Weyerbacher Brewing Company from Easton, PA has halted producing their Belgian style pale ale, "Zotten" and is removing it from the market. Weyerbacher has been in a legal battle with Bierbrouwerij De Halve Moon. Bierbouwerij De Halve Moon claims that Weyerbacher's labeling, the name, and other aspects of Zotten are similar to their beer, Brugse Zot. Weyerbacher president David A. Weirback comments, "Weyerbacher was unaware of the US trademark of De Halve Maan and had no intention to infringe on the rights of De Halve Maan. We are particularly respectful of the part of small Belgian breweries in the world beer scene and hereby officially apologize to the family owners of De Halve Maan." If you have purchased Zotten you can return it for a full refund through March 18th, 2010.
Zotten fans fear not, the beer will resurface in the next few months under a different name with a new label as well. Weirback further states , "The new name will have no connection whatsoever to fools, jester or any imagery like that. We have a name in mind, but are checking very carefully (for obvious reasons) to see that its OK to use. We should know within 2 weeks and will announce it then." While it is a shame to see two breweries involved in such a sticky legal battle, it is pleasant to see that beer beer formerly know as "Zotten" will survive the litigious hassle that Weyerbacher has been made the target of. I am very curious to see what the new name is, I hope it is sarcastic.
the official press release from Weyerbacher.com
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