For those who aren’t aware, I am a Latino. I’ll give you a few seconds to digest that. My father’s side of the family is Mexican. I may have my mom’s pale skin and a very poor grasp of the Spanish language, but being half-Mexican is a very important and prideful part of my existence.
Recently Donald Trump made this comment about Latinos (Mexicans, specifically): “They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime. They're rapists and some, I assume, are good people…”
I’m not writing to comment about the stupidity and outright bigotry of Trump’s comment. I’d like to think you’re all aware of it. I am writing to point out how a brewery close to us has handled the situation. I was made aware of their actions through this article on the Good Beer Hunting website:
http://goodbeerhunting.com/gbh-hype/2015/6/29/5-rabbit-cerveceria-dumps-trump-gives-beer-a-new-name
5 Rabbit Cerveceria, in Bedford Park, was founded by Andres Araya. It is my pleasure to know Andres and consider him a friend. He was born in Costa Rica and has worked in the beer industries of Mexico and the U.S. before founding America’s first Latin-inspired brewery.
5 Rabbit had formed a partnership with Trump Tower for a house beer. In the wake of Trump’s ignorant and hateful comments, 5 Rabbit chose to do the right thing. It couldn’t have been the easy thing. 5 Rabbit chose to sever ties and remove itself from Trump’s properties.
They have also renamed this beer in a way that seems very fitting. The beer has been renamed “Chinga tu Pelo” as a polite reference to Mr. Trump and his feelings about Latin Americans.
While I don’t see Plank Road Tap Room as a means for political or social commentary, I am compelled to show my support for Andres and the entire 5 Rabbit crew.
As soon as I read the GBH article, I called my distributor. We are now, proudly, pouring Chinga tu Pelo! This beautiful little golden ale from our friends will be featured as our “Beer of the Month” for July.
As a point of reference, I am not a big fan of “Beer of the Month” promotions. They’re weird and clunky. I don’t like seeing the same beer on tap for any length of time. However, this one means more to me than just showing support to a brewery or earning points with a distributor. This is the best way that I know how to show my disdain for the ignorance of “The Donald” and to show my appreciation for 5 Rabbit and their ability to stay true to who they are and the people they proudly serve and represent.
Please come in this month and grab a cold pint of Chinga tu Pelo and tip your glass to judging people as individuals and on how they treat you.
Warmly,
Alan Moreno
Co-Founder Guy