Portland-based Burnside Brewing Company, which announced to release it’s “Kali-Ma” beer on May 15; has apologized, postponed the release and would rename it.
In an announcement published on their Facebook page, the Company wrote, “In response to pleas from the Hindu community we have decided to postpone the limited release of “Kali-ma” our imperial wheat ale flavoured with Indian spices and Scotch-Bonnet peppers.
It is NEVER our intention at Burnside to offend or alienate any race, creed, religion or sexual orientation.
The inspiration for the beer label simply came from a favourite childhood movie in the “Indiana Jones” series and we were unaware that it could be offensive to anyone.
We are currently scrambling to re-name the beer and intend to release it soon afterwards…to anyone we have offended we sincerely apologize.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, calling identifying of the beer with Goddess Kali as “inappropriate”, has thanked and commended the Company for showing responsibility, respect and maturity by taking quick action and for having an understanding for the hurt feelings of Hindu community.
