Despite many problems here in the US, the beer on the left shows the First Amendment is alive and well. Does anyone else find it a remarkable testament to the country’s strength, that the executive branch would affirmatively approve a label rather bashing the sitting president? This label does not pull any punches, with a reference to Brown and the Katrina fiasco. It goes on to say “It’s Fall of 2008, so that means we’ve nearly seen the last of the Ugly American.” TTB has approved only a small number of labels referring to presidents. For those disinclined to find fault with President 43 we’d recommend the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Ugly American Beer
About Author
Robert C. Lehrman is the principal attorney at Lehrman Beverage Law, PLLC. Robert founded the firm in 2001 after 12 years at the Washington, DC office of a larger firm that specializes in federal and state administrative law. From 1998...... Read Full Bio
If only you knew how many phone calls, emails, and label revisions it took me to get that label approved. Oh the bureaucracy!
Consider this: The neckerchief appearing on the label was originally a stars-n-bars design, but since it looked too much like an American flag, the label was rejected. You see, American flags are ILLEGAL on beer labels. The concern is that the consumer might be led to think that the beer is the “official beer” of our country… which in the case of this label is just too perfect!
Cheers,
Scott
Owner-Brewer-Everything Else
East End Brewing Co.