‘The Champagne of Beers’ leaves French producers frothing

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian customs have destroyed more than 2,000 cans of Miller High Life, advertised as the ″Champagne of Beers,” at the request of houses and growers of the bubbly beverage. The Comité Champagne — the body protecting the Champagne designation — asked for the destruction of a shipment of 2,352 cans on the grounds that the term infringes the protected designation of origin “Champagne.” The consignment was intercepted in the Belgian port of Antwerp in early February. Miller High Life, Miller’s oldest brand, was launched as its flagship in 1903. According to its website, the company started to use the “Champagne of beers” nickname three years later. The brand owner said Friday it “respects local restrictions” around the word Champagne.