Black and Tan - Irish Controversy With The "Black and Tan"

Irish Controversy With The "Black and Tan"

Contrary to popular belief, the name "Black and Tan" is not used in Ireland as a term for a mixture of two beers. Indeed, the drink has image problems in Ireland and elsewhere due to the association with the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Force, nicknamed the "Black and Tans", which was sent into Ireland in the early 1920s. As a result, in Ireland the name is seen as contentious and disrespectful due to the atrocities committed by these troops.

In March 2006, Ben and Jerry's released an ice cream flavor in the United States for Saint Patrick's Day inspired by the drink; the name offended Irish nationalists because of the paramilitary association. Ben and Jerry's has since apologized. A spokesman told Reuters, "Any reference on our part to the British Army unit was absolutely unintentional and no ill-will was ever intended." In March 2012, the drink's name once more came into the news when Nike, as part of an Irish themed set of designs, released a pair of shoes advertised as the "Black and Tan" and generating offense similar to the earlier Ben and Jerry's ice cream.