Budweiser#Temporarily renamed as America Beer
{{Short description|Brand of beer produced by Anheuser-Busch}}
{{about|the AB InBev brand of beer|the Czech-made Budweiser beer|Budweiser Budvar Brewery|other uses|Budweiser (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox drink
| name = Budweiser
| type = American lager
| abv = 5%, U.S., Netherlands, Thailand, India, Canada, Colombia
4.5% Bottle, Australia
4.5% U.K., Ireland, Australia
3.6% China
| manufacturer = Anheuser–Busch
| origin = United States
| introduced = {{start date and age|1876}}
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
| website = {{URL|budweiser.com/}}
| logo = Budweiser Anheuser-Busch logo.svg
}}
Budweiser ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ʌ|d|w|aɪ|z|ər}}) is an American-style pale lager, a brand of Belgian company AB InBev.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Lisa |date=October 11, 2016 |title=A-B InBev finalizes $100B billion acquisition of SABMiller, creating world's largest beer company |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-megabrew-ab-inbev-sabmiller-merger-20161010-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |location=Chicago |access-date=January 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115132552/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-megabrew-ab-inbev-sabmiller-merger-20161010-story.html |url-status=live }} Introduced in 1876 by Carl Conrad & Co. of St. Louis, Missouri,{{Cite web|url = http://www.sha.org/bottle/pdffiles/CarlConradCo.pdf|title = Carl Conrad & Co. – The Original American Budweiser|year = 2006|access-date = May 30, 2015|website = Society for Historical Archeology|last = Lockhart|first = Bill|display-authors=etal|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150722101021/http://www.sha.org/bottle/pdffiles/CarlConradCo.pdf|archive-date = July 22, 2015|url-status = live}} Budweiser has become a large selling beer company in the United States. Budweiser is a filtered beer, available on draft and in bottles and cans, made with up to 30% rice in addition to hops and barley malt.Protz, R., The Complete Guide to World Beer (2004), {{ISBN|1-84442-865-6}}.
There is an ongoing series of trademark disputes between Anheuser-Busch and the Czech company Budweiser Budvar Brewery over the use of the name. Usually, either Anheuser-Busch or Budweiser Budvar is granted the exclusive use of the Budweiser name in a given market. The Anheuser-Busch lager is available in over 80 countries, but is marketed as "Bud" in areas where Budvar has use of the Budweiser name.
Name origin and dispute
{{Main|Budweiser trademark dispute}}
File:Bud and Budvar.jpg as "Bud" (left). At right is a bottle of Czech Budweiser.]]
The name Budweiser is a German derivative adjective, meaning "of Budweis". Beer has been brewed in Budweis, Bohemia (now České Budějovice, Czech Republic) since it was founded in 1265.{{Cite web|url=http://www.budejovickybudvar.cz/en/o-spolecnosti/historie.html|title=History of the brewery|website=Budějovický Budvar, n.p.|language=en|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=December 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206205509/http://www.budejovickybudvar.cz/en/o-spolecnosti/historie.html|url-status=live}} In 1876, Adolphus Busch and his friend Carl Conrad developed a "Bohemian-style" lager in the United States, inspired after a trip to Bohemia, and produced it in their brewery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Anheuser–Busch has been involved in multiple trademark disputes with the Budweiser Budvar Brewery of České Budějovice over the trademark rights to the name "Budweiser".
In the European Union, except Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Spain, the American beer may only be marketed as Bud, as the Budweiser trademark name is owned solely by the Czech beer maker Budweiser Budvar.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703578104575397070661513504|title=EU Rejects Appeal for Bud Trademark|work=The Wall Street Journal|first1=Susan|last1=Carey|first2=Peppi|last2=Kiviniemi|date=July 29, 2010|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201040734/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703578104575397070661513504|url-status=live}}[http://ekonomika.ihned.cz/c1-45317230-pripad-uzavren-znacka-budweiser-v-eu-patri-do-ceskych-budejovic-rozhodl-soud Případ uzavřen: Značka Budweiser v EU patří do Českých Budějovic, rozhodl soud] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801185548/http://ekonomika.ihned.cz/c1-45317230-pripad-uzavren-znacka-budweiser-v-eu-patri-do-ceskych-budejovic-rozhodl-soud |date=August 1, 2010 }} {{in lang|cs}} In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, both the Budvar and Anheuser–Busch lagers are available under the Budweiser name, though their logos differ.{{cite web |title= Results for "budweiser" |url= https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/search?query=budweiser&icid=tescohp_sws-1_m-sug_in-budweiser_ab-226-b_out-budweiser&preservedReferrer=https://www.tesco.com/ |publisher= TESCO |access-date= May 13, 2021 |archive-date= May 13, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210513093251/https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/search?query=budweiser&icid=tescohp_sws-1_m-sug_in-budweiser_ab-226-b_out-budweiser&preservedReferrer=https://www.tesco.com/ |url-status= live }}
Marketing
The Budweiser from Budějovice has been called "The Beer of Kings" since the 16th century. Adolphus Busch adapted this slogan to "The King of Beers."{{cite web |url=http://www.gamhof.org/bio1.html |title=GAMHOF Adolphus Busch Biography |publisher=GAMHOF – German-American Hall of Fame |year=2008 |access-date=April 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504131220/http://gamhof.org/bio1.html |archive-date=May 4, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last=McGrath Goodman |first=Leah |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Budweiser's Battle for Beer Market Dominance Hinges on the U.S. |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2016/11/11/budweiser-merger-beer-market-516396.html |work=Newsweek |access-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-date=May 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507192047/http://www.newsweek.com/2016/11/11/budweiser-merger-beer-market-516396.html |url-status=live }} This history notwithstanding, Anheuser Busch owns the trademark to these slogans in the United States.{{cite news |last=Manning |first=Rob |date=June 4, 2002 |title=The King of Beers vs. the Beer of Kings |url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-1056-the-king-of-beers-vs-the-beer-of-kings.html |newspaper=Willamette Week |location=Portland, Oregon |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217062950/http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-1056-the-king-of-beers-vs-the-beer-of-kings.html |url-status=live }}
In 1969 AB introduced the Superman-esque advertising character of Bud Man.{{cite web | url=https://www.worthpoint.com/dictionary/p/alcohol-smoking/beer-advertising/budweiser-bud-man | title=Budweiser Bud Man - Guide to Value, Marks, History | WorthPoint Dictionary | access-date=November 21, 2022 | archive-date=November 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121162612/https://www.worthpoint.com/dictionary/p/alcohol-smoking/beer-advertising/budweiser-bud-man | url-status=live }} Bud Man served as one of the inspiration behind several characters including The Simpsons's Duffman.
From 1987 to 1989, Bud Light ran an advertising campaign centered around canine mascot Spuds MacKenzie.{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Kate|title=Bud Light just revived its most controversial mascot of all time|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-bud-light-dog-spuds-mackenzie|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Business Insider|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161516/https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-bud-light-dog-spuds-mackenzie|url-status=live}}
In 2010, the Bud Light brand paid $1 billion for a six-year licensing agreement with the NFL.{{cite web |url=http://www.imrpublications.com/free-samples.aspx?sid=38&rid=2 |title=Beer – global sponsorship analysis |author= |date=n.d. |website=imrpublications.com |publisher=IMR Publications |access-date=March 31, 2017 |quote=In 2010, eyebrows were raised when Bud Light paid a record breaking $1 billion for its six-year deal for NFL rights, roughly twice the amount incumbent, MillerCoors had been paying. Budweiser's rights to the MLB are considerably cheaper at $20m per year. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401144916/http://www.imrpublications.com/free-samples.aspx?sid=38&rid=2 |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |url-status=dead }} Budweiser pays $20 million annually for MLB licensing rights.
Budweiser has produced a number of TV advertisements, such as the Budweiser Frogs,{{Cite web|title=Ad of the Day: Bud Light remixes the famous Budweiser Frogs ad for a new generation|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2017/05/05/ad-the-day-bud-light-remixes-the-famous-budweiser-frogs-ad-new-generation|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=The Drum|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161723/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2017/05/05/ad-the-day-bud-light-remixes-the-famous-budweiser-frogs-ad-new-generation|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|last=Rayman|first=Noah|date=January 30, 2014|title=The 9 Best Super Bowl Beer Commercials Ever|language=en-US|magazine=Time|url=https://business.time.com/2014/02/01/the-9-best-super-bowl-beer-commercials-ever/slide/frogs-1995-budweiser/|access-date=June 5, 2020|issn=0040-781X|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161754/https://business.time.com/2014/02/01/the-9-best-super-bowl-beer-commercials-ever/slide/frogs-1995-budweiser/|url-status=live}} lizards impersonating the Budweiser frogs,{{Cite web|date=May 10, 1998|title=Don't Leap on Budweiser Lizards, Just Enforce the Laws|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-10-fi-48136-story.html|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161648/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-10-fi-48136-story.html|url-status=live}} a campaign built around the phrase "Whassup?",{{Cite web|date=March 19, 2006|title=Budweiser : Wassup|url=https://adage.com/creativity/work/wassup/7177|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=adage.com|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605162748/https://adage.com/creativity/work/wassup/7177|url-status=live}} and a team of Clydesdale horses commonly known as the Budweiser Clydesdales.{{cite news|last=Shikes|first=Jonathan|url=http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2011/08/post_31.php|title=The five most memorable Budweiser Clydesdale commercials; the horses are leaving Fort Collins|work=West World Blogs|date=August 23, 2011|access-date=December 3, 2013|archive-date=December 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206015650/http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/2011/08/post_31.php|url-status=dead}}
Image:DaleEarnhardtJr.Texas2007.jpg's No. 8 Budweiser-sponsored car in 2007]]
Budweiser also advertises in motorsports, from Bernie Little's Miss Budweiser hydroplane boat{{Cite web|date=August 2, 2019|title=After building a dynasty and leaving unlimited hydroplane racing 15 years ago, Miss Budweiser still fuels sport|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/other-sports/15-years-after-building-a-dynasty-and-leaving-unlimited-hydroplane-racing-miss-budweiser-still-fuels-the-sport/|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=The Seattle Times|language=en-US|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605163219/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/other-sports/15-years-after-building-a-dynasty-and-leaving-unlimited-hydroplane-racing-miss-budweiser-still-fuels-the-sport/|url-status=live}} to sponsorship of the Budweiser King Top Fuel Dragster driven by Brandon Bernstein.{{Cite web|date=February 8, 2002|title=Bernstein's Goal: Finish in Fast Lane|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-08-sp-dragsfeature08-story.html|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161516/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-08-sp-dragsfeature08-story.html|url-status=live}} Anheuser-Busch has sponsored the CART championship.{{Cite web|title=CHAMPCAR/CART: Della Penna Gains Budweiser Sponsorship|url=https://us.motorsport.com/indycar/news/champcar-cart-della-penna-gains-budweiser-sponsorship/1698164/|access-date=2022-01-05|website=us.motorsport.com|language=en|archive-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107035325/https://us.motorsport.com/indycar/news/champcar-cart-della-penna-gains-budweiser-sponsorship/1698164/|url-status=live}} It is the "Official Beer of NHRA"{{cite web |url=http://www.testandtune.com/Drag/nhraSponsors.asp |title=NHRA Official Sponsors |author= |date=n.d. |website=testandtune.com |publisher=NHRA |access-date=April 1, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810042342/http://www.testandtune.com/Drag/nhraSponsors.asp |url-status=dead }} and it was the "Official Beer of NASCAR" from 1998 to 2007.{{Cite web|last=Caldwell|first=Dave|title=Anheuser-Busch Taps Into NASCAR's Thirst For An Official Beer|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davecaldwell/2018/03/14/anheuser-busch-taps-into-nascars-search-for-an-official-beer/|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161710/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davecaldwell/2018/03/14/anheuser-busch-taps-into-nascars-search-for-an-official-beer/|url-status=live}} It has sponsored motorsport events such as the Daytona Speedweeks,{{Cite web|last=Weaver|first=Matt|date=February 24, 2012|title=Budweiser to Sponsor Speedweeks and Duel At Daytona Beginning in 2013; drops Shootout sponsorship|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2012/2/24/2821664/budweiser-to-sponsor-speedweeks-and-duel-at-daytona-beginning-in-2013|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=SBNation.com|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605161516/https://www.sbnation.com/2012/2/24/2821664/budweiser-to-sponsor-speedweeks-and-duel-at-daytona-beginning-in-2013|url-status=live}} Budweiser Shootout, Budweiser Duel, Budweiser Pole Award, Budweiser 500, Budweiser 400, Budweiser 300, Budweiser 250, Budweiser 200, and Carolina Pride / Budweiser 200. However, starting in 2016, the focus of A-B's NASCAR sponsorship became its Busch brand.{{Cite web|title = Anheuser-Busch to promote Busch brand in NASCAR starting in 2016|url = http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/kevin-harvick-stewart-haas-racing-budweiser-busch-sponsorship-2016-sprint-cup-series-082415|work = Fox Sports|access-date = February 18, 2016|date = August 24, 2015|archive-date = April 5, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160405082048/http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/kevin-harvick-stewart-haas-racing-budweiser-busch-sponsorship-2016-sprint-cup-series-082415|url-status = live}}
File:Budweiser beer served in glass.jpg
Budweiser has sponsored NASCAR teams such as Junior Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports, DEI, and Stewart-Haas Racing. Sponsored drivers include Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1999–2007), Kasey Kahne (2008–2010), and Kevin Harvick (2011–2015).{{Cite web |title = Kevin Harvick to switch beer sponsorship from Budweiser to Busch |url = https://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2015/8/24/9200857/kevin-harvick-budweiser-busch-beer-sponsorship |website = SBNation.com |access-date = February 18, 2016 |first = Jordan |last = Bianchi |date = August 24, 2015 |archive-date = February 27, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160227150131/http://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2015/8/24/9200857/kevin-harvick-budweiser-busch-beer-sponsorship |url-status = live }} In IndyCar, Budweiser sponsored Mario Andretti (1983–1984), Bobby Rahal (1985–1988),{{Cite web |date=2002-03-20 |title=Bud to sponsor Andretti's Indy 500 car. |url=https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/14638/1/bud-to-sponsor-andrettis-indy-500-car |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Crash |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405002004/https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/14638/1/bud-to-sponsor-andrettis-indy-500-car |url-status=live }} Scott Pruett (1989–1992), Roberto Guerrero (1993), Scott Goodyear (1994), Paul Tracy (1995), Christian Fittipaldi (1996–1997), and Richie Hearn (1998–1999).
Between 2003 and 2006, Budweiser was a sponsor of the BMW Williams Formula One team.
Anheuser-Busch has placed Budweiser as an official partner and sponsor of Major League Soccer and Los Angeles Galaxy and was the headline sponsor of the British Basketball League in the 1990s. Anheuser-Busch has also placed Budweiser as an official sponsor of the Premier League and the presenting sponsor of the FA Cup.
In the early 20th century, the company commissioned a play-on-words song called "Under the Anheuser Bush," which was recorded by several early phonograph companies.
In 2009, Anheuser-Busch partnered with popular Chinese video-sharing site Tudou.com for a user-generated online video contest. The contest encouraged users to submit ideas that included ants for a Bud TV spot set to run in February 2010 during Chinese New Year.{{cite news |last=Madden |first=Normandy |title=Chinese Beer Consumers to Create the Next Budweiser Spot Through Online Contest |url=http://adage.com/globalnews/article?article_id=138666 |work=Advertising Age |date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=August 30, 2009 |archive-date=February 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207033253/http://adage.com/globalnews/article?article_id=138666 |url-status=live }}
In 2010, Budweiser produced an online reality TV series centered around the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa called Bud House, following the lives of 32 international soccer fans (one representing each nation in the World Cup) living together in a house in South Africa.{{cite web |url=http://adage.com/article/news/bud-make-dreams-true/227579/ |title=Bud Will Make Your Dreams Come True |date=May 16, 2011 |work=Advertising Age |access-date=August 27, 2011 |archive-date=May 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507040329/http://adage.com/article/news/bud-make-dreams-true/227579/ |url-status=live }}
Anheuser-Busch advertises the Budweiser brand heavily, expending $449 million in 2012 in the United States alone.{{cite magazine |author= |date=July 8, 2013 |title=Infographic: Meet America's 25 Biggest Advertisers |url=http://adage.com/article/news/meet-america-s-25-biggest-advertisers/242969/ |magazine=Advertising Age |location=Detroit |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222100812/http://adage.com/article/news/meet-america-s-25-biggest-advertisers/242969/ |url-status=live }} Presenting Budweiser as the most advertised drink brand in America, and accounted for a third of the company's US marketing budget.{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/192158/us-ad-spending-of-anheuser-busch-inbev/ |title=Anheuser-Busch InBev's advertising spending in the United States from 2009 to 2014 (in billion U.S. dollars) |author= |date=n.d. |website=statista.com |publisher=Statista |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217063139/https://www.statista.com/statistics/192158/us-ad-spending-of-anheuser-busch-inbev/ |url-status=live }}
On November 5, 2012, Anheuser-Busch asked Paramount Pictures to obscure or remove the Budweiser logo from the film Flight (2012), directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Denzel Washington.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/apnewsbreak-this-buds-not-for-you-anheuser-busch-wants-budweiser-removed-from-film-flight/2012/11/05/fcc86832-27a8-11e2-ac64-5d52a2c5953e_story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209013539/http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/apnewsbreak-this-buds-not-for-you-anheuser-busch-wants-budweiser-removed-from-film-flight/2012/11/05/fcc86832-27a8-11e2-ac64-5d52a2c5953e_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2013|title=APNewsBreak: This Bud's not for you: Anheuser-Busch wants Budweiser removed from film 'Flight'|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 5, 2012|access-date=November 6, 2012}}
In an advertisement titled "Brewed the Hard Way" which aired during Super Bowl XLIX, Budweiser touted itself as "Proudly A Macro Beer", distinguishing it from smaller production craft beers.{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/special-report-super-bowl/bud-proudly-macro-swagger-filled-super-bowl-ad/296932/ |title=Bud Is Proudly 'Macro' Amid Micro-Brews in Swagger-Filled Super Bowl Ad |work=Advertising Age |date=February 1, 2015 |access-date=February 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202210400/http://adage.com/article/special-report-super-bowl/bud-proudly-macro-swagger-filled-super-bowl-ad/296932/ |archive-date=February 2, 2015 }}
In 2016, Beer Park by Budweiser opened on the Las Vegas Strip.{{cite web |url=https://www.fb101.com/2015/11/beer-park-by-budweiser/ |title=Beer Park by Budweiser |date=November 24, 2015 |publisher=Food & Beverage Magazine |access-date=January 23, 2016 |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128132306/https://www.fb101.com/2015/11/beer-park-by-budweiser/ |url-status=dead }}
On October 7, 2016, the Budweiser Clydesdales made a special appearance on the Danforth Campus at Washington University in St. Louis ahead of the presidential debate. A special batch beer named Lilly's Lager was exclusively brewed for the occasion.{{Cite web|url=https://debate.wustl.edu/here-come-the-clydesdales/|title=The mane event: Clydesdales to parade through campus|date=October 5, 2016|website=2016 Presidential Debate|language=en-US|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804011536/https://debate.wustl.edu/here-come-the-clydesdales/|url-status=live}}
In December 2020, Budweiser sent personalized bottles of beer to every goalkeeper who Lionel Messi had scored against.{{cite web |url=https://www.givemesport.com/1631804-lionel-messi-which-goalkeepers-got-the-644-bottles-of-budweiser-beer |title=Lionel Messi: Which goalkeepers got the 644 bottles of Budweiser beer? |website=GiveMeSport |date=December 27, 2020 |access-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113111624/https://www.givemesport.com/1631804-lionel-messi-which-goalkeepers-got-the-644-bottles-of-budweiser-beer |url-status=live }}
Containers and packaging
Image:StLouisABPackaging Plant.JPG headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri]]
=Containers=
Budweiser has been distributed in many sizes and variety of containers. Until the early 1950s, Budweiser was primarily distributed in three packages: kegs, {{convert|12|U.S.floz|mL|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} bottles and {{convert|1|usqt|L}} bottles. Cans were first introduced in 1936.{{cite web|url=http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/index.php/our-heritage/history/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106110755/http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/index.php/our-heritage/history/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2012|title=Official website: Our History|access-date=August 27, 2011}} In 1955 August Busch Jr.{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9000617/August-Anheuser-Busch-Jr |title=August Anheuser Busch Jr. – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |date=September 29, 1989 |access-date=September 30, 2010 |archive-date=February 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226155307/http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9000617/August-Anheuser-Busch-Jr |url-status=live }} made a strategic move to expand Budweiser's national brand and distributor presence. Along with this expansion came advances in bottling automation, bottling materials and distribution methods. These advances brought new containers and package designs. {{As of|2011}} Budweiser is distributed in four large container volumes: half-barrel kegs ({{Convert|1/2|USbeerbbl|USgal+l|sigfig=3|disp=out}}), quarter-barrel kegs ({{Convert|1/4|USbeerbbl|USgal+l|sigfig=3|disp=out}}), 1/6 barrel kegs ({{Convert|1/6|USbeerbbl|USgal+l|sigfig=3|disp=out}}) and {{Convert|5.2|USgal|l}} "beer balls". Budweiser produces a variety of cans and bottles ranging from {{convert|7|-|40|USfloz}}. On August 3, 2011, Anheuser-Busch announced its twelfth can design since 1936, one which emphasizes the bowtie.{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/08/03/2313953/business-briefs.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204190406/http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/08/03/2313953/business-briefs.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |title=Business Briefs |work=The Sun News |date=August 3, 2011 |access-date=August 3, 2011 }}
Packages are sometimes tailored to local customs and traditions. In St. Mary's County, Maryland, {{convert|10|USfloz|abbr=on}} fluid ounce cans{{cite web |url=http://www.gazette.net/stories/111705/busipgl154036_31896.shtml |title=St. Mary's celebrates 10-ounce beer |publisher=Gazette.net |access-date=September 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012230823/http://www.gazette.net/stories/111705/busipgl154036_31896.shtml |archive-date=October 12, 2018 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5336207 |title=Where the 10-Ounce Bud Is the King of Beers |newspaper=NPR.org |publisher=NPR |access-date=September 30, 2010 |archive-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028230755/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5336207 |url-status=live }} are the preferred package.
=Cans=
In an attempt to re-stimulate interest in their beer after the repeal of Prohibition, Budweiser began canning their beer in 1936. This new packaging led to an increase in sales which lasted until the start of World War II in 1939.{{cite web|url=http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/index.php/our-heritage/history/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106110755/http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/index.php/our-heritage/history/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2012|title=Official website: Our History|access-date=February 20, 2012}}
Over the years, Budweiser cans have undergone various design changes in response to market conditions and consumer tastes. Since 1936, 12 major can design changes have occurred, not including the temporary special edition designs.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/anheuser-busch/bud_design/main.html|title=Budweiser Unveils New "Bowtie" Design|access-date=February 20, 2012|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214113812/http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/anheuser-busch/bud_design/main.html|url-status=live}}
Budweiser cans have traditionally displayed patriotic American symbols, such as eagles and the colors red, white, and blue. In 2011, there was a branding redesign that eliminated some of the traditional imagery. The new design was largely in response to a large decline in sales threatening Budweiser's status as America's best-selling beer.{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/news/budweiser-cans-a/229076/|title=Budweiser Cans Get a New Look—the Bow Tie|date=August 3, 2011|access-date=March 2, 2012|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805205757/http://adage.com/article/news/budweiser-cans-a/229076/|url-status=live}} In order to regain the domestic market share that Budweiser had lost, the company tried to update its appearance by giving the can a more contemporary look. The company hoped that the new design will offset the effects that unemployment had on its sales.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=14223187#.T1FyB_USYTA|title=Budweiser Can Redesigned|website=ABC News|access-date=March 2, 2012}}{{dead link|date=February 2013}} Although the more modern design was intended for young male Americans, the new design was also part of an attempt to focus on the international market. Budweiser began selling its beer in Russia in 2010, and is currently expanding its operations in China.
The beer
Image:Budweiser beverage delivery truck Romulus Michigan.JPG]]
Budweiser is produced using malted barley, rice, water, hops and yeast. The brewing happens in seven steps: milling, mashing, straining, brew kettle, primary fermentation, beechwood lagering and finishing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.budweisertours.com/commitment-to-quality/brewing-process.html|title=Brewing Process {{!}} Commitment to Quality|website=www.budweisertours.com|access-date=August 8, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808211204/https://www.budweisertours.com/commitment-to-quality/brewing-process.html|url-status=dead}} It is lagered with beechwood chips in the aging vessel. Because the beechwood chips are boiled in sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for seven hours beforehand, there is little to no flavor contribution from the wood.{{Cite web |title=The Oxford Companion to Beer Definition of beechwood chips |url=http://beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/2mEFk1wLW0/ |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=Craft Beer & Brewing |language=en |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819065343/http://beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/2mEFk1wLW0/ |url-status=live }}
The maturation tanks that Anheuser-Busch uses are horizontal, causing flocculation of yeast to occur much more quickly. Anheuser-Busch refers to this process as a secondary fermentation, with the idea being that the chips give the yeast more surface area to rest on. This is combined with a krausening procedure that re-introduces wort into the chip tank, reactivating the fermentation process.
Placing beechwood chips at the bottom of the tank keeps the yeast in suspension longer, giving it more time to reabsorb and process green beer flavors such as acetaldehyde and diacetyl that Anheuser-Busch believes are off-flavors which detract from overall drinkability.
Budweiser and Bud Light are sometimes advertised as vegan beers, in that their ingredients and conditioning do not use animal by-products. Some people object to the inclusion of genetically engineered rice{{cite web | url=http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press-center/releases2/greenpeace-exposes-anheuser-bu# | title=Greenpeace Exposes Anheuser Busch's Use of Genetically Engineered Rice in Beer Brewing Process | publisher=Greenpeace | date=October 8, 2007 | access-date=December 26, 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128193838/http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press-center/releases2/greenpeace-exposes-anheuser-bu | archive-date=November 28, 2007 | df=mdy-all }} and animal products used in the brewing process. In July 2006, Anheuser-Busch brewed a version of Budweiser with organic rice for sale in Mexico. It has yet to extend this practice to any other countries.
Budweiser brands
{{Main|Anheuser-Busch brands#Budweiser}}
In addition to the regular Budweiser, Anheuser-Busch brews several different beers under the Budweiser brand, including Bud Light, Bud Ice, and Bud Light Lime.
In July 2010, Anheuser-Busch launched Budweiser 66 in the United Kingdom. Budweiser Brew No.66 has 4% alcohol by volume, and is brewed and distributed in the UK by Inbev UK Limited.
In 2020, Budweiser introduced Bud Light Seltzer.{{Cite web|last=Woods|first=Bob|date=November 16, 2019|title=Anheuser-Busch invests $100 million in hard seltzer, the new drink craze|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/16/anheuser-busch-invests-100-million-in-hard-seltzer-the-drink-craze.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121224838/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/16/anheuser-busch-invests-100-million-in-hard-seltzer-the-drink-craze.html|url-status=live}} In August 2020, Bud Light Seltzers added grapefruit, cranberry and pineapple flavors,{{Cite web|last=Settembre|first=Jeanette|date=August 28, 2020|title=Bud Light Seltzer rolls out new flavors amid aluminum can shortage|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/bud-light-seltzer-new-flavors-amid-aluminum-can-shortage|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=FOXBusiness|language=en-US|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127041310/https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/bud-light-seltzer-new-flavors-amid-aluminum-can-shortage|url-status=live}} to its original offerings of black cherry, mango, lemon lime and strawberry.{{Cite web|first=Hannah|last=Prokop|date=November 14, 2019|title=Bud Light Seltzer to Enter Market in First-Quarter 2020|url=https://www.cspdailynews.com/beverages/bud-light-seltzer-enter-market-first-quarter-2020|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CSP Daily News|language=en|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919150432/https://www.cspdailynews.com/beverages/bud-light-seltzer-enter-market-first-quarter-2020|url-status=live}} In October 2020, Bud Light Seltzers added Apple Crisp, Peppermint Pattie, and Gingersnap,{{Cite web|first=Jordan|last=Valinsky|title=Bud Light gets festive with new holiday hard seltzer flavors|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/27/business/bud-light-seltzer-holiday-flavors/index.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CNN|date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107010901/https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/27/business/bud-light-seltzer-holiday-flavors/index.html|url-status=live}} with the cans sporting "ugly sweater" designs.{{Cite web|last=Salaky|first=Kristin|date=October 27, 2020|title=Bud Light Is Releasing An Ugly Sweater Seltzer Pack Of Holiday Flavors Including Peppermint Pattie|url=https://www.delish.com/food-news/a34496015/bud-light-seltzer-ugly-sweater-pack/|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=Delish|language=en-US|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118000815/https://www.delish.com/food-news/a34496015/bud-light-seltzer-ugly-sweater-pack/|url-status=live}}
In July 2020, Budweiser introduced Bud Zero, its first alcohol-free low-calorie beer.{{Cite web|first=Jordan|last=Valinsky|title=Budweiser's new beer is missing a key ingredient: Alcohol|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/28/business/budweiser-zero-launch/index.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CNN|date=July 28, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127060359/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/28/business/budweiser-zero-launch/index.html|url-status=live}} It has zero sugar, zero alcohol, and 50 calories.{{Cite web|title=Budweiser Zero|url=https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/93346-budweiser-zero?v=preview|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=www.bevindustry.com|language=en|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127073454/https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/93346-budweiser-zero?v=preview|url-status=live}}
Temporary "America" labeling
On May 10, 2016, Advertising Age reported that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau had approved new Budweiser labels to be used on 12-ounce cans and bottles from May 23 until the November elections.{{cite news|url=http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/a-b-inbev-replace-budweiser-america-packs/303918/|title=A-B InBev Looks to Replace Budweiser With 'America' on Packs|last=Schultz|first=E.J.|work=Advertising Age|date=May 6, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509085131/http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/a-b-inbev-replace-budweiser-america-packs/303918/|url-status=live}} The name "Budweiser" was changed to "America". Much of the text on the packaging was replaced with patriotic American slogans, such as E pluribus unum and "Liberty & Justice For All".{{cite news|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article76712762.html|title=Not a joke: Budweiser will rename beer 'America'|last=Irby|first=Kate|work=The Sun News|publisher=McClatchy Newspapers|date=May 10, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|archive-date=May 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511140110/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article76712762.html|url-status=live}}
International production
Budweiser is licensed, produced and distributed in Canada by Labatt Brewing Company (also owned by AB InBev).{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/molson-amphitheatre-to-budweiser-stage-1.3923879|title=The Molson Amphitheatre is now the Budweiser Stage, and not everyone is happy about it|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=January 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106145901/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/molson-amphitheatre-to-budweiser-stage-1.3923879|url-status=live}} Of the 15 Anheuser-Busch breweries outside of the United States, 14 of them are positioned in China. Budweiser is the fourth leading brand in the Chinese beer market.{{cite web|url=http://blog.btrax.com/en/2010/07/24/an-average-us-brand-in-the-china-market-the-budweiser-story/|title=An Average US Brand in the China Market – The Budweiser Story|access-date=February 20, 2012|archive-date=May 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512005614/http://blog.btrax.com/en/2010/07/24/an-average-us-brand-in-the-china-market-the-budweiser-story/|url-status=live}}
See also
{{Portal|Beer|Drink}}
- Beer Wars (2009), documentary film about the American beer industry
- Ulterior Emotions (2002) – an album released by Anheuser Busch as part of their "Bud Light Institute" campaign[https://astyletips.com/budweiser/ New Budweiser Beer] “The King of Beers” Specification Manufacturing
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{official website}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100131003835/http://www.budbelgium.com/ Belgian official Budweiser website] (archived 31 January 2010)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20200614235538/http://gogd.tjs-labs.com/gallery-view.php?product=budweiser Collection of mid-twentieth century advertising featuring Budweiser beer] from the TJS Labs Gallery of Graphic Design (archived 14 June 2020)
{{Anheuser-Busch InBev}}
{{Beer in the United States}}
{{authority control}}