A cross between a black beer and an ale, this German-inspired, Wisconsin brewed brew is quite probably the first to be named after the Mayan doom date.

2012 Black Ale has been available since March 1, 2010 – or 12.19.17.2.14, according to the Long Count calendar method - and is sold in six-packs of 12-ounce long-neck bottles, plus kegs if you are planning a big party.

Inspiration comes in many forms, according to Joe Martino, Stevens Point Brewery Managing Partner :
“Some doomsayers think it will bring the end of time; others say the world will experience a new beginning,” Martino said. “One thing we do know is 2012 Black Ale will intrigue ale lovers as much as the Mayan calendar intrigues archaeologists, astronomers and doomsday prophets. It’s the right beer to enjoy as we contemplate what may happen after December 21, 2012.”

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-il, has said that 2012 will be the year that his country will “open the grand gates to becoming a rising superpower”. This is likely due to April 15, 2012 being the centenary of the birth of Kim Il-sung, North Korea’s founder.

North Korea’s leaders do not want their people to watch a film in which the Earth is obliterated by a series of massive natural disasters, including earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanic eruptions, wiping out most of the planet, in the year they are due to rise in international stature.

Japan’s Asahi newspaper reported that “numerous” North Koreans caught watching copies of the film smuggled over the border from China have been arrested.

Authorities are prosecuting anyone caught in possession of the film with “a grave provocation against the development of the state,” a charge that carries a possible prison term of five years, the paper reported, citing anonymous sources.

Source: The Telegraph