Brewery Apologizes for Naming One of Its Beers After a Famous Historical Figure

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A Connecticut brewery is apologizing to Indians offended that the company is using Mohandas Gandhi's name and likeness on one of its beers.

New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge apologized over the weekend on its Facebook page for the India pale ale it calls Gandhi-Bot.

(Source: New England Beer Company)

"Our intent is not to offend anyone but rather pay homage and celebrate a man who we respect greatly," the company said.

Critics in the U.S. and India have complained about the commercial use of Gandhi, revered for leading India to independence through nonviolence.

Proloy K. Das, a Hartford lawyer, tweeted that Connecticut "should be ashamed to be home" to New England Brewing. He did not immediately return a call or email seeking comment.

New England Brewing referred questions to its Facebook posting.