PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) Logo PNG
The PBR logo is a testament to the exclusivity of the brewing company. It speaks of its deep historical roots and adherence to traditions. Although the emblem isn’t heraldic, it is perceived as the personal mark of a dynasty. Indeed, in its early stages, the company was a family affair that rose to international prominence, so it required a representative visual identity to showcase its achievements.
PBR: Brand overview
Meaning and History
This American lager is commonly abbreviated as PBR. The name originates from the numerous awards the beer won at fairs and exhibitions between 1882 and 1916. During that time, the product won so many awards that the producer began to wrap each bottle with silk ribbons, as their high status demanded. However, this proved costly, prompting the owner to devise a cost-effective marketing move: he began printing ribbons on the labels and molding stickers onto the bottles. Thus, the expression of pride in their beer turned into a commercial savvy.
It all began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after Frederick Pabst, who came to the USA with his parents in 1848, married the daughter of brewery owner Philip Best. The young man took control and initiated several significant marketing moves. The tragic event further aided the popularization of the beer – the Great Chicago Fire, which destroyed numerous factories in Chicago. This later brought fame to Milwaukee as the country’s primary brewing center.
What is PBR?
PBR stands for the American brand Pabst Blue Ribbon, under which beer and a range of light alcoholic beverages are produced. Before winning the Blue Ribbon at the fair, it was called Pabst Beer, but it was later renamed to its current title. The lager is brewed in a factory established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1844. Later, the main brewery office was moved to San Antonio. The founder of this line is Johann Gottlieb Friedrich “Frederick” Pabst.
Old
The Pabst Blue Ribbon emblem reflects the brand’s history, rooted in a beer originally distinguished by a genuine award. The design is based on the silhouette of a medal with a ribbon, recalling the prize the company received at the 1893 exposition. However, it has an informal feel: instead of rigid medal shapes, it uses a casual stylization with wavy edges and two loose ribbon ends at the bottom.
The color scheme is restrained—deep blue paired with the white lettering contrast. The word “Pabst” is rendered in gentle cursive, resembling a signature, while “Blue Ribbon” appears in a serif font placed on a rectangular shape extending beyond the edges of the central circle.
Through this logo, the brand emphasizes its American brewing heritage, linking current products to the company’s original success through straightforward symbolism—the winner’s ribbon.
New
The updated logo looks fresher. The blue color became richer, and the medal’s outline received neat new styling. Gone are the saw-like teeth, replaced by smooth, decorative edges that make the frame neat and visually light. The ribbons are slightly elongated, making the medal appear more complete.
A new third line with the word “Beer,” written in small silver letters, adds clarity. The brand always emphasized its connection to traditional American beer, once recognized as the best, and now steadily maintains that reputation.
Font and Colors
The inscriptions are crafted using custom typefaces of various types. One of them is a modification from Linotype, named Pabst Old Style Condensed. The foundry Schriftguss AG introduced two styles (Ohio-Schrift and Ohio-Kursiv) and later added a third, Ohio-Kraft. The renowned font artist Frederic W. Goudy also contributed, designing letterforms for the Pabst Brewing Company lager label.
The brand palette includes two primary colors and two secondary ones. The main group comprises a rich red and a deep shade of blue. At the same time, the secondary group features a silvery color with a blue undertone, used for outlining, and a white background color, which is also the color of the primary inscription.