Brewery bites back after Michigan bans beer because of its 'rude' name and artwork



The Michigan Liquor Commission has banned a beer because it is ‘detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare’.

But the contents of each bottle isn’t what’s upset the sensitive officials. Instead they object to its rather offensive name.

Raging Bitch, which sells 900,000 cases worldwide, was also censored because of its label which depicts a blood splattered rabid dog drawn by artist Ralph Steadman.

Banned: The Michigan Liquor Commission censored the cartoon and name of the Flying Dog Brewery's beer

Now the Flying Dog Brewery is biting back and suing the Commission on the grounds that the artwork and name ban is in violation of the US Constitution’s First Amendment which protects freedom of expression.

Jim Caruso, the brewery's chief executive said: ‘This is about much more than a beer label. It's about regulators gradually morphing into the thought police.

‘We believe not only in freedom of speech and artistic expression for both businesses and individuals, but also in the right to choose or reject books, art, literature and artisanal craft beer.’

Ralph Steadman did the illustrations for Hunter S Thompson's novels and was introduced by the 'Gonzo' journalist to the Flying Dog Brewery

Cartoonist Steadman, who found fame as the illustrator for ‘Gonzo’ journalist Hunter S Thompson’s novels including Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, told London’s Independent: ‘Freedom of speech and artistic expression is as fundamental to our being as is the alphabet itself.

‘I thought censorship went out with DH Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover about 50 years ago.’

The brewery commissioned Steadman in 2009 to produce the artwork to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

He has worked with the Maryland-based company since it started, after being introduced to Caruso by Thompson, and helped make the Flying Dog Brewery one of the top-selling brands in the country.

Other titles the brewery has given to its beers include Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale, In-Heat Wheat and Horn Dog Barley Wine Style Ale.

The artist collaborated with Thompson and helped him create the concept of ‘Gonzo’ journalism – articles written about the author’s experience, which, in Thompson’s case, were usually drug-fuelled.

The company is seeking a judge to overturn the decision and award unspecified damages for lost business.