Wisconsin Brewery Sparks Backlash After Offering 50% Off Beer 'If Mitch McConnell Dies'

Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin has ignited controversy after announcing it would offer 50% off beer the day Senator Mitch McConnell dies, a reference to the Kentucky Republican's prolonged absence from Congress amid recent health concerns.

In a July Instagram post the brewery wrote:

A Wisconsin brewery is being criticized for offering half-price beer if Sen. Mitch McConnell dies (AFP/Getty/Minocqua Brewing Company)

"Given that Mitch McConnell is responsible for AT LEAST 50% of what's currently wrong with America, we've decided to give 50% off of all of our beer at both taprooms in Minocqua and Madison the day he kicks the bucket—which in all honesty was probably three weeks ago."

McConnell was hospitalized in June and officials have provided limited information about his condition.

Criticism of Kentucky Governor

The brewery followed up with a sharply worded post aimed at Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, accusing him of failing to call a special election to replace what Minocqua called the "ghost from Kentucky" and claiming the governor missed an early-August deadline to do so. Beshear's office countered by pointing to a statement the governor posted on X, saying August 3 "has no legal impact" on his options should a vacancy arise and urging McConnell to address his health publicly or resign.

McConnell was hospitalized in June and little information has emerged about his condition (Sen. Mitch McConnell)

Public Backlash

The McConnell-related promotion drew a flood of negative responses. One Instagram user wrote, "Even if this was Biden this is gross...a brewery only known for running tasteless ads vs actually having good beer." A private message the brewery later reposted read: "I pray that you obtain more wisdom, love and compassion." Minocqua replied publicly: "We pray you obtain more self awareness, humility, and a better knowledge of world history."

Regulatory and Legal Fallout

Owner Kirk Bangstad said in July that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) sought to revoke the brewery's alcohol permit by Aug. 4. Bangstad wrote on Substack that the state was trying to "make an example" of the brewery for violations he described as "laughable" and vowed to fight the agency "tooth and nail." The brewery can continue operating during an appeal.

The Wisconsin brewery has previously offered to serve free beer if President Trump dies (AP)

State officials seized all canned beer from Minocqua in June, alleging the beer had been produced in Illinois and imported into Wisconsin without the appropriate permits or tax payments, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The brewery contends it legally contracted with an Illinois company to produce some of its beer.

Federal Inquiry

Separately, Bangstad was reportedly interviewed by FBI and Secret Service agents in April after the brewery's Facebook account shared a post that suggested someone should assassinate the president following an armed intruder incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. That Facebook post read in part: "Well, we almost got #freebeerday. Either a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle."

Minocqua has previously run provocative promotions, including offering free beer if former President Donald Trump died and selling politically themed beers with names such as Antifa Oktoberfist and Fascist Tears.

The Independent has contacted Minocqua, McConnell's office and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for comment.