Hey, no one’s perfect…as we at American Craft Beer understand better than most.

That said, there are some brewing ideas out there that are insanely misguided. So welcome to another BAD IDEAS IN BREWING… And we’re blaming PBR, a classic slacker beer, for ever agreeing to this one.

Here’s The Deal

We’ve never been big supporters of donut beers. We’re not big on Strawberry Cream Puff Ale either. We were part of the ‘resistance’ when it came to IHOP Pancake Stout and we’d drink a growler of Kool-Aid before we’d ever submit to an Oreo beer shake .

But in the world of brewing concepts, that nobody was asking for and nobody needs, Campbell’s has released two soups infused with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

Campbell’s “Beer Cheese with Potatoes & Chorizo Soup” combines sausage, potatoes and creamy cheese infused with PBR beer flavor and its “Beef, Bacon & Beer Chili with Beans” blends beef, beans and bacon with “PBR beer flavor.”

Think a bowl of full-bodied soup in your basement flat with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer dripping down your chin!

(Courtesy Campbell’s)

However, Campbell’s, a North American powerhouse which has been creating fan-friendly foods for 155 years, seemed less concerned…

“This is the ultimate flavor collaboration,” Campbell’s Chunky senior brand manager Ryan Pawling said in a press release. “Our fans love bold, unexpected taste experiences, and pairing Chunky’s hearty recipes with the iconic, malty flavor of PBR brings something totally unique to the soup aisle.”

In a move that we do think makes sense, Chunky and Pabst Blue Ribbon are hosting a dive bar takeover at Ray’s Bar in New York City on Thursday, Aug. 21. Attendees will be among the first to try out the new soup and chili paired with an ice-cold PBR,  and snag exclusive collab merch while you drink away your considerations that an evening out with PBR-flavored soup in NYC was ever a good idea.

“We always like to do things a little differently at Pabst, so when the opportunity came to work with an iconic brand like Chunky, we knew this was a no brainer,” added Rachel Keeton, Senior Brand Director, Pabst. “It’s a bold, unexpected collaboration that celebrates flavor, fun and the spirit of both brands, and we’re excited to stir things up.”

Campbell’s Chunky and Pabst Blue Ribbon are embarking on a food truck sampling tour at several Walmart outlets across the country beginning Sept. 3, so there’s that to look forward to as well.

Bottom Line

To be fair, maybe there is place for this slacker combination, rents have never been higher and aspirations lower…maybe this beer-infused soup will suit someone’s hotplate, but never ever ours..

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That idea not a bad enough for you?

How about these?

BAD IDEAS IN BREWING – BEER MILKSHAKES

BAD IDEAS IN BREWING – RESURRECTING ZIMA

BAD IDEAS IN BREWING – STAG SEMEN STOUT

“Bad Ideas in Brewing” horizontal banner text image, on a brown background, featuring bold red typography and design measurements.

Two hands hold up cans of Campbell’s Chunky Soup: one is “Beef, Bacon & Beer Chili with Beans” and the other is “Pabst Beer Cheese with Potatoes & Chorizo,” set against a clear blue sky.