Conservatives have been toasting Kyle Rittenhouse’s not guilty verdict with Rittenhouse Straight Rye whiskey - but now the brand has spoken out, slamming those using their product for this purpose.
Kyle Rittenhouse fatally shot two people and wounded a third last year during a Black Lives Matter protest last summer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
He was charged with counts of intentional, reckless, and attempted homicide and reckless endangerment as well as a misdemeanor charge of possessing a firearm as a minor and a curfew violation charge.
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On November 19, a jury found Rittenhouse not guilty on all counts, sparking celebrations from right-wingers. One of those ways was to purchase Rittenhouse Straight Rye which coincidentally shares the 18-year-old’s surname - but has no association with him.
(Though, the whiskey is actually named after a place - Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia).
This prompted Heaven Hill Brands - which owns the alcoholic beverage - to tell those who bought the product to toast the teenager that “there is no cause of celebration” due to the “profound loss of life.”
“We have been disheartened to learn that some individuals and businesses have been using our Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey brand to celebrate the Kyle Rittenhouse case verdict, despite the profound loss of life from those events.
They continued: “There is no link between our Rittenhouse Rye brand, which was started post-prohibition to commemorate Rittenhouse Square, and this case. It is our strongly held belief that in serious matters such as this, where lives were lost and people deeply affected.
“There is no cause for celebration, but instead deep reflection on how we can make the world a more peaceful and respectful place for all,” they added.
3/3 there is no cause for celebration, but instead deep reflection on how we can make the world a more peaceful and respectful place for all.
— Heaven Hill Brands (@heavenhill) November 21, 2021
Though the message wasn’t taken too well, by those who it was intended for as they responded with the phrase: “Go woke, go broke,” and saying they wouldn’t buy the brand’s products again.
Get ready for a marked decline in all Heaven Hill brands at the largest liquor store in southern Maryland.
— blue goose (@drivethruliquor) November 24, 2021
I can and will make that happen. Should have stuck to whiskey. There was no reason to insert yourself into this debate. Enjoy your virtue signaling.
But there is cause for celebrating the acquittal of an innocent man…
— Dave T. Moore (@mooreonlife) November 23, 2021
Can I help reflect?
— Wild Dog (@Wild_Dawgy) November 23, 2021
I think the complete removal of gun control laws and the protection of our rights to self defense would go a long way toward peace and respect.
Oh wait, they were protected in the Rittenhouse case.
Now where can I buy some Rittenhouse Rye to celebrate?
Go woke. Go broke. No more of your products for me.
— Keith Hall (@KeithHallProp) November 25, 2021
There absolutely IS a reason to celebrate! 🤘🏻🇺🇲🥂
— Caroline Barlow (@CarolineBarlow) November 24, 2021
Though others were happy to see the company taking a stance against their product being used in this way.
Thank you. This post is insightful, intelligent, and respectful. I love your brand even more now.
— Jason Cole (@JasonCo10517736) November 21, 2021
indy100 has contacted Heaven Hill Brands for comment.
