Minocqua Brewing Company Pledges Half-Price Beer Upon Mitch McConnell's Death

The Minocqua Brewing Company announced it will offer 50 percent discounts on all beer at its Minocqua and Madison taprooms on the day U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell dies. The promotion follows McConnell's hospitalization in June 2026 and a subsequent lack of public updates regarding his health. Owner Kirk Bangstad and the brewery described the senator as a "ghost from Kentucky," speculating that he may have already passed away.

The brewery also criticized Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for failing to call a special election to replace the senator by an August 3 deadline. This follows Beshear's own demands that McConnell either address the public regarding his health or resign from office.

Simultaneously, the brewery is facing legal challenges from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The agency sought to revoke the company's alcohol permit by August 4, alleging the illegal import of canned beer from Illinois without proper permits or taxes. The permit remains active while the brewery pursues an administrative appeal. This controversy follows previous scrutiny from the FBI and Secret Service in April after the brewery offered free beer upon the death of Donald Trump and posted content suggesting the president's assassination.