Earlier this month, a beer brand called Ultra Right Beer made headlines with their limited-edition $25 six-pack called “Conservative Dad’s Revenge.” The unique label featured Donald Trump’s mugshot, and the brand advertised that a portion of the proceeds would go towards fighting the “communist Fulton County District Attorney” on behalf of three Georgia Republicans. The description of the product even promised that it would become the most collectible beer can in American history.

There has been a significant amount of consumer research in the past that links Americans’ drink choices to their political affiliations. For example, hipster beers are often associated with Democrats, while lite beers are associated with Republicans. Craft beers, on the other hand, tend to be favored by liberals. However, the beer industry is now seeing a shift where a drinker’s politics are more explicitly showcased on the label.

This development may seem performative to some, but political discourse has always aimed to resonate with opposing views. And what better place to start than the beer aisle of a liquor store? Take, for example, the response to North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2 (HB2) in 2016. Two breweries, Mysterby Brewing and Ponysaurus Brewing, collaborated to create “Don’t Be Mean to People: A Golden Rule Saison.” This beer, brewed jointly by 40 small breweries, served as a protest against HB2 and supported LGBTQ organizations.

Wedge Brewing Company in North Carolina took a similarly provocative approach to addressing HB2. They printed “#F**K HB2” on the bottom of their Iron Rail IPA cans, cleverly disguising it as a serial number.

In 2022, Flying Dog Brewery in Maryland released their 451 Juicy IPA, inspired by Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.” This beer was a clear statement against government censorship and book bans. Flying Dog has a history of fighting against censorship, having previously sued Colorado and Michigan over their beer labels. CEO Jim Caruso emphasized the importance of the human spirit’s thirst for knowledge, ideas, growth, and freedom, which ultimately triumphs over attempts to restrict content.

These examples show that beer labels have become a platform for expressing political beliefs and engaging with political discourse. It’s a unique way for breweries to make a statement and connect with consumers who share similar values. As the beer industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more labels that go beyond simply branding and reflect the socio-political climate of our times. Cheers to beer that sparks conversations and drives change!

Our Support for Freedom of Expression: A Unique Perspective on Beer Labels

In today’s ever-evolving world, the power of freedom of expression cannot be underestimated. It is the cornerstone of a democratic society, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without fear of retribution. At Flying Dog, a renowned craft brewery, we firmly believe in defending freedom of expression, as we understand that truth-seeking and freedom of expression go hand in hand.

Recently, we shared an image of our new beer, the 451 Juicy IPA, on X, formerly known as Twitter. What caught people’s attention was not just the remarkable taste of our beer, but also the display behind it. On the bookshelf, alongside the 451 Juicy IPA, were titles that have been banned in the past and even continue to be banned today. These titles include iconic works like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “A Clockwork Orange.” Our intention was to use this beer as a symbol to remind people that banning books is a foolish act that stifles creativity and limits our understanding of the world.

As our country has become increasingly divided along political lines, beer labels have also followed suit, serving as interesting artifacts that reflect the journey of Donald Trump’s candidacy, eventual presidency, and subsequent defeat. In 2015, 5 Rabbit Cervecería, a Latin-inspired and Latin-owned craft brewery responsible for brewing the Chicago Trump Tower’s in-house blonde ale, decided to sever ties with the company after Trump made derogatory statements about Mexican immigrants. In response, they released a new blonde ale named “Chinga tu Pelo” (F**k Your Hair), featuring a label adorned with a coiffed swirl of yellow hair.

The politically charged beer labels continued in 2016 when Philadelphia microbrewery Dock Street Brewery introduced an IPA named “Friends Don’t Let Friends Vote Drumpf.” The following year, Chicago’s Spiteful Brewing added their own social commentary with an Imperial IPA called “Dumb Donald,” which sought to shed light on ignorance in society.

In 2020, it seemed like there was a turning tide when Wisconsin brewer Kirk Bangstad created “Biden Beer” to celebrate the then president-elect’s victory. The label description humorously proclaimed, “It’s inoffensive, especially to women. It’s not bitter. It’s best served while taking the temperature down. Guaranteed not to overstay its welcome in your fridge. How do you spell RELIEF? Biden Beer.”

However, even as we entered a new era with hopes of unity, the events of the Capitol Riot reminded us that our country (and its brewers) are still grappling with the complexities of this political landscape. Examples like “Conservative Dad’s Revenge” and the ongoing “Chinga tu Pelo Collection” illustrate the continued struggle to find common ground.

This struggle reaches far beyond independent breweries; even macro-brands are not immune to being swept up in the political fray. One such example is the ongoing Bud Light boycott. After partnering with transgender influencer and activist Dylan Mulvaney, the brand faced backlash from conservative pundits and public figures, including Kid Rock, Dan Crenshaw, and Ted Cruz. Bud Light remained relatively quiet in the face of this controversy, despite growing pressure from both LGBTQ activists and conservatives to clarify their corporate position. Eventually, Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company, released a non-committal statement acknowledging the need for unity and emphasizing their role in bringing people together over a beer.

In conclusion, the relationship between beer and politics has become increasingly intertwined in recent years. As freedom of expression continues to define our society, brewers across the country are stepping up to express their viewpoints through their beer labels. These labels carry powerful messages, reflecting our nation’s political climate and compelling us to ponder the complexities of our shared beliefs.

So, let us raise a glass and toast to the diverse perspectives represented by these beer labels. Let us embrace the freedom to express ourselves and engage in dialogue, even when we find ourselves on opposing sides. Because in the end, isn’t it better to have a conversation over a beer than to remain divided in silence? Cheers to the power of freedom of expression and the conversations it inspires.