Beyoncé Shuts Down Beer Named After Her With Cease And Desist Letter
A brewery just learned the hard way that making something as a tribute to an icon of yours, like a Beyoncé beer, can have some unexpected negative consequences.
Lineup Brewing, based in Brooklyn, New York, was issued a cease-and-desist letter from Beyoncé and her legal team after they unveiled a new brew inspired by the singer. Called Biëryoncé, the pilsner was distributed in a can that featured a design from Beyoncé’s 2013 self-titled album.
Lineup’s beer debuted on November 30th, shortly after which owner Katarina Martinez received the cease-and-desist notification.
“As a Hispanic, female run business, I am very inspired by her so I thought I’d pay homage,” Martinez told Pitchfork. “We’re disappointed she didn’t take it as a compliment, but oh well. It was fun while it lasted!”
Pitchfork reports that any beer released already is still available, predominantly in the New York area. Fans hoping to collect a can or two may want to save them as memorabilia, since based on how this Beyoncé beer fiasco went down, it may be a while before somebody else comes up with their own alcoholic tribute to the actress.
