The Meaning of Headlines: 'stars and stripes' - alcohol

Canberra Times, in its Executive Style section on June 19, 2015, included the headline: ‘American whiskey earns its stars and stripes.’ What does ‘stars and stripes’ mean?

The article, in an Australian newspaper, is about American whiskey. ‘Stars and stripes’ is therefore a reference to the American national flag. Its flag has the distinctive colours of red, white, and blue – 50 white stars in a blue rectangle (representing 50 states) and 13 red and white stripes (representing 13 British colonies). It’s nickname is ‘Stars and Stripes’ – as well as ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘Old Glory.’

The article details the production of American whiskey – for example, that bourbon has to be made from no less than 51% corn, matured in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years, and bottled at no less than 40%. And it mentions other types of American whiskey and their heritage – usually family dynasties – and their strict labelling regulations.

But the terms ‘stars and stripes’ has another connotation. Stars and stripes can infer rankings – the more stars, the better (such as a general of military rank). Badges or emblems are pinned onto uniforms to signify rank – these include stars, chevrons (stripes), and other emblems – not only in the American military, but in military units of all countries. Stars also signify rankings for hotels (such as five-star hotel), movies, tourist attractions – and, of course, wine and whiskey. So, does this article mention rankings?

The article states, ‘regardless of where it comes from, American whiskey rewards you with a broad spectrum of aromas and flavours … one of the real truths of American whiskey is that the more you examine it, the tastier it gets.’ Hence, there is no specific ranking – just an assumption of quality.

Scorecard for the Canberra Times headline is 80% - the article makes excellent use of the double entrendre (‘double meaning’ - a word or phrase open to two interpretations). Usually a double entrendre has one meaning that is a bit ‘indecent’ or risque – but not in this case. However ‘stars and stripes’ has a double meanings in this article – the American flag and a stars/stripes rating system (a symbol of status, importance, popularity, or quality). Where the headline loses points is in the second meaning – the status or quality. The article does not mention any ranking against other whiskeys of other countries, nor a stronger emphasis on its quality. The only words or phrases that hint at quality are ‘rewards’ and ‘tastier’ (but only the more you examine it!).

http://www.executivestyle.com.au/american-whiskey-earns-its-stars-and-stripes-ghryse