Obamagang? You can’t call a beer that

How’s this for having fun?

Brewery Ommegang in New York’s specialty beer releases include a 6.2% abv draft only release just in time for Barack Obama’s inauguration. A company press release explains it will be called Inauguration Ale because . . .

“The TTB won’t let us call the beer Obamagang on the keg label. So it will be known legally as Inauguration Ale 2009, but the tap handles will be more . . . um . . . direct. The style lies between a porter and stout, with a bit of Kriek and a touch of chocolate blended in. It will be on draft only, beginning with the inauguration – in limited areas including DC, NYC, Syracuse, Philly, Chicago and Boston. We will donate a percentage of sales to charities in the respective cities where the beer is sold, and we’ve asked our distributors to match our donations and pick the local charities. (Also please note that the beer is not an endorsement of Obama.)”

 

10 thoughts on “Obamagang? You can’t call a beer that”

  1. Interesting. we have a label “in process” at the ttb right now called Obama Brau. Will be interesting to see if we make the deadline. Have permission to serve at local inaugural ball, but I reckon the ttb doesn’t care.

  2. Based on the description The Inauguration Ale obviously is a new beer. Including “a bit of Kriek.”

  3. Stan: The two Obamagang beers from Ommegang might be related. Unless Ommegang comes out every two months with different beers that have the same name :-).

    I hope some makes it to Portland; all I’ve got is the picture.

  4. “(Also please note that the beer is not an endorsement of Obama.)”

    Who knew Ommegang were raging McCainiacs just trying to make a couple bucks? Seriously, why make a make an Obama Beer and then throw that statement in… PR?

  5. “(Also please note that the beer is not an endorsement of Obama.)”

    Tongue in cheek and I’m still grinnin’!!

    After the age of double speak, I’m ready for some levity/comedy/truth!

    Obamanos!

  6. “Seriously, why make a make an Obama Beer and then throw that statement in… PR?”

    CYA disclaimer — sad state of today’s affairs.

    And I’ll second Todd’s readiness!

  7. In an obviously weak moment, I somehow managed to talk Laurelwood brewer Chad Kennedy here in Portland into brewing an “inaugurale” brew called The Audacity of Hops.

    I hope I can stop giggling at the silliness enough to actually sip some on Jan. 20.

    Cheers!

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