California Today

King Snedley: The Madcap Beer Campaign of Hopland

16 June 2026 11:24

The King Snedley beer campaign was a 1970s marketing stunt by Lucky Breweries to revive Lucky Lager. - It featured a fictional brewmaster from Hopland, with a royal family and embassy in San Diego.

- The campaign used offensive humor targeting frat boys and military personnel. - Despite a large budget, it captured only 2% of the local market and failed.

- The brand died when advertising stopped, leaving a legacy of eccentricity.

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HoplandhistorymarketingbeercultureMendocino CountyLocal