Alpharetta Brewery Removes 'Boogaloo' Beer From Rotation

ALPHARETTA, GA — A brewery with a location in downtown Alpharetta is apologizing for using a term many deem as racist.

The founders of Currahee Brewing Co, which has its main location in Franklin, North Carolina, and an Alpharetta location off Main Street, posted on its Facebook page Sunday saying that one of its beers, named "Boogaloo," was being used by a hate group.

The company issued an apology on social media:

"Various news outlets are now reporting that the term is being used by a white nationalist hate group to represent themselves. This racist hate group is reportedly causing destruction and possible violence in the otherwise peaceful protests around the country. Once we were made aware of this, we pulled all beer and any branding associated with the beer and will be disassociating ourselves with the term "Boogaloo" immediately.

"We find any and all forms of racism or any form of hate, morally reprehensible. We believe everyone should be treated as equals, no matter their race, religion or political view. And with the civil unrest happening around the country right now, the last thing we want to see is more violence, property destruction, or worse, death. We do though believe in every person’s right to peaceful protest. Our hearts break for friends and families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and all others that have been affected by these travesties. We too, are extremely saddened and frankly enraged by these racially motivated and clearly unlawful events that seem to continuously and unjustly occur in our communities, particularly to those African-American communities, around the country. For Currahee to have any association to a word that is now used by a racist group, we deeply apologize as it was severely unintentional. Unfortunately it was not known to us when we named the beer and designed the logo back in January, then released it back in March, that there was any form of racism associated to the term or else we would have never thought of naming the beer that or insinuating any sort of association with it."

The brewery then went on to explain how it decided to use "Boogaloo" for the name of the beer.

"Back in January, there was legislation being proposed in the state of Virginia that would have stripped law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights. Like others who express their opinions peacefully, it was something we disagreed with given the circumstances of that proposed amendment. While, I, myself didn’t serve in the Armed Forces, we have countless family members and friends who did, who took an oath to uphold our Constitution rights. Rights that we hold dear. From the first – 27th, not just the more controversial second.

When Virginia proposed the new laws that would have all but done away with one of our country’s foundational amendments, tens of thousands of people gathered to peacefully protest the laws. As a result of those peaceful protests, that particular legislation was not passed in Virginia.

As a representation of that simple, peaceful protest resulting in the upholding of the Second Amendment in Virginia, we made a label for our recently brewed Imperial Stout, depicting George Washington in modern attire, with a Gadsden Flag on it as the focal point. While thinking about a name, we found some information and memes depicting the term “boogaloo.” After seeing some more items on boogaloo, we understood that it was a saying, more or less, objecting to the oppression and potential over-reach of a government, whether that’s the state or federal government, which is why we went with it.

We even thought that with what’s happening in the world now, it was still somewhat fitting. After learning of what we know now, specifically given our involuntary association with said hate groups, we were obviously mistaken. It was clearly never our intention to side with any hate groups, but simply to express our opinion, like many of our fellow citizens do, that we oppose any government oppression and seek the same liberties and freedoms for all people of our nation."

The brewery said it will be giving all profits from any sales of Boogaloo-branded beer to "civil rights organizations and to help families affected by the unjust killings, destruction, and riots around the country."

"We know some of you will still be upset after reading this, and we certainly understand and you have a right to feel however you want," the brewery said. "Just please know that we never intended to be associated with any sort of hate group or racist agenda, and appreciate in advance your consideration as we attempt to right what was, given the very recent events, clearly a mistake. We sincerely apologize from the bottom of our heart for any wrong doing that our unintentional naming of this beer may have caused communities. We truly love you all and appreciate all of your support to our brand over the years."