Recently, we’ve gotten lots of press releases from Hindu statesman Rajan Zed. Apparently, many breweries seem attracted to Hindu names, and Zed and other leaders don’t feel that’s an appropriate way to go about naming an alcoholic beverage. Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, has focused his efforts on the Indian Pale Ale by Asheville Brewing Co. carrying the name and image of Hindu deity Lord Shiva. Zed and his Hindu constituents have urged Brookvale Union (New South Wales, Australia) to apologize and withdraw its ginger beer carrying juxtaposed images of Hindu deities Ganesh and Lakshmi, calling it highly inappropriate.
Earlier this week, Zed sent us a press release explaining that Odd13 Brewing Inc. of Lafayette, Colo., reportedly withdrew Hanuman beer within hours of “the first Hindu protest,” according to the press release.
Zed, who “spearheaded the protest,” said identifying the beer with Lord Hanuman was “highly inappropriate,” but he also “thanked and commended the Odd13 Brewing for having an understanding for the hurt feelings of the Hindu community and for showing responsibility, respect and maturity by taking quick action in withdrawing Hanuman beer. It was a step in the right direction.”
Zed stressed that Lord Hanuman was highly revered in Hinduism, and he was meant to be worshiped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer. From the press release:
Before the protest, “Odd13 Brewing” described Hanuman beer as: Hanuman is an American IPA with a light malt character that showcases robust hopping. Giving the “story” behind “Hanuman,” which was styled as “Single Hop IPA,” it then stated: “Hanuman is a kind shapeshifting super-monkey.”
What do you think about this whole situation? Let us know in the comments below.
Odd13 Brewing pulls Hanuman beer name after Hindu protests http://t.co/XcMDAdVxnP via @craftbrewingbiz