The HBO crime drama Mare of Easttown, set in a small Pennsylvania town, masterfully captures a “sense of place.” This authenticity is conveyed through various elements, including the Delco accent of Kate Winslet’s character and the prominent featuring of two beers: Yuengling and Rolling Rock. Mare’s drink of choice, Rolling Rock, raises questions about authenticity and its connection to place, particularly in the context of this show.
The Authentic Appeal of Rolling Rock in Mare of Easttown
The frequent appearance of Rolling Rock in Mare of Easttown seemingly reinforces the show’s Pennsylvania setting. Both Rolling Rock and Yuengling have historical ties to the state, contributing to the show’s realistic portrayal of small-town life. The deliberate choice to exclude nationally recognized brands like Budweiser or Coors Light further emphasizes this regional focus, likely a result of product placement, a multi-billion dollar industry. While Yuengling remains a favorite among Pennsylvanians and is still brewed in the state, Rolling Rock’s story is more complicated.
Promotional poster for Mare of Easttown
Rolling Rock’s Rocky Road: From Latrobe to Newark
Rolling Rock’s origin story is deeply rooted in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1939, the Latrobe Brewing Company utilized water from nearby mountain springs, contributing to a unique taste and a strong local identity. This connection to the local environment even fueled discussions of terroir in beer, a concept typically associated with wine. However, a series of acquisitions led to Anheuser-Busch purchasing the brand in 2006 and subsequently moving production to Newark, New Jersey.
Yuengling and Rolling Rock in Mare of Easttown
This decision sparked outrage among locals and loyal consumers who felt the beer’s authenticity was inextricably linked to its place of origin. The change in water source raised concerns about a change in taste, prompting some to question whether Rolling Rock could still be considered a Pennsylvania beer.
Latrobe Brewing Company, former home of Rolling Rock
Authenticity and the Perception of Place
The debate surrounding Rolling Rock’s authenticity highlights the importance of place in shaping a product’s identity. While Anheuser-Busch attempted to maintain the brand’s “small-town” image with slogans like “Born Small Town,” the shift in production location irrevocably altered its connection to Latrobe. This raises the question: can a product retain its authenticity when divorced from its origins?
Rolling Rock advertising emphasizing mountain spring water
Rolling Rock in Mare of Easttown: An Own Goal or a Nostalgic Nod?
Did the creators of Mare of Easttown miss the mark by featuring Rolling Rock as a symbol of Pennsylvania? Despite its current production outside the state, the beer retains a strong association with Pennsylvania in the minds of many, particularly those familiar with its history. This lingering connection allows Rolling Rock to contribute to the show’s overall sense of place, even if its authenticity is debatable. While no longer a truly local product, Rolling Rock in Mare of Easttown evokes a nostalgic sense of Pennsylvania’s past and its blue-collar roots.
