The new campaign, which fist aired Jan. 4 with a new spot, “Need a Break from Beer,” focuses on the Jim Beam Highball, which is made by mixing chilled Jim Beam Bourbon with ice and ice-cold, highly carbonated ginger ale.
The first ad ran on multiple national news, entertainment and sports networks, and will run nationally throughout the year. The spot uses classic beer tropes found at any local bar to inspire drinkers to make their next round a Jim Beam Highball. Viewers will immediately recognize a traditionally dressed German couple encouraging an order of a Bavarian-style hefeweizen, an old, mysterious man pushing a dark, heavy brew, and a pair of hipsters, goat in tow, playfully offering a “super-filling IPA with aged goat’s milk.” The commercial marks the latest collaboration between the world’s No. 1 bourbon and global advertising agency adam&eveNYC.
“With the launch of ‘Need a Break From Beer,’ we’re taking a widely enjoyed cocktail that’s been trending for years and finally shining the national spotlight on it,” said Jessica Spence, president of brands at Beam Suntory. “We know drinkers are getting bored with beer and are looking for new alternatives. The Jim Beam Highball is incredibly easy to mix and perfect for enjoyment while at home or in bars when the time is right.”
The new campaign spot will air throughout 2021 on more than 20 national TV networks, including sports destinations such as MLB Network and ESPN2, entertainment hubs AMC and Comedy Central, and major broadcast networks including ABC, FOX and NBC. Starcom USA oversees media on behalf of Jim Beam.
In addition to media partnerships, Jim Beam will deploy Highball programming throughout the year including retail marketing, baseball stadium activations, consumer sampling and value-add packaging. The brand will also host “Beam Gardens” — a playful alternative to traditional beer gardens — in several markets across the country for those in need of a break from beer. These pop-up experiences, appearing where local guidelines and public health conditions allow, will welcome legal-drinking-aged consumers to enjoy Jim Beam Highballs on tap with friends and family.