• by Karlene Lukovitz , January 29, 2019

Standing out among the extravagantly produced, generally over-the-top ads in the Super Bowl is perhaps toughest for beer brands, given the number and history of annual entrants in that category.

Michelob Ultra’s organic extension brand, Pure Gold -- which is up against seven other ads from its parent, Anheuser-Busch InBev, alone -- has responded to the challenge by pairing two current zeitgeist darlings: “Big Little Lies” actor Zoë Kravtiz, and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response), the hyper-trendy sensory mode that delivers a tingling, relaxing experience.

In the 45-second ad (below), Kravitz is shown on a platform equipped with two microphones, incongruously set up amid a lush, mountainous Hawaiian landscape.  

The clear, close-up sound of her pouring a Pure Gold from its bottle is accompanied by her whispered message: “This place, so pure you can feel it… This beer, so pure you can taste it.”

The spot is meant to demonstrate “the power of an organic beer to help people reconnect with nature,” according to the brand. Kravitz was chosen in part because she's an avowed adherent to an organic lifestyle.

The spot is the first Super Bowl ad for Ultra Pure Gold, which has been a hit for Anheuser-Busch InBev since its launch last year, as well as the first Bowl spot produced in ASMR.

The FCB Chicago ad is one of eight AB InBev ads, spanning six brands, to run in this year’s Big Game.