As a sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the beer Clint, one of the hardened shark fishermen from Amity Island, drank in Jaws was ‘Gansett', short for Narragansett beer. Now, you might be wondering how this Rhode Island brewed beer ended up in an iconic scene in the first major summer blockbuster. Well, the story behind it is quite interesting, and it depends on who you ask.
According to some accounts, the inclusion of Narragansett beer in Jaws was purely accidental. The film's production crew was shooting on location in Martha's Vineyard, a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. As they were searching for a local beer to feature in the movie, they came across Narragansett beer, which happened to be popular in the New England area.
They thought it would add authenticity to the film and reflect the local drinking culture. So, they decided to include it in a scene where the shark fishermen were gathered around, discussing their plans to catch the menacing great white shark. In this particular scene, Clint, played by Jeffrey Kramer, is seen holding a can of Narragansett beer and taking a swig.
However, there is another perspective on how Narragansett beer made its way into Jaws. Some believe that it was a deliberate choice by the film's director, Steven Spielberg. According to this account, Spielberg wanted to pay homage to the classic monster movies of the past, where product placements were quite common. By featuring Narragansett beer, he was subtly nodding to this tradition while also adding a touch of realism to the film's setting.
Regardless of how it ended up in Jaws, Narragansett beer's appearance in the movie has become iconic. It has become synonymous with the film and has even spawned a cult following among fans. The beer itself is a classic American lager, known for its crisp and clean taste. It has a light golden color and a mild hop bitterness, making it a refreshing choice for a hot summer day on Amity Island.
Having personally tasted Narragansett beer, I can understand why it was chosen for Jaws. It's a beer that goes down smoothly and pairs well with the salty sea air. It's the kind of beer you can imagine Clint and the other shark fishermen enjoying after a long day out at sea.
The beer Clint drank in Jaws was ‘Gansett', or Narragansett beer. Whether its inclusion in the film was accidental or deliberate, it has undoubtedly become an iconic part of the movie's legacy. So, the next time you watch Jaws, grab yourself a can of Narragansett beer and join Clint and the rest of the shark hunters in their battle against the great white shark.