Days of the Beer; March 25

The beer for today Magic Hat Howl.

On March 25, 1957; United States customs officials seized 520 copies of the poem "Howl", by Allen Ginsberg, for obscenity. In particular one line from the poem really irked them.

"who let themselves be fucked in the ass by saintly motorcyclists, and screamed with joy"

An obscenity trial was brought against Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who ran City Lights bookstore, the publisher. Nine literary experts testified on the poem's behalf. Ferlinghetti won the case when Judge Clayton Horn decided the poem was of "redeeming social importance".

As to the beer:

Howl is the winter seasonal beer from Magic Hat brewery, it's a black lager.

Born of dark, cold and snow in the marrow of the northeast's longest night, HOWL comes in on wailing winds with winter-weary eyes, burning holes in sunless shadows. In its darkened depths our inner voids are warmed. HOWL will remain until your bones are thawed, your spirit is freed... and until there is no longer a need...

A dark, medium-bodied beer with a rich roasted malt flavor and smooth hop bitterness.

The beer comes in at 4.6% ABV.

So, for the confiscation of Howl, go get yourself a HOWL, and try not to get fucked up the ass by motorcyclists.