A BEER NAMED after former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams is causing controversy on social media.
Chicago based brewers Revolution Brewing Company brought out ‘Revolution Adams Best Bitter’ in honour of Adams who they say ‘was instrumental in the development of the Belfast Agreement in the late 1990s, which brought a cease-fire to Northern Ireland.’
The beer is described as ‘An earthy, lightly toasty traditional Best Bitter brewed to showcase newly available Irish Stout and Ale malts.’
Ann Travers whose sister Mary was murdered while walking to Mass with her father by the Provisional IRA in 1984. She has been one of the most vocal critics of the stunt which the company promoted on Twitter on March 7th in a tweet which has since been deleted.
This is unbelievable. I'm actually speechless for once. https://t.co/jGv5nObvft
— Ann Travers (@AnnTravers6) March 14, 2018
No thought for the women the IRA ensured aren't here today to "enjoy" your Adams brew. All murders and disappearances' , justified by the IRA and not condemned by Gerry Adams. You would be better naming your brew after these women. #trueheroes https://t.co/4IOyjzXlVu
— Ann Travers (@AnnTravers6) March 15, 2018
In fact Revolution Brewing have now removed any mention of the beer from their website.
Looks like Chicago Craft Brewery has removed any mention of "Adam's Best" from their website. Lets hope they've scrapped the beer as well. pic.twitter.com/igR3xtdNcL
— Ann Travers (@AnnTravers6) March 15, 2018
Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA.
Interestingly though, reviews of the beer have been available to read online since 2012 on a website called ‘RateBeer’ suggesting that this was a either a tone-deaf PR stunt or that the beer has managed to fly under the radar for the last 6 years.
How does Adams taste you might ask? According to one user, ‘A decent bitter mixes American attitude with a traditional English style recipe’ which I’m sure Adams would object to.
Either way, Revolution Brewing could do with brushing up on their Irish history.
UPDATE: Revolution Brewing have now apologised over the name.
In a statement on their website, the brewing company said:
In 2012, we first brewed a Best Bitter ale at our pub, which we named Adams’ Best in reference to Gerry Adams, and have since brewed it on occasion. Choosing a name is part of crafting a new beer and provides the opportunity to inspire, but also to offend.
Over the last several days, we learned that great attention has been drawn to this beer abroad, with many people taking offense. We hear you and have decided to take it off tap, and dispose of all remaining stock.
We sincerely apologize for our actions and will not brew this beer again.
