Kirk Bangstad says his Madison taproom will likely close by year’s end after Wisconsin revoked his brewery’s alcohol permits.
Bangstad, who owns Minocqua Brewing Co., told Channel 3000 on Monday that the Madison location is probably finished as the business keeps battling the state’s decision. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue pulled brewing permits for both his Minocqua and Madison locations, alleging violations tied to beer hauled from Illinois without proper permits or tax payments.
The department said on Thursday that a hearing on the company’s appeal is scheduled for Nov. 18. Revocation does not take effect until appeals are exhausted, and the DOR is “dedicated to fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol beverage regulations in Wisconsin and takes action when the laws are not followed, as occurred here.”
Bangstad’s operation has disputed the action and accused officials of targeting it over political views.
The brewery has drawn national attention for outspoken anti-Trump messaging and morbid drink promotions. On Jan. 22, Minocqua Brewing Company posted on Facebook, “Free beer, all day long the day he dies.” The post added, “Show us this post when it happens in a few months and we’ll make good on that promise.”
The message was later updated to clarify: “We meant the Madison Taproom because that’s open all year, if he dies in the summer, then it’s gonna be the Minocqua Taproom.” In reply to a comment, the company confirmed the deal referred to a high-profile figure without naming Trump directly.
After the April shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where Trump was present, the brewery wrote on Facebook, “Well, we almost got #freebeerday.”
The promotions extended beyond Trump. The brewery said in an Instagram post, “When they announce that McConnell’s Faustian dance has finally ended, we’re gonna start serving our beer at ‘half price,’ because we promised #halfpricebeerday on the day they unplug the ventilator.” Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, had been absent from the Senate for months following a fall at his home earlier this year, though he returned last week ahead of key votes.
Bangstad also founded the Minocqua Brewing Company SuperPAC, which according to the brewery’s website “aims to remove Republican federal and state elected officials who perpetuated the election lies that caused the Insurrection of January 6, 2021, and whose downplaying of the seriousness of COVID-19 caused so many unnecessary deaths in our country.”
Reached for comment by Fox News Digital, the brewery made disparaging remarks about Trump and again noted it will host a “#freebeerday” when the president passes. “Reminder, however, no red hats allowed,” the brewery added.
The Minocqua location remains open for now as the November appeal hearing approaches.