diff --git a/cli/recipe/release.go b/cli/recipe/release.go
index 55c29567d..4c9dcfa89 100644
--- a/cli/recipe/release.go
+++ b/cli/recipe/release.go
@@ -129,6 +129,9 @@ You may invoke this command in "wizard" mode and be prompted for input:
 			}
 
 			if err := createReleaseFromTag(recipe, initTag, mainAppVersion); err != nil {
+				if cleanUpErr := cleanUpTag(initTag, recipe.Name); err != nil {
+					logrus.Fatal(cleanUpErr)
+				}
 				logrus.Fatal(err)
 			}
 		}
@@ -410,3 +413,20 @@ func createReleaseFromPreviousTag(tagString, mainAppVersion string, recipe recip
 
 	return nil
 }
+
+// cleanUpTag removes a freshly created tag
+func cleanUpTag(tag, recipeName string) error {
+	directory := path.Join(config.APPS_DIR, recipeName)
+	repo, err := git.PlainOpen(directory)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	if err := repo.DeleteTag(tag); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	logrus.Warn("removed freshly created tag %s")
+
+	return nil
+}