big crowds at his rallies and has received massive funding support through small donations, a lot of them through the internet; and is now poised to being the candidate of the masses. This growing popularity, embraced mostly by the younger voters who provide much of the excitement and the hoopla about Obama, has been called "Obamamania". The mania's counterpart in Kenya is in a brown bottle that is served in jugs. Obama'a father is from Kenya, which is why the citizens of the country identify with the Illinois Senator and have made him their role model.

In depressed areas of Kenya, people drink cheap brews which are sometimes spiked with traditional spirits, that have on some occasions proved lethal. An enterprising brewer (East African Breweries Ltd) took note of the fame generated by Obama and introduced a cheap brew that was safe and lower in alcohol content. Kenyan beer normally have as much as 40% alcohol. The brewery's low alcohol lager effort is "Senator Keg" beer that patrons simply refer to as "Obama". The depressed economy has made beer drinkers switch to cheaper beer, and what better way to pass the time talking about politics and life itself, than a glass of Obama. Raising a glass of Obama apparently raises their hopes too.

The brewery was smart enough to avoid using Barack, so as not to encourage lawsuits nor be accused of disrespect to the Senator. Fears of encouraging alcoholism because of its low price is being disputed by its low alcohol, which brewers contend is supportive of responsible consumption. Kenyans can therefore get tipsy on Obama, and can still grow up as responsible citizens - much like their idol's experiments with substances. Whatever Obama says in speeches, you can expect Kenyans hearing it on radio or watching on TV to say, "I'll drink to that".

The whole country may even out drink Germany where beer is concerned should Obama win the Presidency. It could also start exporting the product while he remains hot in the American media, and may well be its number one US export! They can then create a high end brand called "President Dark Beer" in time for the Inauguration! Pale pilsen would not be a hot selling product line though. But the possibility of a whole generation of Kenyans and even Americans getting a little high on Senator Beer or President Dark Beer has tremendous commercial potential.

However, should he fail to win the Presidency, or even the Democratic Party's nomination, he could always encourage his father's countrymen to create another product. He can call it "Barack's Brewed Beer", like its namesake, it's all foam - no beer.

Haarrrwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!

Basic information from an article by Tom Oladipo
BBC News, Nairobi

14 comments:

ozegold said...

"all foam and no beer..." I like it!

Great piece, as usual Durano!

Tapline said...

I could be wrong, but I do not think he goes for alcohol in any form......Against the relition don't you kknow.....stay well....

Tapline said...

me bad speller....that is "religion" not relition.....fingers got crossed.....sorry......

Anonymous said...

Wow. Now you're talkin. Beer, politics, throw in a football game and you've hit all the major food groups...LOL

Peace.........T

Kim said...

haha..
very funny Durano !!!
I think they might be onto a winner with this one....
Obamamania....do you think they might bring out an Obama snack to go with the beer too ??

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Hi Allan, Thanks for the kudos. The post is inspired by Beer. :-)--Durano, Done!

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Tapline,
He tried substances before, why not beer. People make small violations of their religion's rules all the time - like no meat on Fridays before Lent for Catholics; what's one bottle of Beer? :-) Finger miscues happen to me too! --Durano, done

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Hi Tommy,

Did you make the third round?

Didn't you miss auto racing? THanks for the visit, and thanks for the nice recommendation at Entrecard too! --Durano, done!

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Hello Kim,

The snack with the beer! Yes! That would be a terrific idea. It should first be tied to the beer as a free item to introduce it and to get people to taste it.

What should it be called? Barack's Mixed Nuts? :-)

I was getting a heavy feeling writing about the heavy stuff, so I decided to post something light and "spiritual" :-)

Best regards Kim. --Durano, done!

The Fitness Diva said...

Lovin' it! I guess I have to go all the way to Kenya to get a bottle of this stuff? ;)

And as for 40% alcohol in their beer! Would never work in America. Because then Americans would never make it to work! ;D

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Fitness Diva,

I think the 40% alcohol in Kenya's other beer products stems from the fact that they have a lot more things they want to forget.

That amount would make Americans more obese than they already are, but that would be good for your skills and talent eh? :-) --Durano, done!

ZenDenizen said...

I don't like beer but I'd still like to try that stuff! Where did you get that Tiger Beat cover?

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Hi Zen,

I'm no beer drinker myself but there are friends who prefer this brew especially during casual gatherings.

The Tiger Beat cover was obtained from Google. I simply typed Barack Obama on the search button then clicked Images. I also saw your Jackson Five Obama photo there, together with a more fat laden Obama in a basketball uniform when he was in High School! :-)

Enjoying Broadway? Nice to be living in New York huh? Have lots of fun while you have the time, jobs always come to the skilled and talented. Regards.:-) --Durano, done!

Anonymous said...

Kenyan beer normally have as much as 40% alcohol.

Physically impossible. 40& alcohol is 80 proof, the same as most vodka.

It is a brewing impossibility.