Thanks to Barry Strike for bringing this label and controversy to our attention. Barry is a lawyer at Hinman & Carmichael in San Francisco, where he has practiced wine and beverage law for many years. Barry explained:
In mid-2008, TTB approved four wine labels with the brand name above. The wines are made in Australia and imported by Rocland Wine Imports, of California. Either TTB is developing a sense of humor or the examiner is an ardent animal lover. (Or perhaps the examiner thought this was an animal husbandry reference?) In any case, this is a good example of TTB’s approval of a label with a brand name that likely would have been regarded as profane a few years ago. Notwithstanding TTB’s apparent embrace of humorous, daring labels, some state regulators are not as enlightened. The state of Michigan recently refused to allow Big Ass brand wine to be sold in the state. Lacking any applicable regulatory or statutory basis for disapproving the label, the state claimed it was racist(?!). The Big-Ass Coalition must have applauded the state’s bold step to protect big asses everywhere.
That’s interesting, considering that Michigan is already home to “Sex” (a popular bubbly from L. Mawby). But recently, the Beaners chain of coffee shops here was pressured to change its name to Biggsby… you can probably figure out why.
Guess our state is just more sensitive about racial than sexual innuendos.
Hilarious!
I am always amazed that some people have nothing to do but to comment on entries into market that provide some form of shock value. It is amazing how many of the domestic brands from large suppliers such as Rex Goliath (Nicknamed the Fat Cock) get no attention as when Australia and other countries enter into the market with a loud bang with one of their own.
It also is amazing that no one ever seems to note that consumer gets to make the choice of purchase and in all accounts should be allowed too.
HMMMM maybe the stuffy crowd will pass some gas!
Cheers!
Scott