Polygamy Porter and four other religious beers
Joanna writes: A lovely tailpiece in The Times letters page today "Sir, One of my favourite American beers is Polygamy Porter, sold throughout the state of Utah (including Salt Lake City) marketed under the slogan 'Why stop at one?'" Paul Buyers Bedford. And indeed it exists...here
This prompts at look at other religiously inspired brews:
These Trappist Monks brew an exclusive beer called the Trappist that can only be purchased by reservation on the "beer phone". They're based in Flanders. You call, reserve, they give you a time to call back, you make an appointment with the operator, and give the licence plate number of the car that will make the collection. All vital when dealing with a silent order.
Avery Brewing has a range of beers called Holy Trinity because the company started with three beers to their name: The Reverend, Hog Heaven, and Salvation.
Orval is another tipple from a Trappist monastery in Belgium, their profits from the licence fee go to charity.
The monks in Pennsylvania defended themselves against accusations they were profiting from the sale of their beer in a letter to the New York Times in 1895.
If that's not enough to work up a thirst there's a history of Beer Saints here.
LIBBY PURVES ADDS:
I happen to own two Nativity scenes made entirely out of beermats, cunningly using the religious symbols innate in beer labels. Vernon Rose and Roger Hardy made them in their peerless exhibition of beermat art. When I get home I shall take a photo for your delight. L.

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