Monday, July 20, 2009



MADD angry at Flying Fish brewery for naming beers after NJ freeway exits



You would think that something more impressive than a freeway exit might be dreamed up as a name for a beer but what the heck?
"It is acceptable to name your alcoholic beverage after a moving vehicle so long as a car isn't the vehicle in question; e.g. Night Train Express wine and Warbird beer. In fact, it's frowned upon to give alcohol a name that can even be associated with cars. New Jersey craft brewer Flying Fish has attracted the attention of MADD, the NJ Turnpike Authority (NJTA), and the press for breaking the taboo with its line of beers named after exits on the New Jersey Turnpike.

The Exit 4 American Trippel was the first in the "big beer" series -- they come in 750-ml bottles -- part of "a multi-year brewing experiment to brew a series of beers as diverse as the great state of New Jersey." Exit 11, a Hoppy American Wheat Ale, will be coming later this month and is "a tribute to Woodbridge's exit, where the Turnpike meets the Garden State Parkway." Which must taste delicious...

MADD feels that "The combination of a roadway and advertising for any kind of a beer doesn't make any kind of sense." The NJTA wants to make sure no one thinks it's turned into a brewer. To address both issues each bottle of flying fish includes a disclaimer, "The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has no affiliation with the Exit Series. Both the Turnpike Authority and Flying Fish agree that you should never drink and drive." That hasn't quite quelled the controversy, but it does tell people two things they should already know.

Source

I think it's the objection by MADD that doesn't make any sense. Odd labels are just an attention-getting gimmick that sells stuff.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

"I think it's the objection by MADD that doesn't make any sense."

You know that they're the 'Mothers Against Drunk Driving' right? So they're against any kind of connection between alcohol and driving.

Seems a pretty obvious connection to me.

Brian from Virginia said...

it's frowned upon to give alcohol a name that can even be associated with cars.

Since when? I've been around long enough to have seen a lot of advertising for various alcoholic beverages, and I have never heard anyone say or even imply this until today. Who cares what a beer is called? As long as the brewer does not condone underage drinking or drinking and driving, does it matter what the name is?

I'm sorry Anon, but I have to disagree with you. MADD's objection does not make sense.

Anonymous said...

There is a beer called 'Route 66' and I never heard anyone raise a stink about that out. To suggest a title is trying to encourage or will encourage drinking and driving (more than what already occurs) is just asinine. I'm getting sick and tired of the stupidity in the world and more so on those in America trying to lead the pack of idiots!

Anonymous said...

In New Jersey it's all about turnpike exit numbers. When someone wants to know where you live, they ask what exit?

Flying Fish also makes a Farmhouse Summer Ale, I don't see any outpouring concerning drinking and operating farm machinery.

Anonymous said...

Are not those road signs the property of the state, and as such, can their image be used for profit by a private company?

Anonymous said...

"Are not those road signs the property of the state, and as such, can their image be used for profit by a private company?"

3Dear anon=3:30 PM




Having lived (existed) in the "Garden State for over 50-years I believe the image as seen is not an exact replica of the real deal.

NJ Turnpike signs have an outline of the State in the background.

See the logos at this site:

http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/nj-jobs.htm

Anonymous said...

Since when has marketing been required to make sense?

Anonymous said...

Since when has marketing been required to make sense?

You're obviously NOT from NJ. Before we get into the Jersey Jokes, this marketing targets locals in NJ, PA, DE, and NY.

Mcnasty said...

As a card carrying member of DAMM (Drunks Against Mad Mothers), I object to their objection.

Anonymous said...

Dear bogside,
An image need not be an exact replica or copy of the original to be considered a copyright infringement. (assuming the state signs are copyrighted or somehow protected by law) The copy need only create "the impression" to the viewer that it is the original.

Timesobserver said...

I'm from New Jersey and sadly, this makes perfect sense because most of the state government and organizations usually make stupid objections all the time.

Personally, I don't see what the problem is. If they're worried about drinking and driving, then I really don't see an increase of accidents because you decide to name your beer, "Ford Explorer Alcohol."

Sean said...

MADD used to be against drunk driving. Now they are just completely and totally against drinking in any form what-so-ever..