Kalashnikov Vodka Co backs down in stand-off over its brand name

[Henry Bowman]

Link to story.

Kalashnikov Vodka Co backs down in stand-off over its brand name

Simon Bowers
Friday February 18, 2005
The Guardian

The makers of Kalashnikov vodka agreed yesterday to change the brand name in Britain under pressure from the Portman Group, the body set up by the drinks industry to promote responsible drinking.
The campaign group had criticised Kalashnikov Joint Stock Vodka Co for evoking the AK-47 assault rifle, one of the most widely used firearms in the world.

"This indirectly suggests an association with violent and dangerous behaviour," it said, breaching its code on drinks promotions.

A Kalashnikov spokeswoman said: "This is a funky and in-your-face brand, but we don't agree it causes people to take up armed conflict.

"We'll be working with the Portman Group because we have to. Our vodka will probably continue to be called Kalashnikov around the world but not in the UK."

The brand was launched in Britain last September by Lieutenant General Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor of the rifle.

At the time, he said he wanted to continue the "good name" of his gun.

 

[Warbow]

Haha. Wow. It's so ridiculous that it's funny.

 

[JPL]

Here's another...

"LONDON (Reuters) - A "threatening" beer advertisement depicting a double-barreled shotgun pointed at the viewer was banned by Britain's advertising watchdog on Wednesday.

There were 51 complaints about the advert for Ruddles ale which featured a shotgun positioned at the reader from between two pub stools, and read: "Excuse me, I believe that's my seat."

Complainants said the advertisement, which appeared in newspapers, was offensive and irresponsible because it condoned the threatening use of guns.

The Union Pub Company said the advert was particularly offensive to pub landlords.

Greene King, which produces Ruddles, said the advert was part of their "uncompromisingly from the country" campaign, which targeted male bitter-drinkers who would recognize the humor behind the advertisement.

The Advertising Standards Authority said the advertisement was "unlikely to be seen as condoning or provoking anti-social behavior" but added it could be considered threatening and was likely to cause "serious or widespread offence."

The authority told Greene King not to run the advertisement again."

 

[Boats]

Thumbsuckers.

 

[Cyanide_357]

I swear if I ever own a business that gets critisized for a said brand name I choose. I will make it even worse. Why do all these companies always crumble under pressure.

Like this vodka, they should just keep the name.

What was the incident around valentines day? I think it was with the Vermont Teddy Bear co. .. they introduced a bear called "Crazy 4 u" or something, it was in a straight jacket, and came w/ commitment papers. They got in trouble because it was 'insensitive' to the mentally ill. They dropped the product line. I would have produced 10 other things that are plays on words. And really pissed them off.

I just wish the companies would grow a pair.

cyanide

PS: did I mention the Brits are screwed up?

 

[Standing Wolf]

England is the little country that lost the American Revolution.

 

[Justin]

The Advertising Standards Authority said the advertisement was "unlikely to be seen as condoning or provoking anti-social behavior" but added it could be considered threatening and was likely to cause "serious or widespread offence."

Oh my, no! Not serious or widespread offence! Anything but that!

Nitwits.

 

[possenti]

So - where can a guy get a bottle of this stuff? I've looked all over, and can't find anything but ads with not ordering information.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

England is the little country that lost the American Revolution.

that's what i thought...

 

[landon74]

Let's see 40,000+ shooting in the UK last year, yeah we better ban the glass bottle shaped like a rifle, just to be on the safe side....

 

[Sleeping Dog]

So, how much are bottles of pre-ban Kalashnikov selling for over there?

Is this stuff banned on eBay?

Regards

 

[SteveS]

Wouldn't want to sully the wholesome image of alcohol with firearm name!?!?!

 

[Nitram68]

Terrible! I tried to get one of those bottles shaped like an Ak a few years ago but the guy bringing it back with him from Russia had it confiscated along the way

 

[Cool Hand Luke 22:36]

England is the little country that lost the American Revolution.

Twice if you count the War of 1812.

 

[carebear]

England is the little country that lost the American Revolution.

Twice if you count the War of 1812.

Technically, I think they were ahead on points when the game was called on account of France sucking.

 

[PromptCritical]

Preban Vodka. Thats pretty funny. I am trying to buy one of those very bottles. Only one I found was on E-bay for over $200. I guess it's probably worth that, but too steep for me.

As for the british, they should stick with their tea.

 

[Wildalaska]

Technically, I think they were ahead on points when the game was called on account of France sucking.

The Brits did burn Washington, some would call them heroes today

WildroastytoastyAlaska

 

[AZTOY]

So - where can a guy get a bottle of this stuff? I've looked all over, and can't find anything but ads with not ordering information.

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=2198&catid=0

 

[mike1966ga]

As long as you keep in mind, That bottle of "Who hit John" does not go with shooting.

 

[Nightfall]

I guess I shouldn't call names, but... what a bunch of frickin' twits!

 

[Ivy Mike]

c'mon now chaps. This thread is becoming a little anti-social...don't you think?

Strange that a country with such a rich tradition of fine ales, beers, porters and stouts would cry about the name of a spirit or the shape of the bottle.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

The Brits did burn Washington ...

Ok, WildAlaska, since you put it that way, maybe we should invite them back for another round.

But I seem to remember the British burned the town because we burned their town (Fort York?) in Canada first. They rebuilt and it became Toronto. We rebuilt and it became, well, DC. So, who got the better end result?

Regards.