Why Not Embrace a Nickname, e.g., "The Fox"?

[bluesbassdad]

I'm actually replying to the item in the Industry News forum in regard to awards bestowed upon Virginia Gentleman 90 proof.

The news release refers to this bottling as "VG90", but it never uses the much catchier nickname, "The Fox". Are the marketing folks missing an opportunity here?

IMO when a product spontaneously gains a nickname, that suggests a cult following that should be fostered. The most famous example may be the Volkswagen "Beetle". I'm pretty sure that the nickname arose with no help from the car's marketers, but once it became widespread they adopted it as their own.

Could it be that "The Fox" is a name used only in SB.com circles?

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[barturtle]

WHile I agree that they should embrace nicknames that have been embraced by their fans, there may be an issue with another brand(Copper Fox) that may prevent them from using it in their marketing. Worst case there could be litigation involved, but confusion to the average Joe may cause lost sales to another brand, or even people trying the wrong one and not liking it resulting in lost sales.

[bluesbassdad]

You are probably right. I was previously unaware of Copper Fox Whisky.

For less than $20 per bottle I'd be willing to buy a bottle just to try it. Unfortunately, the website suggests that it's available only in Virginia.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[NorCalBoozer]

I think some names just lend themselves to nicknames or shorter name variations....and it's a combination of the name and the consumer awareness.

Of course we all know Jack. But I wonder if I went in and ordered a "Jim & Coke", would they know what I was talking about??? I bet I'd jsut get Jack and Coke 9 times out of 10 out here in CA.

I wonder if the awareness is regional?

shorter and less syllables, seems to be better.

The Fox might be better just as "Fox" in regard to ordering drinks.

"Fox and Coke", "Fox Manhattan"

Saz is an easy one. I knew the name Saz before I even knew that Sazerac was a type of Rye Whiskey.

[Rughi]

I just bought two bottlings of VG 90 during my recent trip to Virginia. The one that appears to be newer doesn't have the Fox imprinted into the glass anymore.

Roger

[bluesbassdad]

:cry:

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[jbohan]

If you go into any liquor store that carries VG90 and ask for "The Fox" they will know what you are asking for. Unfortunately with such :smiley_acbt:bad distributors as we have here in Georgia, it is hard to find.

To long ashes and long finishes

[Grant]

Virginia Gentleman 90 Brings Home The Double Gold

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5230

This is an excellent bourbon - good enough to be a future BOTM !

[photogjunkie]

Yes...it would deserve being named such, but then...how could all of us who would want to try it BUY IT? Oh yeah...order it online. Trying to get this pour in most states is next to impossible. My friend from DC brought me a bottle at Christmas and I sure was sad when that last shot was gone. A gem of a bourbon worth twice its twenty dollar pricetag.

[cas]

I picked up a bottle back in December on a pass through VA and it does not have the fox on it either - so it may be something that has been dropped.

In my opinion this is a good, but not a great bourbon, but I think I paid about $18 for it - so for the price it's just about right.

Craig

[Nebraska]

Just noticed this thread.

I've been imbibing the fox for about a year and a half now as my everyday. I just bought a case about 2 weeks ago and the fox imprint is there on these. I'm in Nebraska. I had no idea this was that difficult to get. There are many other brands I don't see here and prices are not great. However on the bottles of Fox, because I buy by the case, they let me have it for $15 and change per bottle.

Since I've starting reading the thread I've suddenly become VERY appreciative of the price I'm paying for this. It's a good thing, because it seems like I'm getting goudged on everything else!

Mark