Reauters reports ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s have apologized for causing offense by calling a new flavor “Black & Tan” – the nickname of a notoriously violent British militia that operated during Ireland’s war of independence.
The ice cream, available only in the United States, is based on an ale and stout drink of the same name.
“Any reference on our part to the British Army unit was absolutely unintentional and no ill-will was ever intended,” said a Ben & Jerry’s spokesman.
This is why you should remember that if you order a drink mixing stout and an lighter colored ale in Ireland to ask for a “half and half.”
This was one of the stupidest things I have heard recently. Who here in America thinks of some obscure British militia group when someone says black and tan? Certainly nobody I know. Everyone knows that a Bass/Guinness combination is called a Black & Tan, while the Harp/Guinness combination is called a Half-and-Half. Thats it no apologies needed…
This is just politically correct BS and everyone knows it!
Please, if you want Bass/Guinness combination then its called a black and tan.
Right With You, Donovan. I don’t see the Greeks referencing obscure mythology over Rolling Rock. Geez, Yeungling even makes a mix of porter and “premium” that they call a black-and-tan. Carmely delicious? Yes? As good as a B&G? Not quite. Offensive? Certainly not.
Sorry guys,
It is not ancient history. To Irish who know their history, it has the same connotation as calling an ice cream, “General Custer and selling it on the reservation, or selling an ice cream called “Aushwitz” at Yom Kipper.
Ben and Jerry messed up on this one. Tell me why they bring it out around St. Patricks Day? It is a real slap in the face. The fact they did not change the name a year ago and brought it out again is a real insult.