Monster Energy Drinks attack VT Microbrewery

[jamesnsw]

Here's the CEO's LinkedIn Profile... just saying...

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rodney-sacks/0/135/3a6

 

[MBasile]

I got the same lame form letter response from them too.

Being a Vermonter it is all over the place here, and I am very excited every time I hear that it is making national headlines. Thanks to all of you for your support of one of our local breweries. I hope that people continue to cry foul until Monster backs down.

Well if they say they are just doing what will earn the most for their shareholders, they'll definitely back off with all of the bad press.

 

[RichBrewer]

I received a reply as well. Do they really think that garbage is going to convince us that they are in the right? Oh my...

 

[annasdadhockey]

I'm drinking a Vermonster right now. I would definitely recommmend it. A good strong barleywine with a very bold hop presence(100 IBU). I figure that I usually drank about 6 Monster Energy drinks per week @ $2.50 apiece. The Bomber of Vermonster cost $7.50. I boycott Monster, and every third day, drink a bomber of good barleywine. Same amount of money, diverted to the people who deserve it. Sounds like a good plan to me.
I actually called Rock Art today to find out where they distribute in PA. I told her that I heard about what was going on, and she seemed very happy and excited to field my phone call. Long story short, I found out where I could purchase their product. I'm glad I did.

P.S. F%&K Monster!!!

 

[Baja_Brewer]

annasdad, I am SO happy to hear that. I didn't know you could get it down there but good job on finding where you could get it. 7.50 is not bad at all, they go for about the same in VT too.

I'm talking to my girlfriend now (I'm in Montreal for school, she's in Burlington) and according to her its the talk of the town. Students, people on the street, people in restaurants: all outraged.

A Monster truck (distribution or free Monster, generally) passed her and an instructor today and the instructor asked "Is that truck even allowed here?"

GOOD!!

 

[Selfsufficient]

Hell, I would have stopped that truck and told him the story. I certainly told the roach coach driver to stop selling that crap or I wouldn't buy from him again, even though I shouldn't anyway. Homebrew + Coach = a loud day.

 

[annasdadhockey]

annasdad, I am SO happy to hear that. I didn't know you could get it down there but good job on finding where you could get it. 7.50 is not bad at all, they go for about the same in VT too.

I'm talking to my girlfriend now (I'm in Montreal for school, she's in Burlington) and according to her its the talk of the town. Students, people on the street, people in restaurants: all outraged.

A Monster truck (distribution or free Monster, generally) passed her and an instructor today and the instructor asked "Is that truck even allowed here?"

GOOD!!

Well, good luck to Rock Art Brewery, and for that matter, to "little guys" everywhere. WE are the consumers, WE are the ones who spend our hard earned money, and WE are the ones who will make the difference. Fight on my friends. Before long, we'll have hansen apologizing for it's schoolyard bully actions.

 

[Fingers]

My reply to their form letter:

I have read your complaint and still find it reprehensible. Your 'cease and desist' order still amounts to nothing more than bully tactics with no reasonable business case for prosecution other than to use court proceedings to stifle marginal future competition. If the company in question had greater resources I don't think it would be any more of a target than any other company that uses the 'monster' series of letters in its product. I stand by my earlier position.


Dan Geddes

 

[Mountainbeers]

All we have to do is keep spreading the word. Even if Monster feels that they will lose millions in future revenue due to the "confusion" caused by these names we can easily cut that amount off of their bottom line with a widespread boycott.

What do you guys think I would be able to put on a t-shirt without getting my a** sued? You can make them at www.cafepress.com and sell them for the minimum amount and not make any profit. I'm sure there's other similar resources as well.

 

[Hotspur]

As Gremlyn1 pointed out on page 2, Ben and Jerry's has offered a "Vermonster" for well over 20 years. It's a massive sundae that takes a lot of people to finish. Funny thing, as it's a) prior art, b) Hansen isn't going to touch Unilever, and c) Unilever *might* have a complaint, but they haven't said a peep (Also, ice cream is not beer).

What a load of BS. Great advertising for Rock Art though, they make some tasty stuff.

 

[uglygoat]

never drank monster or any of those things, but **** those guys. sent an email to the brewery, and forward the story to the local talk radio show, the host loves **** like that.

 

[Edcculus]

never drank monster or any of those things, but **** those guys. sent an email to the brewery, and forward the story to the local talk radio show, the host loves **** like that.

What show did you forward it to?

 

[uglygoat]

the know it all... triv.

 

[Edcculus]

the know it all... triv.

Maxwell? Sorry, I moved here in January from SC so that went completely over my head.

 

[Firstnten]

Did you change the name to Pete's a ******** ale?

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!

 

[Recusit8m]

Bunch of garbage...Unless they used the trademark M on the can or something in that nature I dont understand how a company can obtain the rights to a word in the english dictionary...My local brewpub has a brew named Hoptimus and Ive seen a commercial Hoptimus Ale as well...Are they in litigation with Hasbro?...lol...I sent my boycot email...

 

[ChickenSoop]

I like this one as classic example of a bulling tactic:
Bud sues Brick Brewing over lime beer

Just big punks beating up on the little guy..

 

[ChickenSoop]

double posted

 

[bernerbrau]

I'm about to order a couple cases of Vermonster. I recommend anyone interested in helping out Rock Art do the same as they are able.

Edit: Nuts, he doesn't ship. Probably some weird draconian distribution laws.

 

[bernerbrau]

Sent the guy an email to see what I could do to help, since buying his beer across state lines is out.

 

[Edcculus]

They should sell Vermonster t-shirts that everyone can buy to support the cause.

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

I think it's time we took the next step with this. Hansen has been contacted and they know there are some very angry folks out there. Time to now start contacting all the folks that Monster sponsors. Mostly action sports folks (think x-games). But there are also bands, video game companies, etc etc etc. Even one of the dudes on Dancing with the Stars is sponsored by Monster....Who's with me?!?!

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

They should sell Vermonster t-shirts that everyone can buy to support the cause.

They do...just got mine in the mail yesterday. Call the brewery to order.

 

[bernerbrau]

I may take a weekend trip up there to pick up like 4 cases. Get beer and support the little guy in his plight against bloated business.

This would also make a great precedent, a mom-and-pop beating corporate america.

 

[dunnright00]

I think it's time we took the next step with this. Hansen has been contacted and they know there are some very angry folks out there. Time to now start contacting all the folks that Monster sponsors. Mostly action sports folks (think x-games). But there are also bands, video game companies, etc etc etc. Even one of the dudes on Dancing with the Stars is sponsored by Monster....Who's with me?!?!

It looks like there already is a lot going on with this in support of Rock Art and Vermonster

Save Vermonster!

Lot's of places to move in on boycotts and such...

 

[Xiren]

If Rock Art Brewery has to change the label name, I will never drink another Monster or let it enter my house.

I think it is the wound up lawyers that jumped the gun. I sent Emails to both Monster and Hansen's. Let's see what they do.

I have 2 coffee Monsters in my fridge. I will send them back too!

 

[pdbreen]

Senator Sanders joins the fight

Article also mentions that Hansen may be rethinking things. Let's keep the pressure on!

 

[RoaringBrewer]

Finally got my letters into these companies... quite lengthy as well. I also ended with the fact that I would prefer they not even bother responding with their boilerplate "we did not file suit, just cease and desist" email and press release. So I am sure I will get nothing in response, but that is fine, my voice has been heard!

I actually have enjoyed Monster M-80 and Chaos on occassion, but no longer! Also, if they ever do succeed in entering the alcoholic beverage industry, I will never purchase a single beverage (not that I would want alcopop anyway - and how are they comparable to a barleywine anyway?! I highly doubt monster is going to brew "beer") and encourage all my local distributors/beer bars/etc. that I frequent to never stock a single can.

It is awesome though that in this day of internet/tech/media, that the word on such a relatively small case can spread so quickly and gain so much national attention!

 

[cubbies]

It is awesome though that in this day of internet/tech/media, that the word on such a relatively small case can spread so quickly and gain so much national attention!

That really is the beauty of it. 15 years ago, Rock Art would have never stood a chance. In this day and age, people can actually get support for doing the right thing! It is awesome.

 

[Mountainbeers]

This is amazing. Keep pushing and we can actually end this BS!!