A UK brewery has sparked widespread controversy and international attention with its provocatively named beer, “Osama Bin Lager.” The beer, part of Mitchell Brewing Co’s Dictator Series, which also includes “Kim Jong Ale” and “Putin’s Porter,” features a caricature of Osama bin Laden on its label. This artwork and the beer’s name quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, leading to an overwhelming demand that crashed the brewery’s website.
Consumers’ Willingness to Pay More for “Earth-Friendly” Beer
According to a global survey conducted by Pall Corporation, a significant number of beer consumers are showing a strong preference for environmentally sustainable beer, even if it comes at a higher price. The survey, which included 3,500 respondents across seven countries, revealed that nearly half of the participants are willing to pay up to 30% more for beer that is produced in a way that reduces waste, water, and energy consumption. This indicates a growing awareness among consumers about the environmental impact of their purchases and a desire to support sustainable practices within the beer industry.
Roland Pahl-Dobrick, the beer market manager at Pall Corporation, emphasized that consumers are increasingly factoring in the environmental consequences of their beer choices. The trend towards “greener” beer suggests that breweries that adopt sustainable practices may not only help the planet but also gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Also see: What is beer cocktails?
Osama Bin Lager Goes Viral
In a completely different vein, Mitchell Brewing Co, a UK-based brewery, found itself at the center of an international controversy after a picture of its Osama Bin Lager beer was posted on Twitter. The beer, part of the brewery’s “Dictator Series,” features a cartoonish caricature of Osama Bin Laden, the notorious Al Qaeda leader responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
The tweet quickly went viral, leading to a massive surge in demand for the beer, which sold out almost immediately. The viral meltdown was so intense that it crashed Mitchell Brewing’s website, leaving the brewery overwhelmed by the sudden influx of attention.
Luke Mitchell, the owner of Mitchell Brewing Co, expressed surprise at the reaction, noting that the phone had not stopped ringing for 48 hours. The Dictator Series also includes beers like Kim Jong Ale and Putin’s Porter, each featuring similarly controversial figures.
Words to Drink By
Amid these stories, a quote from Steve Jobs reminds us of the unpredictability and challenges of life: “I’m the only person I know that’s lost a quarter of a billion dollars in one year. … It’s very character-building.” This quote resonates with the brewing industry’s ups and downs, whether it’s navigating the demands for sustainability or dealing with the consequences of provocative marketing.
Both stories underscore the diverse and dynamic nature of the beer industry, where consumer preferences and marketing strategies can lead to significant, and sometimes unexpected, outcomes.
