MillerCoors Responds to Blue Moon Lawsuit

by Ryan Hudak on Aug 4, 2015 in Beer

A few weeks ago, I told you about the boner who sued MillerCoors because he thought he was drinking craft beer when he bought his cases of Blue Moon. Well, MillerCoors finally had their law firm release a statement, and I’ve got to say, as much as I don’t want to support them, they’re pretty much 100% correct. And the guy is still an idiot.

MC picked apart the guy’s arguments, starting with the fact that their name doesn’t appear on any of the Blue Moon packaging. And that’s because, legally, it doesn’t have to. Blue Moon Brewing Company is a registered trade name for MillerCoors, so they can use that name without using their own. The same way The Kellogg Company doesn’t have to put its name on any Kashi boxes, or Frito-Lay doesn’t have to put its name on Stacy’s Pita Chips, or PepsiCo doesn’t have to put its name on Naked Juice. It’s just the way the world works, and MC is no different than any other company. If you think something you love may be owned by an evil conglomerate, do some digging and find out because it probably is. With the internet and the prevalence of information today, ignorance is no excuse.

As for the term “artfully crafted”—not that it necessarily has anything at all to do with “craft beer,” as I mentioned before—MillerCoors points out the obvious, that “craft beer” is not a defined or federally enforced term in any way. The Brewer’s Association has defined “American Craft Brewery,” but they have no rulemaking authority, and no one has to pay attention to anything they say. It’s much like Jeep “trail rating” something—the trail rating was made up by Jeep and only applies to their cars. BA’s definition of craft is arbitrary, anyway, as they keep changing it to fit in the breweries they need to fit in.

As much as I hate to side with the macros, MC is pretty well in the right here. But as bad as I feel trying to defend MillerCoors, it’s all made a bit easier by the fact that at least they aren’t Budweiser.

Photo via Blue Moon Brewing Company


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon has debuted an entirely new label design, has expanded to more states...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 3, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close