Tap Handle #562: Pabst - Octopabst

Tap size:  12.5"
Rarity:  Rare
Mounting:  3/8" internal nut

It took me quite some time to acquire this tap. First introduced in 2013, it is based on artwork by Loren Shaw that was the winning entry in a Pabst artwork contest, much like the Pabst "Pink Elephants Come Home" tap I posted about in profile #310. And like the Pink Elephants, this tap tends to be very expensive due to very high demand, despite no shortage of them appearing on the secondary market. I was patient in acquiring one and got it at a great price, but I haven't seen a price below $150 for some time. The detail on the tap is superb, with a big round Pabst sign forming the head, and tentacles that are holding "fish" with bodies made out of Pabst beer cans. One small detail can be seen on the bottom fish, which has an "x" where the eyes should be, and bite marks that have crushed part of the can. It is the only fish without a tentacle wrapped around it, unlike the original painting. One of the tentacles has "www.pabstblueribbon.com" printed on it. The front and back are identical to each other, as are the two sides to each other, so I reduced the number of photos taken.

Loren Shaw entered the 2012 PBR Drink and Draw Competition with little hope of winning. Shaw had not entered any competitions in years and thought it would be fun. Shaw ended up winning first place in the Hawaii competition, and in the end won the Grand Prize in the Nationals. The painting, titled "Octopabst", is located on display at Pabst Blue Ribbon headquarters in Hollywood, California, and was featured on billboards and other locations across the country. The story behind the painting is that Octopabst roams the seas in search of PBR fish, he can catch eight at a time if the opportunity arises, but in this case, two of the three fish got away.

For more about Pabst, see this post.

Octopabst artwork and information courtesy of Loren Shaw's website.

Click through to see more photos of this fetching tap...