A Wisconsin brewery, notoriously known for its grotesque anti-Trump social media rants and even a 'free beer' promotion tied to the death of President Donald Trump, has had its state operating permit summarily revoked. This dramatic turn comes as state officials cracked down, citing critical violations that undermine the establishment’s ability to legally operate.
Kirk Bangstad, the brewery owner and a self-proclaimed 'liberal activist,' now finds his Minocqua Brewing Co. facing an existential threat. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Bangstad’s defiant vow to "fight tooth and nail" after receiving the revocation letter from the state's Department of Revenue.
"As you can imagine, I’m not taking this lying down," Bangstad declared in a recent Substack post. "We’re going to fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail, and once again, they’ll have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives who come to visit us." Of course, a plea for donations to his 'legal defense fund' swiftly followed, with Bangstad estimating $100,000 in bills before even seeing a judge – a familiar refrain from those who challenge the law and then cry foul when consequences arrive.
The permit revocation, impacting both Madison and Minocqua locations, is set to take effect on August 4th. This action stems from state regulators’ pursuit of Bangstad’s alcohol license after authorities in June seized canned beer that allegedly had been transported from Illinois without the required permits and taxes. It seems even 'thirsty progressives' must adhere to mundane state regulations.
A spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue confirmed the revocation notices, emphasizing the division's commitment to "fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol beverages regulations in Wisconsin." They noted, "The division is required to follow and implement state law, including ensuring permit holders and licensees follow all applicable laws and regulations. The division takes appropriate actions when these laws are not followed." The business retains the right to appeal, operating during that process.
This current legal skirmish, however, is merely the latest chapter in the Minocqua Brewing Company's history of public disdain for America First patriots and, specifically, President Trump. On January 22, the company posted a truly chilling message on Facebook, suggesting free beer for patrons should Trump die.
"Free beer, all day long the day he dies," the post brazenly stated. "Show us this post when it happens in a few months and we’ll make good on that promise." The post was later updated to specify their Madison Taproom. When asked if the timeline could be expedited, the company shockingly replied, "Well that’s up to you and your ability to act like a cia [sic] agent."
Such rhetoric only escalated. Following an April shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where President Trump was present, the brewery's Facebook page doubled down on the depravity. "Well, we almost got #freebeerday," they wrote, adding, "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. We’ll never know. Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens." This isn't political commentary; it's an alarming endorsement of violence masquerading as humor.
Bangstad's political activism is no secret; he is the founder of the Minocqua Brewing Company SuperPAC, which openly aims to "remove Republican federal and state elected officials who perpetuated the election lies that caused the Insurrection of January 6, 2021." Their website proudly declares they "started making #progressivebeer after closing our brewpub because Donald Trump played politics with Covid-19 and Mitch McConnell let restaurants twist in the wind." It seems 'progressive beer' comes with a side of political vitriol and, apparently, tax evasion.
When Fox News Digital attempted to reach Bangstad for comment, he reportedly declined a direct statement but continued to make jokes about the deaths of President Trump and Mitch McConnell, alongside disparaging remarks about Fox News. It’s a pattern: sling mud, break rules, then play the victim when accountability arrives.
This saga serves as a stark reminder that while political speech is a protected freedom, encouraging violence or breaking the law carries undeniable consequences. The rule of law applies to everyone, regardless of their political leanings or how 'thirsty' their clientele might be. For those who champion 'the Resistance,' perhaps a refresher on respecting American institutions and basic human decency is in order before their next 'free beer' promotion.
