Ep117: Mormon Church Forces Brewery to Discontinue Signature Beer

On this episode of Mormonish Podcast, Rebecca and Landon delve into a developing story involving a local Utah brewery that has been asked by lawyers for businesses owned by the LDS church to discontinue their signature brew "Deseret IPA" due to trademark infringement.
"Deseret" is a word that appears in the Book of Mormon and means "honeybee" and the brewing company developed a beer that uses local honey and local grain and his brewed locally, as a tribute to the state of Utah. Their hope is that visitors will enjoy the beverage and learn more about Utah.
This won’t happen now that they have been forced to discontinue this beer. There are many different issues surrounding the situation and we go down several related rabbit holes as we delve further into the scenario!
Lindsay Hansen Park resources on the history of alcohol in Utah can be found on the Mormonish Podcast Facebook page. They were too long to post here. groups/71637...
Don't forget to like and subscribe to Mormonish Podcast!
***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast:
If you would like to financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here:
www.mormonishpodcast.org/support
Also at:
PayPal: paypal.me/BiblioTechMedia
Venmo: @BiblioTechMedia
We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much!
Contact Mormonish Podcast: [e-mail]

[@rebeccabibliotheca]

We are actually at the location right now having lunch! I would encourage everyone in the Salt Lake area to come stop by! It’s an awesome venue with awesome people!

[@China-Clay]

I have become much, much, more informed since you all came on the scene, so glad you both are here!♥️

[@allen9069]

Cheers!

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Most Beer has the low alcohol that Mormons claim is what Kind of wine Jesus made : so what's the Problem!!! Don't be continually drunk is what the Bible is against!

[@shibalover54]

When I was a teen,my sister and I went to tour the Beehive House (Brigham Young's home). My mom told us to make sure and ask about the wine cellar and the vineyards in St. George. And was the wine cellar on the tour. Lololol. The docents said there was NO wine cellar and that grapes that may have been raised in Southern Utah, were raised only to make 'medici al' wine for illness and wound care. Bwaaa haaa haaa Those poor docents were fairly flummoxed when we chimed in with our question. Medicinal indeed. 🍷

[@taxiuniversum]

„These early Mormons were simply and completely innocently self-medicating! 🤥😇🤷🏼‍♂️“ Which would be understandable, when you’re in a cult lol.

[@ywf2891]

It would be awesome to have an ex-mormon themed pub 😂 Name all drinks like "Laban's last mistake", "Curelon Blood", "Lehi's Dream", "Tapir Kick", "Straight & Narrow" 😂... I can totally see a sign at the entrance door like "Drink, ponder & pay" 😂😂😂

[@kennethd.9436]

I laughed hardest at “drink ponder and pay!” (Ponderize!) Other names: choose the right beer! Bless these hops… to nourish and strengthen.

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Nelson, Oaks, & Eyring are drunk on their own pathetic power. Power is an addiction afflicting Mormon men and is fast becoming their demise.

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Succinct and profound.

[@frankerloo]

They should stamp the word "anti" on the label to change the name to Anti-Deseret IPA. Kind of like how Joseph and Oliver created the Kitrland anti- banking notes back in the day, while trying to work around the banking laws in the 1800's.

[@mormonishpodcast1036]

This is brilliant!

[@ammon3188]

I love that idea.

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Shout out to Bryce Blankenagal. Hope I spelled his name right.😂😂😂😂😂 love him and his knowledge.!!!!!

[@MPIndy]

BRILLIANT!! Hope this reaches them!!

[@SilentThundersnow]

I hate it that they don't take this to the Supreme Court. When is it ok for a CHURCH to be in the 'marketplace' competing against a BUSINESS?! HOW DARE THEY?? Using their POWER, that they got from being a religion that is supposed to be SEPARATE from the state powers, according to the Constitution.

[@aspencrest]

This is a blessing in disguise for the beer company. First of all the name is awful and secondly there will be a boost in sales. They should pick another book of Mormon word or anything that will cause the church to do this again at least once a year

[@aromaathome]

I think they should just name it “New Name IPA.” Those in the Mormon and ExMo space will get it.

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Love it or Bountiful Beer!

[@Latter-dailyDigest]

Pay Lay Ale

[@aromaathome]

@@Latter-dailyDigest OMG, this is even better!

[@wardified8566]

The mormon church just can't get along with others these days 😢

[@scotttobler6815]

Since they always get defensive now and say that they are no longer The Mormon Church, and insist they be called by that long sentence, call it Abandoned Mormon.

[@shibalover54]

Love this!!!!😂😂😂😂

[@TS-iv9ml]

Perfect!! 🤣😂🤣😂

[@glowingandgrounded]

Victory for Satan

[@ScottJB]

Deseret cant possibly be a legally enforceable trademark. I wish this brewery had the resources to take this up to the courts. It would be great publicity for them, and a chance to hold the theocracy accountable. I guarantee a federal (if not Utah) court would rule against the Church.

[@IAmJustOneMom]

But KM has unlimited bully client assets available to sue the brewery into bankruptcy.

[@katphyre]

That's the problem though...who can fight a corporation with 100 billion dollars to cover their legal fees? The church is the worst at taking away free agency.

[@ScottJB]

@@katphyre It's absolutely true that the church has the resources to drag it and try to wear down their opponents financially out but people have successfully sued the Church and/or gotten settlements. I think this could still pay off for them. They could even leverage the situation for marketing.

[@robinsaxophone232]

The brewery should have a contest to rename it and get some free publicity.

[@steveng.clinard1766]

I'd buy a 12 pack of Pale Lay Ale

[@Songsofourown23]

😂 I love it. Pay lay pale Ale

[@iamanempoweredone6064]

Very punny

[@Songsofourown23]

Wait is that a real beer name?

[@China-Clay]

Yes!

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Sierra Nevada makes the Best PL A !

[@Songsofourown23]

Yes to a Mormonish Beer.

[@arizonny]

I think they should name it. Low Desert Sipping. Abbreviated, LDS.

[@Songsofourown23]

😂 I love it.

[@DegaVertigo]

Legally Distinct Spirit

[@marys.currie9026]

What about 'new name beer'

[@janellbeach8616]

Spicey Landon made another appearance. I love it!

[@JC-vq2cs]

Another good resource for Utah alcohol industry history is the book Beer in the Beehive by Del Vance. Mild barley beverages referred to in the WoW ...yup beer. The Mormon Corp is def in apostasy on this one.

[@dreibel]

so, who will The So-Called Church sue next? Apostate Coffee, which uses a picture of Ol' Joe on their Cup Of Joe medium roast? (They also have products like Outer Dark Roast and Choose The Light). Let's also not forget that Joe really loved his beer, as seen in the Word of Wisdom - exemption for "mild barley drinks" (and they don't mean Ovaltine). Or that Brigham Young had whisky distilleries in Utah.

[@shibalover54]

And vineyards in the St. George area and a wine cellar in the Beehive House. 😏

[@JC-vq2cs]

Great episode! I remember when Utah officially legalized homebrewing (again). Before that you could legally buy the ingredients but not combine them lol. We had already been brewing anyway as clueless gentiles :). Shoutout to the late great Art's Brewing Supply in SLC. We used to team brew with friends before the craft brew scene really took off. Coming up with names was always hard. ❤ your list! We may have to start brewing again just to steal your names - pls don't send us intimidating lawyer letters lol! All the equipment is in the basement so it would be easy to brew up a batch. We ❤ dark beers in winter (kinda like when its ok to eat meat, but who enforces that?? yeah NeverMo waaay down the rabbithole). The best name on your awesome list was the Hosannah Stout so that will be the inspiration. ❤ the pod as a NeverMo in Utah.

[@Latter-dailyDigest]

Never wanted to have a beer until now...

[@ajadamsv9208]

Brigham Young set up the first brewery in Utah. How ironic 😂 Why does the church keep picking these ridiculous fights.

[@marys.currie9026]

They should called it 'Mormon Beer' as the church has disassociated itself with that name

[@Songsofourown23]

Yep. VFS victory for Satan.

[@Jsppydays]

Absolutely

[@davidjanbaz7728]

​​​@@Jsppydayshow about Mormon church Beer! MCB ! Or Bountiful Beer! Members only Beer!

[@Jsppydays]

Perfect

[@MaggieMaeMatt]

They say there is no such thing as bad press so I hope they can drop the extra E and call it desert IPA and that these actions make the beer sales go through the roof!

[@wardified8566]

IPA Who Must Not Be Named Maybe the brewery could capitalize on this. Put some sort of underground Mormon spin on it. They only sell it to patrons who show the accompanying token & sign...

[@jackyesmith1694]

I really think they should repackage their honey beer as Desert Bee. After all, it is plan B. Maybe add a caricature of a drink JF Smith, complete with swollen bulbous nose, whooping on his wife.

[@TracieAviary]

You have got to be kidding? Landon & Rebecca, You two have the best tidbits within the land of Zion! You should suggest rebranding the beer the "Churches Brew...Temple Recommend!!!" Thanks for the update on Insanity!

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Second Anointing! I PA

[@TracieAviary]

@@davidjanbaz7728 I heard there is a group called, the "Temple Square Dancers!" lol

[@clcole5655]

The church doesn’t own the fricken word (unless Deseret is a made up name - oh wait it is). I guess the word is copyrighted-sure why not Lucy Mack Smith (JS mother)use to sell homemade beer out of her home (to help with the family’s constant financial crisis). I’m sure the current church would have sued her too

[@thatcat8442]

The next beer should be named Lucy Mack

[@DancingQueenie]

Deseret. Please. Imagine being in a submarine with swarms of bees FOR A YEAR. Besides, there were no honey bees in the Americas until the 17th century. That whole Jaredite story is so ridiculous.

[@shibalover54]

Aren't most of their supposedly true fables and myths?

[@DancingQueenie]

@@shibalover54 Yes.

[@user-pe5tc7rk3f]

Love this episode. Important information. I down with Hosea stout. Also the corporate church.

[@Radioposting]

George Lucas has a copywrite on the Wookie language. Does this mean I owe George money every time my stomach growls?

[@robreed8823]

I think that they should change the name to Brigham's Brew to honor Brigham Young who. owned a bar on Main Street!

[@gladtobefreeagain7375]

Deser"ay" is a French name often with double E ending. Nothing to do with Deseret dreamed up by Mormons. Lord knows LDS were not interested in French Canadian trappers who traveled all over the West getting along with native Americans.

[@shibalover54]

Correct, no idea where the notion that it was pronounced desireé could possibly come from.

[@Songsofourown23]

I think they could just put a disclaimer that this is not associated with Deseret Industries or the The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

[@Songsofourown23]

😂This is hilarious! Thank you for sharing this.

[@haroldwhite5761]

Wasn't there a local microbrew called Five Wives? FYI Deseret Wellness was bought out by Curaleaf, a worldwide corporation known for poor quality cannabis and a Russian past.

[@Songsofourown23]

I think that is Liquor. But I have seen that lol

[@savannahthomson1174]

Is Curaleaf also an MLM now? Honest and curious question.

[@haroldwhite5761]

@@savannahthomson1174 If you mean MSO, yes they are the biggest cannabis Multi-State Operator and they do not care about patients' health. Lots of us patients are boycotting them. Curaleaf is not a multi-level marketing business.

[@robinsaxophone232]

There’s Wasatch Brewery’s Polygamy Porter.

[@helenvick522]

Great show. Thanks.

[@Zeett09]

Big Bad Bishop. Named after my favorite chess piece. Case closed.

[@elizabethrose9364]

Jesus turned that water to wine so those people could party at the wedding. Just sayin……😇can’t it be called just Desert Beer?

[@Songsofourown23]

Love the Hosana Stout!!

[@bendyrland7213]

I always thought deseret was a fancy mormon way of saying desert.

[@JC-vq2cs]

Similar story - I once worked for a very small family winery in CA. The new owners renamed it after their 2 children's names. Turns out they had named one of the kids after a major European fashion brand. When they tried to TM the name they got a cease & desist letter from the major brand that did have a wine division. That is the standard - the brand confusion must be in the same product category! The Mormon Corp has no legal grounds, its bullying which is probably why lawyers have offered to help. The winery also gave in quickly but they were on much shakier ground. All they did next was add a couple letters to the name, still pronounced the same, and redid all their labels. Problem solved. I like your suggestion of Deseret Peak IPA but just spelling it Deserette would prob be legally aOK.

[@ShulaMG]

In the late 70’s, for several days, I was in Salt Lake City for business with colleagues. When we went out for dinner, I remember being charged for a glass of water. I was told it is assumed that it was setup for an alcoholic drink, so there was a charged for it. I wasn’t drinking any alcohol, I just wanted a glass of water with my meal. Is this still true?

[@vocalysemusicworks]

If it was 150 years ago, I wonder if Brigham Young would have had this in his alcohol cabinets?

[@vocalysemusicworks]

As for church monitoring, they already do this, or have the capacity of doing this. How? Meetinghouse WiFi. We immediately log in with our phones when we enter a church building. So, thus, why I don't realign my phone to the Church WiFi system whenever I enter the building.

[@Songsofourown23]

Does it make you wonder if they will monitor Members who walk into bars and have a drink?

[@China-Clay]

They are known to have done that in the 1980s, all in the name of the BYU honor code. Gotta love it!

[@shibalover54]

It'll stink just like the Jay6 shenanigans that people who merely attended the speech and DID NOT trespass, were identified and summarily arrested or fired from jobs.

[@clcole5655]

Mormon Church Beer. - it would be a victory for Satan

[@richardredick7515]

The WoW actuality ENCOURAGES the consumption of beer and ale (mild drinks made with barley). If the LDS reverted to the original interpretation of the WoW, we would be encouraged to drink beer and ale. Wine we would consume at weddings and special feasts, and spirits, liquors, etc. (strong drinks), we would abstain from. As far as Deseret Beer is concerned, negotiate a licensing and marketing agreement, and donate a portion of the profit to the perpetual education fund. Win-win.

[@ZCMIShopper]

Oh how silly.... You sould do a more in depth interview with these two gentlemen in your Mormon Times Show. There's a bar downtown called the, Tavernacle...I wonder if they got in troble for "confusing" patrons? Thank you Rebecca and Landon for keeping up on these silly yet, informative matters! There is a condominium Plaza called, Deseret Towers...I wonder if the Occupants have to hold TR's to live there? Could you research that? lol

[@burner27]

They should call it "New Name" IPA.

[@new_name_adam3345]

How about “Has It A Name IPA” to replace Deseret IPA

[@__-cr6fv]

They should trademark all of your new names! And, use them! That would be a hoot! :) And, I'm all in on Landon's, "Hosanna Stout"! A "...new refreshment..." is also brilliant! The the church should be named "The ANTI-church Corporation" How 'bout, "Anti-Nephi Lehi Lager"???

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Second Anointing Beer! That's my vote SAB !

[@ZakMakoff]

It didn't bother the DABC by placing it on the shelves of the liquor stores yet the Church is bothered by it. What next, "Five Wives Vodka" receives a "Cease and Disist" letter too??? Pathetic, doesn't the Mormon Church have bigger things to worry about like "Hiding their Assets?" Fun Episode!!! R & L, next time y'all go out on the town, send a Shout Out! ps, Landon...If you want to watch my Ward 's Sacrament Meeting, I'll give you the link to my Wards KZbin channel, I'll let you know next time I share my Testimony. LOL

[@jacobmcneal3011]

What about "Polygamy Porter"?

[@ZakMakoff]

@@jacobmcneal3011 Or, 'Brigham's Bride's... 101 Matrons Proof!' LOL

[@jamesmoore4197]

Suggested alternatives: 1. Baurak Ale. 2. Brutah 3. Brewtah.

[@claytongardinier5179]

How can they prevent them from making the beer. Stopping them from using the name Deseret I can see, but not the beer. They can repackage and/or rebrand I would think.

[@sadiecosmos7512]

Deseret is a term that the church has very publicly used in business. Personally, I would’ve picked a different name to be safe, BUT the church has much bigger issues. These look like very well meaning, hard-working business owners.

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

You guys are hilarious!!!!!!

[@angiecarlson4884]

There is a hymn titled "In Our Lovely Deseret." I've always heard it pronounced with a t at the end. Except I remember once our bishop announced that the closing hymn would be "In Our Lovely Desert." Lol

[@williambent9636]

the word “deseret” comes from the Book of Mormon, the faith’s signature scripture, and means “honeybee" according to news article. honeybee would be a great rebrand

[@__-cr6fv]

Having read more of the comments, I must say I really like "Pay Lay Ale"! Only problem might be the potential for it being misconstrued as an oblique reference to the sex industry...

[@Caveman57]

The LDS church is acting like Disney. Sue everyone and everything that represents possible competition.

[@Jsppydays]

Love you guys. Thanks for this info. If you read the original word of wisdom, barely beer was ok. Although fanatical leaders have changed a lot of what Joseph Smith had in place. Especially with the tithing. Know your religion. If you really think about this and how the church is being very fanatical even worse today, I have a feeling something bigger is coming with the ladies in the church. I think they're not going to put up with the unrighteous dominion of leaders and doctrine. Gut feeling. Let's see what happens.

[@user-qt1kr8lq1d]

Wow. The over reach of the corporate cult!

[@Dewey32]

I ❤ the newsletter

[@phoenixadams9962]

Trademark law is a thing in this country. Nobody would ever have confused the Chevrolet Beretta with the Israeli machine gun, but they shut the production of that car down permanently with a lawsuit back in the 80's.

[@Jayjays964]

I have a solution for the local brewer! Slap a sticker on the bottle, “ANTI-Deseret Brewing Society” It’s been done before by a very prominent lds leader..only with a bank:)

[@mormonishpodcast1036]

Great idea!

[@mr.hermit2433]

How about Ensign Peak Brew? That's a Place...with a lot of Money!

[@derekhable3531]

Two questions- 1) is the church requiring that they stop making it?? Why wouldn’t they just require them to change the name, if it’s the name that they have an issue with? 2) You listed all this other companies with the name “deseret” and suggested that this brewery has been singled out. Do we know that? Maybe there are others of this businesses that have also been contacted and asked to change their name as well??

[@acatnamedm4529]

It's a more favorable representation of Utah than Polygamy Porter from the Utah Brewers Cooperative. Both are delicious though

[@jared5449]

The Corporation...mingled with church

[@MPIndy]

It all underscores that "deseret" is an invention of the Mormon Church. If it really meant honey, there would be no opportunity to trademark.

[@rebeccasirrine947]

Interesting point: the reason we have an income tax nationally, is that the Prohibition supporters knew they needed a substitute for liquor tax revenue in order to pass the 18th Amendment.

[@jeangarde841]

Listening from very cold Wisconsin on Monday. I believe it’s a bully tactic to scare others with a similar name!

[@mormonishpodcast1036]

Stay warm and if your from Wisconsin you probably have some brats that would go well with the Deseret IPA!

[@michaelgrey7854]

Honey never goes bad. Pretty amazing.

[@dvl3435]

Change the name to "15 Brothers IPA" . Solved

[@SukunaIsAGod]

Helamans Hellish Hefeweisn.

[@SukunaIsAGod]

Aka The Man of Hell Hefeweisn.

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Could the church BE any more petty????

[@taxiuniversum]

Speaking of weird Mormon names: Do you think Joseph Smith was trolling his gullible cult-followers with the name „Moroni“ - as in „I, Moron“? And „Mormon“ sounds suspiciously similar to Moron, too. 🤔

[@patriciafinn5717]

Is this cultist or what...control and condemn..😮

[@Songsofourown23]

Can we still order it?

[@rebeccabibliotheca]

I just asked the owner Cody and he said they do have several cases here at the brewery in Salt Lake so you can order it here. You can also go online and look up different liquor stores and still see if they still carry it. I know it’s at Pleasant Grove

[@Songsofourown23]

@@rebeccabibliotheca Thank you I am going to order some.

[@lauraparis2023]

D. new name! 😂

[@joan-iz5cw]

Can this brewery change the name and keep the recipe

[@mormonishpodcast1036]

Yes but it means starting all over with marketing costs and trademark costs. You have to work to get your product in the State Liquor store so you have to start the process over to get the beer back in the stores.

[@teamcollier]

Wait. Can I get this from Deseret Industries?! I'm game!

[@mormonishpodcast1036]

Maybe if we donate a few cans!

[@Songsofourown23]

Heather Gaye and Bad Mormon

[@carolinea3899]

Beehive Beer?

[@bendyrland7213]

Didn't Brigham Young own a distillery?

[@swaneespeedramsey6080]

Tender Mercy Mead

[@robinnetto6794]

Deseret Marijuana Wellness

[@jacobmcneal3011]

The name "Deborah" is apparently "honeybee". 'Melissa' is the Greek bee goddess.'Beyla' is the Norse goddess of bees. Could they do something like that??

[@jcstevenson7635]

How about Bully Brale as a stark reminder

[@TheChenny73]

Well I hope their next beer is Uncle Joe’s IPA and Brigham’s Pale Ale. Seriously

[@leonahendricks6577]

Hey bleed the beast (draining the goblet)

[@nikimcbee]

Who would mormon Jesus sue?

[@goatymacgoatface6544]

Jesus: nobody. Mormon Jesus: everyone

[@bendyrland7213]

Non-mormon Jesus

[@robbiefl58]

No one owns the word "Deseret!" "The Book of Mormon," is in public domain, and it is scripture in dozens of different denominations--and Deseret was the originally proposed name of the state of Utah. The LDS corporation is shameless!

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Deseret firearms????

[@oliveoilchic]

They want to shut down the bars.

[@Dewey32]

Umm, it’s probably untrue (wink wink), but I heard JS enjoyed a mug of beer now and then. I didn’t know the Lord gave a hoot about copyright.

[@user-mn447]

It’s too bad I don’t like beer. 🍺 I would buy them if I did!!

[@mormonishpodcast1036]

I don’t like beer but bought some anyway!

[@Notmep]

Daybell ale

[@SouthernIdaho]

Abraham's Ale

[@marys.currie9026]

Pale Ale Ale