A beer named “Osama Bin Lager,” referencing the infamous terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, has gone viral on social media, leading to an overwhelming demand that temporarily shut down Mitchell Brewing Co.’s website and phone lines, as reported by the BBC.
Mitchell Brewing Co., based in Billinghay, Lincolnshire, describes the beer on their website as their “most popular production,” a “light refreshing lager with a hint of citrus taste.” The label features a cartoon caricature of the Al Qaeda leader, who was killed in 2011. The brewery also produces other controversially named beers, such as “Kim Jong Ale” and “Putin’s Porter.”
The brewery is run by a couple, Luke and Catherine Mitchell. “They’re all tongue-in-cheek names—a nicer outlook on some horrible dictators,” Luke Mitchell explained.
The beer’s viral status on social media resulted in an inundation of notifications and calls. “We’ve woken up the last couple of mornings with thousands and thousands and thousands of notifications,” Mr. Mitchell told the BBC. His wife added, “It’s been crazy. The phone just hasn’t stopped for the last 48 hours.”
Mr. Mitchell acknowledged the potential for offense but noted that reactions have generally been positive. “Everyone laughs when they see the names on the bar. As far as I’m aware, no one’s been offended, but I’m sure there is someone out there,” he said. Mrs. Mitchell concurred, saying, “I think there’s always a risk of somebody being offended.”
The brewery donates €10 from every barrel of “Osama Bin Lager” to a charity supporting the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
