Tapping into WA nostalgia: The unseen history of Rainier Beer’s classic commercials

This past weekend, dozens of brew-loving super fans descended upon the North Bend Theatre to catch a showing. Sporting caps with the embroidered "R", they opted pop tops instead of popcorn. Cold one in hand, they filled the cinema for a screening of the grassroots documentary Rainier: A Beer Odyssey.

The backstory:

For over a century, Rainier Beer has been a staple of Washington state, its iconic red "R" and quirky ads cementing its place in the cultural fabric of the Pacific Northwest. Now this kick-starter funded documentary is taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through the brand’s rich history, highlighting its commercials and the unsung heroes behind them.

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Founded in 1854, under a different name, the ale that would later become Rainier Beer was brewed long before Washington became a state. Through wars, Prohibition, and economic downturns like the Boeing Bust, Rainier proved it was the little label from the upper left that could.

"They weren’t just selling you the product, they were selling you kind of a lifestyle. It was all about capturing the spirit of the Northwest," said filmmaker, Justin Peterson.

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The film however, focuses on the 1970s through early 1990s when the brand became a household name due to its unforgettable advertisements. Filmmakers compiled hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage, including bloopers, sketches, and behind-the-scenes moments from the campaigns.

"The people that made these commercials, they were really ahead of their time when they did it," said Peterson. They had fun with the product."

Since premiering at the Seattle International Film Festival in spring of 202 , Peterson and his crew have hit the road. Touring from one small town to another. There will be a showing in Everett in March with additional viewings planned in Bremerton and as far away as Roslyn and Wenatchee. 

The Source: Information for this report comes from original interviews from FOX 13's Lauren Donovan. 

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