US Brewery pulls Gerry Adams-inspired beer after backlash

A US brewery has stopped making an ale inspired by former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams after a severe backlash.

(Photo: Sinn Fein/Flickr)

Adams, a pivotal figure in the political life of Ireland for almost 50 years, was the inspiration for “Adam’s Best,” — an “earthy, lightly toasty, traditional Best Bitter” brewed by Chicago-based craft firm Revolution.

But the brewer has taken its beer off the market and pledged to never sell it again after it was met with outrage from the relatives of victims of attacks carried out by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the 1970s.

“In 2012, we first brewed a Best Bitter ale at our pub, which we named Adams’ Best in reference to Gerry Adams, and have since brewed it on occasion,” Revolution told reporters.

“Choosing a name is part of crafting a new beer and provides the opportunity to inspire, but also to offend. Over the last several days, we learned that great attention has been drawn to this beer abroad, with many people taking offence.

“We hear you and have decided to take it off tap, and dispose of all remaining stock. We sincerely apologise for our actions and will not brew this beer again.”

One of the most vocal critics of Adam’s Best was Ann Travers, sister to Mary Travers who shot by the Provisional IRA in 1984, at the age of 22. Ann was just 14 at the time.

Calling for a boycott of the beer on Twitter last week, she said: “No thought for the women the IRA ensured aren’t here today to ‘enjoy’ your Adams brew. All murders and disappearances’ , justified by the IRA and not condemned by Gerry Adams. You would be better naming your brew after these women.”

This is unbelievable. I’m actually speechless for once. https://t.co/jGv5nObvft

— Ann Travers (@AnnTravers6) March 14, 2018

Travers has since praised the brewery for pulling its controversial beer after it was taken down from Revolution’s website.

“Thank you @RevBrewChicago for listening to victims’ voices and showing understanding, commonsense and common decency, withdrawing “Adams’ Best” craft beer and saying you won’t be brewing it again,” she posted on Twitter.

“Much appreciated.”