I apologize to the older readers by using the term Blue Ribbon when I am not referring to the low-priced brewed beer product originally made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1844 and now in Los Angeles, California in this article.
England’s King Edward III’s favorite color was blue and in 1348 was created the highest Royal Order of the Knights of the Garter.
Its membership was and still is the most senior order of “knighthood” in the British honors system, outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.
Its membership was and is limited to the kings and princes of England, as well as a very few knights of distinguished service.
The insignia of the Royal Order is a blue garter, and blue ribbons have come to be a reward for any superior achievement.
Those hoping to connect some racy tale of possible debauchery with the product will be disappointed to find that the current name of the beer comes from the blue ribbon that was tied around the bottle neck during the period 1882 to 1916.
(Excerpts from “The Little Book of Answers” – Author – Doug Lennox – (2003) – MJF Books – New York, NY 1001.)