Beyonce blocks sale of tribute beer

By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 11 December 2017

New York-based brewery Lineup Brewing has been forced to pull its latest beer, following a cease-and-desist notice from Beyonce. The 5% German pilsner Bieryonce – as well as being named after the singer – featured artwork similar to her 2013 ‘Beyonce’ album.

Launched earlier this month, Bieryonce was the brewery’s first canned beer. Head brewer Katarina Martinez explained that she named the beer after an industry event she had to attend clashed with a Beyonce show she’d wanted to go to.

“I was terribly sad about it, so I decided to name [the beer] in her honour”, she said ahead of the beer’s release. “I’m also a Hispanic, woman-owned and operated business, so I really look up to her and the strength and empowerment she promotes with women”.

Speaking to Pitchfork after the lawyers got involved last week, Martinez again said that she’s “very inspired” by Beyonce, before adding: “We’re disappointed she didn’t take it as a compliment, but oh well. It was fun while it lasted!”

The beer formerly known as Bieryonce is now awaiting a new name. Here are a few suggestions in the same vein: Bieruno Mars, Cardi Bier, Bierlink 182, Bierdy, Bieritney Spears, Bieruce Springsteen, Plan Bier, The Notorious BierIG and Bierwitched. Or they could just go with the classier sounding, Taylor Sips.

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