Narragansett Beer Puts Its Past Back on the Pack

For a beer that's been around for more than 135 years, Narragansett has collected quite a few characters along the way. From familiar faces in vintage advertisements to the people who helped shape the brewery's history, some are getting another turn in the spotlight this holiday season. Narragansett Beer is bringing them back to store shelves with Share A ’Gansett, a limited-edition series featuring archival artwork, advertisements, and characters from the brand's past.

Some of that history even has a Hollywood connection. In the late 1950s, comedy duo Nichols and May lent their voices to a series of Narragansett's animated commercials, long before Mike Nichols became an Oscar-winning director and Elaine May made her mark in film and theater. At the time, the pair were busy reminding Rhode Islanders to say hi to their neighbors and have a ’Gansett.

The new packaging also puts names to some of the faces in the brewery's archives, including Mark Hellendrung, Narragansett's president, who helped revive the brand 21 years ago. Former brewmaster Bill Anderson, who helped recreate the original recipe, appears as a barrel-leaning character raising a glass, while a dapper waiter pays tribute to John English, who once guided visitors through the old brewery's 1890 Room.

Other characters have their own unusual claims to fame. Mrs. Fanny Smunt was a devoted ’Gansett radio advertising personality, while Paul Kalmanovitz, a former Falstaff executive, also earned a place in the brewery's history. There's even a familiar face from Amity Island. The Mayor of Amity joins the lineup as a nod to Narragansett's appearance in Jaws, giving the collection another connection to Hollywood.

Not every character comes with such a straightforward backstory. The aptly named Mystery Mouse holds the title of the brewery's longtime guardian and secret problem-solver, though exactly what problems a cartoon mouse has been solving remains a mystery.

And then there's the dog.

The illustrated bar hound has apparently gone all these years without an official name, and Narragansett is finally looking to settle the matter. Through the brand's Instagram account, @Gansettbeer, fans can submit suggestions and vote on their favorites, with the winning name becoming part of the character's story going forward.

The Share A ’Gansett cans, along with character-wrapped 12-packs and 30-packs, begin arriving in late November and will be available while supplies last. Limited-edition merchandise featuring the same archival characters will also join the collection.

Longtime ’Gansett drinkers might recognize a few familiar faces, while others will get a glimpse of the brewery's past for the first time. Either way, there's plenty to talk about before anyone opens a can, starting with what to call that dog. For more information, visit NarragansettBeer.com.