Kronenbourg 1664 is a classic symbol of so much that is great about France, yet it has not only successfully crossed the English Channel, it’s become a much-loved favourite among British beer-drinkers.
In a symbolic reenactment of Kronenbourg’s Channel crossing – and as a salute to fellow aficionados who backed up his assertion that Kronenbourg 1664 represents “Le Taste Suprême” when it comes to beer – on 6 August 2015 French football legend Eric Cantona finally realised a long-time ambition to swim across La Manche.
Like Kronenbourg 1664, Cantona – now an actor – became a much-loved import to Britain. Born in Marseille, he played for several French teams – and for his country – before ending his career in a blaze of glory at Manchester United. Seen by many as one of the club’s greatest players, he is still revered by fans and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Le Big Swim saw the 49-year-old cover the 21 watery miles from France to England with the help of some suprême swimmers’ duck fat, created specially for the occasion by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux – but most of all by a gleaming superyacht that awaited him offshore.
Luckily for Cantona, this superyacht had a heated swimming pool, where he could complete much of his “arduous” crossing in warmth and luxury.
Plunging briefly back into the freezing waters of the Channel to reemerge from the water on the British coast, Cantona celebrated swimming the Channel in record time* with a refreshing glass of Kronenbourg 1664.
Having also crossed the daunting body of water separating two distinct cultures, this iconic beer is appreciated by discerning Brits for its distinctive flavour – a result of both a brewing expertise dating back more than three centuries and the judicious blending of hops including Strisselspalt, which is unique to the Alsace region of eastern France.
*Record time for a Frenchman in a super yacht.
