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Anheuser-Busch brands
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Anheuser-Busch is the largest brewing company in the United States, with a market share of 45 percent in 2016.[1] A wholly owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Anheuser-Busch operates 12 breweries in the United States and nearly 20 in other countries, which increased after Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV acquired SABMiller in 2016.[2] Brands include Budweiser, Busch, Michelob, Bud Light, and Natural Light. As of September 2025 Michelob Ultra is the top selling beer in America.[3][4]
Budweiser
[edit]Budweiser
[edit]Budweiser is a 5.0% ABV Adjunct pale lager introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch and long one of the best selling beers in the United States.[5] It is made with up to 30% rice in addition to hops and barley malt.[6] Budweiser is produced in breweries around the United States and the world. It is a filtered beer available in draught and packaged forms. Lower strength versions are distributed in regions with restrictive alcohol laws.
Budweiser Select
[edit]Budweiser Select, or Bud Select, is a light pale lager that contains 4.3% ABV and 99 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,170 kJ/L).[7] Anheuser-Busch has aggressively promoted Budweiser Select. Its slogan was "The Real Deal". The company hired Jay-Z as a spokesman for the brand.
Budweiser Select 55
[edit]A version of Budweiser Select that contains 55 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (650 kJ/L) is "a direct counterstrike to Miller's MGD 64" according to Anheuser-Busch officials. Budweiser currently claims that it is the lightest beer in the world. The food energy in both Miller's MGD 64 and Budweiser's Select 55 have been reduced simply by lowering the fermentables content. MGD 64 has only 2.8% alcohol content and some Select 55 states "alcohol content not more than 3.2% by weight / 4% by volume", possibly to allow its sale in areas where that is the limit. The actual alcohol content of "55" is reported to be 2.4% ABV; by comparison, most American lagers have around 5%.
Budweiser 66
[edit]Budweiser Brew No. 66 is a 4% alcohol by volume lager that is brewed and distributed in the United Kingdom by InBev UK Limited. Launched in July 2010, Budweiser 66 has 84 Calories in a 300 CM^3 serving (just over 10 oz).[8]
Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve
[edit]A 6.1% ABV amber lager style introduced in November 2017, inspired by a pre-prohibition recipe.
Budweiser Zero
[edit]Shortly after Prohibition Brew's discontinuation, InBev announced a new non-alcohol beer drink called Budweiser Zero. NBA player Dwyane Wade partnered with the company in the creation of the drink, stating "it was personal to me because of my mom's and dad's journey through addiction" and called the drink "a can that gives you that encouragement" while attempting to avoid alcohol.[9][10] In May 2022, InBev announced that they were falling short of their previously stated goal of 20% of their beverage volume being alcohol free, having reached 6% saturation at the time.[11]
The drink features zero sugar, zero alcohol, zero carbs, and fifty calories. Various promotions tied to the product have been offered, such as free Uber rides.[12] It has been received with mixed reviews. InBev has received negative press from critics with complaints such as "who drinks Budweiser for the taste", and The Week calling it "an attack on American values".[13] It has mixed to positive reviews among taste testers, being praised to its beer-like appearance and taste, and slightly criticized for being bland in flavor.[14][15][16]
Bud Light
[edit]
Introduced in 1982 as Budweiser Light,[17] it is Budweiser's flagship low-calorie beverage,[18] advertised as a light beer with 4.2% ABV and 110 calories per 12 US fl oz (355 mL) serving (1,300 kJ/L).[19]
Launching at Super Bowl XIX in 1985, the "Gimme a Light" ad campaign propelled, by 1994, the brand beyond Miller Lite, the original category definer.[20]
From 1987 to 1989, Spuds MacKenzie, a bull terrier was used as a mascot in the Bud Light commercials.
From 1993 to 1998, Bud Light aired 30-second commercials featuring Rob and Laura from the CBS series The Dick Van Dyke Show. The Bud Light King and Queen along with the Bud Knight characters were later created for commercials.
2023 boycott
[edit]On April 1, 2023, Bud Light sent transgender social media personality Dylan Mulvaney custom Bud Light cans featuring Mulvaney's face to celebrate the anniversary of Mulvaney's "365 Days of Girlhood" series, which documented Mulvaney's gender transition.[21][22] In response, several notable figures on the American right called for a boycott of the company.[23][22]
On April 14, 2023, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement saying, "We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people."[24] Whitworth's statement was characterized by The Washington Post as a "vaguely apologetic statement [that] satisfied seemingly no one."[25] On April 20, 2023, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke out against the rhetoric of "violence and vitriol" against transgender Americans by those boycotting the beverage.[26] In late April, a spokesperson for Anheuser-Busch said that two executives – Bud Light's vice president of marketing and her boss – would take leaves of absence.[27][28][29][30]
In the month following the advertisement, Bud Light sales dropped 13.7 percent.[31][32][33] During a May 4, 2023, conference call with investors, Anheuser-Busch InBev's CEO Michel Doukeris said the drop in Bud Light sales "would represent around 1% of our overall global volumes for that period".[34][35] Doukeris also said that the company would triple Bud Light's advertising budget in the upcoming months in an attempt to recover billions of dollars of lost sales.[36][37]
In June 2023, Bud Light announced that as promotion for the 2023 Fourth of July weekend, they would be offering $15 coupons on purchasing 15-pack Bud Lights, which means the beer would be free via some stores that sell it at a discount lower than $15.[38]
Bud Light Platinum
[edit]A slightly sweeter, higher alcohol version of Bud Light launched in early 2012, with 6% ABV. This product is noted for being packaged in a new translucent blue glass bottle. Bud Light Platinum has 139 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,640 kJ/L), 8 fewer than a regular Budweiser.
Bud Light Apple
[edit]Bud Light with apple flavor added. It has 151 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,780 kJ/L). Released in 2015 with 4.2% ABV.
Bud Light Peels
[edit]These beers make up the Bud Light citrus portfolio.[39]
Bud Light Lemonade
[edit]Bud Light made with real lemonade. It has 149 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,760 kJ/L). Released in May 2020 with 4.2% alcohol content, the same alcohol content as Bud Light.
Bud Light Lime
[edit]Bud Light with lime flavor added. It has 116 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,370 kJ/L). Released in May 2008 with 4.2% alcohol content, the same alcohol content as Bud Light.
Bud Light Orange
[edit]Bud Light made with orange peels. It has 142 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,670 kJ/L). Released in April 2018 with 4.2% alcohol content, the same alcohol content as Bud Light.
Bud Light Seltzer
[edit]Bud Light released their own alcoholic seltzer water beverage in mid-January 2020.[40] The four flavors available include black cherry, watermelon, tangerine, mango, and are made from cane sugar and fruit flavor. Each can has 100 calories per 12 US fl oz serving and has 5% ABV.[41][40]
Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas
[edit]Since April 2012, AB has released a line of 8% alcohol by volume (6% ABV in Canada)[42] flavored malt beverages titled "Bud Light Lime Ritas", with its flagship flavor being the "Lime-a-Rita", a lime flavored beverage. The drinks are available in a twenty-five ounce can, as well as a twelve-pack of eight ounce cans. Since then, AB has released the strawberry-flavored "Straw-Ber-Rita", the mango flavored "Mang-o-Rita", and the raspberry flavored "Raz-Ber-Rita". For the winter 2013 season, AB released the cranberry-flavored "Cran-Brrr-Rita" as well, and wound up extending it through January and February 2014 due to strong sales.[43] After the release of the "Mang-o-Rita" and "Raz-Ber-Rita", A-B released an eighteen-pack case containing six "Lime-a-Ritas", four "Straw-Ber-Ritas", four "Mang-o-Ritas", and four "Raz-Ber-Ritas".[44]
In August 2014, A-B released a new fall seasonal extension for their "Rita" line, "Apple-Ahh-Rita", an apple-flavored margarita sold until November 2014.[45]
In February 2015, A-B released a new summer seasonal extension for their "Rita" line, "Lemon-Ade-Rita", a lemonade flavored margarita.[46]
In summer 2016, A-B released the newest "rita" flavor of their line named "Water-melon-rita", a watermelon flavored margarita. A-B also released the "Grape-Ahh-Rita", a grape flavored margarita. In fall 2016, A-B released the new "Cherry-Ahh-Rita", a cherry-flavored margarita.
In summer 2017, A-B released the new "Peach-A-Rita". A-B also released the new "Orange-A-Rita", in certain states and the "Grape-Ahh-Rita" was renamed "Grape-A-Rita". Also in summer 2017, A-B introduced "Splash by Lime-A-Rita", a line of lighter Lime-A-Ritas with less alcohol, calories, and carbs available in three flavors; the existing "Straw-Ber-Rita" and the two new flavors "Pine-Apple-Rita" and "Coco-Nut-Rita". In the fall of 2017, A-B introduced Pome-Granate-Rita.
In 2018, A-B introduced several flavors, including, Pine-Apple-Rita, Coco-Nut-Rita, Grape-Fruit-Rita, Berry-A-Rita, and brought back the watermelon flavor.
In 2019, Passion-Fruit-Rita and Cherry-Lime-Rita were introduced and cranberry came back. In 2020, A-B introduced Guav-A-Rita.[47]
Bud Ice
[edit]Introduced in October 1993[48] as Ice by Budweiser, it has more alcohol (5.5% ABV) than Budweiser. It is best known for an advertising campaign that involved a malevolent penguin that stalked Bud Ice drinkers and stole their beer, announcing its presence by singing the "doo-be-doo-be-doo" phrase from "Strangers in the Night".
Bud Extra
[edit]A beer with caffeine, ginseng, guarana and alcohol. It contains 6.6% ABV. It was marketed as a caffeinated malt beverage, similar to Sparks. On June 26, 2008, Anheuser-Busch announced that it would remove caffeine and guarana from the beverage in response to concerns that the product was being marketed to consumers under the age of 21.
Budweiser/Bud Light Chelada
[edit]A blend of Budweiser or Bud Light and Clamato. This beverage became available nationally in late 2007.[citation needed]
Discontinued
[edit]Budweiser American Ale
[edit]Budweiser American Ale debuted in 2008. The beer was claimed to offer complex taste without much bitterness. American Ale had a distinctive hoppier flavor than other Anheuser-Busch beers, in an attempt to capture some of the American craft beer market, although most American craft beers are hoppier. American Ale was the first beer under the Budweiser name that was brewed with a top fermenting yeast. The beer's darker color was a departure from the other Budweiser brands. Production was discontinued by 2011.
Budweiser Brew Masters' Private Reserve
[edit]Budweiser Brew Masters' Private Reserve is an all-malt lager with a honey color and robust taste. It is based on a "Budweiser brewmaster holiday tradition of collecting the richest part of the batch which [clarification needed] is tapped to the brew kettles to toast the holiday season."[49]
Budweiser Malt Liquor
[edit]Introduced in limited test markets between 1970 and 1973, its slogan was "The first malt liquor good enough to bear the name."[50]
Budweiser Prohibition Brew
[edit]In 2015, AB InBev committed to ensuring that low-alcohol and nonalcoholic beers would represent at least 20% of its global beer volume by 2025.[51] They followed the announcement by launching their Prohibition Brew-branded non-alcoholic drink and introduced it to the Canadian market in 2016.[52] It was brewed in the same method as Budweiser, with the alcohol removed via evaporation.[53] It was discontinued in 2020, in favor of a new non-alcoholic beer brand, Budweiser Zero, which features a different recipe and a partnership with professional NBA player Dwyane Wade.[54][55]
Bud Dry
[edit]Bud Dry was introduced nationally in the U.S. in April 1990[56] with the slogan of "Why ask why? Try Bud Dry." It was originally successful in test markets and was expected to be a popular beer with the rise in light lager popularity. Dry beer is a form of pale lager where the sugars are more fully fermented to give a less sweet beer. It is also known as the Diät-Pils style. However, after the introduction of Bud Ice in 1994, Bud Dry was not heavily marketed. Production was discontinued in December 2010.
Bud Ice Light
[edit]Bud Ice Light contains 5.0% ABV and 115 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,360 kJ/L). It undergoes fractional freezing, which Bud Light does not undergo. It was discontinued in 2010.
Bud Light Golden Wheat
[edit]Bud Light Golden Wheat, a Hefeweizen based on the classic German wheat beer, was introduced on October 5, 2009, in response to the increase such beers produced by American craft brewers. It had 118 calories per 12 US fl oz serving (1,390 kJ/L), 8.3 grams of carbohydrates and 4.1% alcohol by volume. Production was discontinued in 2012.[57]
Bud Silver
[edit]An attempt to appeal to the tastes of beer drinkers in the United Kingdom, this specially brewed beer contained 4.2% alcohol by volume. It was discontinued in 2006 after it failed to meet sales expectations.[58]
Red Wolf
[edit]A red ale marketed during the 1990s in the United States. It was enjoyed by some consumers, but neither as well known nor as popular as other Anheuser-Busch brands. Discontinued c. 2000.[59]
Michelob
[edit]
Michelob (/ˈmɪk.ə.loʊb/) is a 4.2% ABV pale lager developed by Adolphus Busch in 1896 as a "draught beer for connoisseurs".[60] Michelob is the German name for the market town of Měcholupy, now in the Czech Republic, known for its brewing tradition. As of September 2025, Michelob Ultra, a reduced carbohydrate brew, was the #1 selling beer in the United States, displacing Modelo Especial, which had held the top rank since June 2023 when it overtook Bud Light following backlash against the company over the Dylan Mulvaney promotion.[3][4]
Michelob began its ascent towards becoming a popular national brand in 1961, when Anheuser-Busch produced a pasteurized version of the beer which allowed its legal shipment across state lines.[citation needed] Bottled beer began to be shipped soon after, and the brand was introduced in cans in 1966. Bottled Michelob was originally sold in a uniquely shaped bottle named the teardrop bottle because it resembled a water droplet. The teardrop bottle was awarded a medal from the Institute of Design in 1962. Five years later the bottle was redesigned for efficiency in the production line. This bottle was used until 2002 when it was dropped in favor of a traditional bottle. The teardrop bottle was used again from January 2007 to October 2008.
Brand variation
[edit]The company introduced Michelob Light in 1978. Michelob Classic Dark was made available in 1981 in kegs, with a bottled version following three years later. In 1991, Michelob Golden Draft was introduced to compete against Miller Genuine Draft in the Midwest.
The year 1997 saw the introduction of several specialty beers under the Michelob marquee. These include:
- Michelob Honey Lager
- Michelob Pale Ale
- Michelob Marzen
- Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale
- Michelob Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale
AmberBock is a 5.1% ABV amber lager which uses roasted black barley malt in the ingredients, and which received a World Beer Cup Bronze Medal in 1998.
From the beginning, the specialty beers have had a very limited distribution. The chief outlet has been through a "holiday sampler pack" produced during the Christmas holiday season. Other specialty beers that are no longer in production include Michelob Hefeweizen and Michelob Black & Tan. Some (notably Michelob AmberBock) have subsequently gone into larger production, while others have not. The brewery continues to experiment with specialty beers—in 2005 an oak-aged vanilla beer was sold under the Michelob logo, available in single pints. In 2006, Michelob added a chocolate beer to the oak-aged vanilla Celebrate holiday season beer released a year earlier. Michelob also brewed Michelob Bavarian Style Wheat and Michelob Porter for its "holiday sampler pack". In 2007, Michelob launched its Seasonal Specialty Line. These include:
- Michelob Bavarian Wheat (summer)
- Michelob Marzen (fall)
- Michelob Porter (winter)
- Michelob Pale Ale (spring)
The early 21st century saw in the U.S. a demand for diet beer similar to that of the early 1970s; and in 2002, the Michelob line responded with the introduction of Michelob Ultra, advertised as being low in carbohydrates. Later, Michelob Ultra Amber (a darker, more flavorful beer) was added to this sub-line.
According to a report by Beer Marketer's Insights and published by USA Today on December 9, 2013, sales of Michelob Light declined by nearly 70% between 2007 and 2012. The article listed Michelob Light as one of "nine beers many Americans no longer drink".[61]
All fruit flavors have the following nutrition content: 107 calories, 6.0g carbs, 0.5g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz bottle.
Marketing
[edit]Advertisements for Michelob Ultra feature people engaged in sporting activities. The Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill and Michelob Ultra Futures Players Championship, were sponsored by Michelob Ultra. Michelob Ultra serves as a presenting sponsor of the Tour of Missouri bicycle race and sponsors the King of the Mountains jersey. Michelob also sponsors the Rugby Super League, and many of its teams have shirt sponsorships with its AmberBock brand. PGA Tour players Sergio García and Brooks Koepka are both sponsored by Michelob, as well as veteran beach volleyball player Kerry Walsh. Lance Armstrong signed on October 6, 2009, a three-year agreement to become Michelob Ultra's new spokesperson and ambassador, but was dropped by the company in 2012 after being accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.[62]
Michelob sponsored several episodes of the Diggnation podcast. The hosts, Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, sampled the beer during the show and several episodes included interviews with the company's head brew-master to discuss the different products that can be found in the sampler packs. Also, an episode of the show was filmed inside the Michelob brewery.[citation needed]
Michelob is famous for its late-1980s TV commercials that used the slogan, "The night belongs to Michelob", which centered on its "night" theme and used songs that had the word "night" or a form of the word "night" in its title, including "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra, "Move Better in the Night" by Roger Daltrey, "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" by Genesis, "Don't You Know What the Night Can Do?" and "Talking Back to the Night" by Steve Winwood, and a new recording of "After Midnight" by Eric Clapton. In the 1980s and 1990s, Michelob used the slogan "Some days are better than others".[citation needed]
In February 2023, Williams Racing announced a multi-year partnership with Michelob Ultra.[63] This reunites Williams with Anheuser-Busch for the first time since 2006 when Budweiser sponsored the then-BMW WilliamsF1 Team from 2003.[64]
In June 2025, FIFA announced that the official beer of the Club World Cup was Michelob Ultra.
Rolling Rock
[edit]Rolling Rock is a 4.4% ABV pale lager launched in 1939 by the Latrobe Brewing Company. In May 2006, Anheuser-Busch purchased the Rolling Rock brand from InBev for $82 million (equivalent to $128m in 2024) and began brewing Rolling Rock at its Newark facility in mid July 2006.[65] Other pale lagers marketed under the Rolling Rock brand name are Rock Green Light, 3.7% ABV, and Rock Light, 3.5%; the company also produces a 5% ABV amber lager, Rolling Rock Red. Ingredients are pale barley malt, rice, corn and hops.[66]
Busch
[edit]Busch Beer, an economy brand 4.3% lager, was introduced in 1955 as Busch Bavarian Beer;[67] the brand name was changed in 1979 to Busch Beer.[68]
The Busch brand was introduced largely in response to Major League Baseball rules in force in the 1950s, when stadium corporate naming rights were a fairly new and somewhat controversial concept. At the time, naming ballparks after alcoholic beverages was forbidden. Unable to rename Sportsman's Park "Budweiser Stadium" as a result, company chairman and then-new Cardinals owner Gussie Busch named the venue for himself two years before introducing Busch beer.[69]
Other beers marketed under the Busch brand name are Busch Light, a 4.1% light lager introduced in 1989, Busch Ice, a 5.9% ice beer introduced in 1995,[70] and Busch NA, a non-alcoholic brew. Ingredients are a mix of American-grown and imported hops and a combination of malt and corn.[71] At a slightly lower price than flagship brand Budweiser, it competes directly with the MillerCoors brand Milwaukee's Best, Keystone/Keystone Premium, while Busch Light competes directly with Milwaukee's Best Light, Keystone Light and Southpaw Light and Busch Ice competes directly with the Milwaukee's Best Ice, Keystone Ice/V9 and Icehouse.[citation needed]
In September 2020, Busch released Dog Brew, a non-alcoholic beverage for dogs. The "beer" contains no alcohol or hops, but is made with pork bone broth, water, vegetables, herbs, and spices.[72]
On June 16, 2025, Busch introduced a new flavor "Light Lime" which will be available for a limited time in 25 states.[73]
Natural
[edit]Natural Light is an economy brand 4.2% ABV reduced-calorie pale lager introduced in 1977.[74] The brand was originally called Anheuser-Busch Natural Light. In 2008 The Wall Street Journal listed it as the fifth largest selling beer in the U.S.[75] Natural Ice is an economy brand 5.9% ABV ice beer, introduced in 1995. Nearly two decades after the introduction of Natural Ice a malt liquor named Natty Daddy (8% and 5.9% ABV) was added to the market in 2012. It competes directly with the MillerCoors brand Keystone Light, Milwaukee's Best Light, Southpaw Light while Natural Ice competes directly with Keystone Ice/V9, Milwaukee's Best Ice and Icehouse and Natty Daddy competes against Keylightful, Keystone Lime and Icehouse Edge. Anheuser Busch continues to add to the Natural Light profile releasing Naturdays in 2019. Currently there are three flavors, original strawberry lemonade, pineapple lemonade and red, white and blueberry.[citation needed]
Johnny Appleseed
[edit]Johnny Appleseed is a 5.5% ABV cider produced by Anheuser-Busch subsidiary Brokenstraw Beverage LLC and introduced in April 2014. Brokenstraw Beverage was created by Anheuser-Busch in 2014 as a corporate identity to manufacture and distribute Johnny Appleseed out of their Baldwinsville, New York brewery.[76]
LandShark Lager
[edit]
LandShark Lager, brewed in Jacksonville, Florida, is a 4.6% ABV island-style lager[clarify] launched in 2006 as the house lager for "Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville" restaurant chain.[citation needed]
Under a sponsorship deal, Dolphin Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins and the Miami Hurricanes, was renamed "Land Shark Stadium" for the 2009 football season.[77][78][79]
Craft Beer Ownership
[edit]Goose Island Brewery
[edit]Goose Island started in 1988 as a brewpub in Chicago, and opened a separate bottling plant there in 1995. The brewery and its beers were purchased by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2011.[80] The Chicago brewery continues to produce and sell small batch beers while their national offerings are made in bulk at various Anheuser-Busch facilities.[citation needed]
Elysian Brewing Company
[edit]Elysian was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1995 by Dave Buhler, Joe Bisacca, and Dick Cantwell. On January 23, 2015, it was announced that Elysian would be sold to Anheuser-Busch in a deal expected to close within three months.[81]
Golden Road Brewing
[edit]The purchase of Golden Road Brewery in Los Angeles was announced on September 23, 2015.[82]
Four Peaks Brewery
[edit]Four Peaks announced on December 18, 2015, that it had been acquired by ABInbev as part of its High End unit.[83]
Devils Backbone Brewing Company
[edit]Devils Backbone announced on April 12, 2016, that it had been acquired by ABInbev as part of its High End unit.[84]
Karbach Brewing Company
[edit]Karbach Brewing Company announced on November 3, 2016, that it had been acquired by ABInbev as part of its High End unit.[85]
Wicked Weed Brewing
[edit]Wicked Weed Brewing announced on May 3, 2017, that it had been acquired by ABInbev as part of its High End unit.[86]
Malt liquors
[edit]King Cobra
[edit]
King Cobra is a 6% alcohol by volume malt liquor introduced in 1984. It is brewed with a warmer fermentation than used for the company's pale lagers, and the ingredients include barley malt and corn.[87] Shortly after its launch, King Cobra was supported by an advertising campaign featuring actor, martial artist, and former American football player Fred Williamson and the tag-line "Don't let the smooth taste fool you!"[citation needed]
Hurricane
[edit]Hurricane High Gravity Lager is an 8.1% alcohol malt liquor beverage available primarily in the United States. It is available in 40 ounce bottles, as well as 12, 16, 24, and 25 ounce cans. Recently,[when?] Hurricane High Gravity 8.1% has gone from a Black Label to a Silver Label in all of its serving sizes. Hurricane also comes in a lower alcohol content just called Hurricane malt liquor usually sold in a 40-ounce bottle with an ABV of 5.9%.[citation needed]
Spykes
[edit]The company introduced a flavored 12% ABV malt liquor under the name Spykes in 2007. It was sold in colorful, 2-ounce bottles. Available flavors included mango, lime, melon and chocolate.[88] It was withdrawn in the same year after criticism from alcohol industry watchdog groups that it was being marketed to underage customers, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau found that the labeling of Spykes was illegal.[89][90][91]
Others
[edit]- Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer a new take on hard seltzer to be introduced to the public on February 3, 2019, Super Bowl Sunday[92][93]
- Green Valley Brewing Company, has a craft beer appearance; "Anheuser-Busch" does not appear on labels of its products.
- Redbridge, a gluten-free beer made from sorghum.
- Tequiza was a 4.5% ABV fruit flavored pale lager introduced in 1998 in limited markets in the US, then withdrawn in January 2009.[94] Tequiza Extra, with more Tequila flavor and less lime, was test-marketed in 2000
- Tilt, a line of fruit flavored malt beverages.
- Wild Blue Lager, a strong lager with blueberries.
- Ziegenbock, sold in Texas and nearby states.
Minority ownership brands
[edit]As of January 2013, Anheuser-Busch InBev had 32.2% ownership in the Craft Brew Alliance, a beer brewing company[95] that is composed of several beer and cider brands. Anheuser-Busch sold its stake in several of these brands to Tilray in 2023.[96]
- Redhook Ale Brewery founded by Gordon Bowker and Paul Shipman in 1981 in Seattle, Washington; Anheuser-Busch sold its stake to Tilray in 2023.
- Widmer Brothers Brewery founded by brothers Kurt and Rob Widmer in 1984 in Portland, Oregon; Anheuser-Busch sold its stake to Tilray in 2023.
- Kona Brewing Company founded by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa in 1994 in Kona, Hawaii;
- Omission Beer developed internally in 2012 in Portland, Oregon; and
- Square Mile Cider, launched in 2013; Anheuser-Busch sold its stake to Tilray in 2023.
Craft beer distribution alliances
[edit]Beers made by smaller "craft" breweries which are co-distributed with A-B brands by select distributors:[97]
Previously owned by Anheuser-Busch
[edit]The following brands were owned by Anheuser-Busch until they were all sold to Tilray in 2023.[96]
10 Barrel
[edit]In November 2014, it was reported that 10 Barrel Brewing, with brewpubs in Bend, Oregon, and Boise, Idaho, would be acquired by Anheuser-Busch. This was the second small brewing company acquired by the company in that calendar year.[98]
Blue Point
[edit]On February 5, 2014, it was announced that Blue Point Brewing Company was being sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev for nearly $24 million. As of the time of sale, the brewery will continue to operate in its Patchogue, New York, location.[99]
Breckenridge Brewery
[edit]Several days after acquiring the Four Peaks brand and assets, InBev announced the purchase of Breckenridge Brewery, with brewpubs based in Colorado.[100]
References
[edit]- ^ Trefis Team. "The Year That Was: Anheuser-Busch InBev". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
However, the brewer's market share continues to drop in the country due to a declining demand for domestic beer — a category AB InBev dominates with products such as Bud Light and Budweiser. The brewer's share dropped to 45% from 47.6% in less than a year in the U.S. beer market.
- ^ Brown, Lisa (October 11, 2016). "A-B InBev finalizes $100B billion acquisition of SABMiller, creating world's largest beer company". Chicago Tribune. Chicago. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ a b Genovese, Daniella (September 19, 2025). "Michelob Ultra dethrones Modelo Especial to become America's new top-selling beer brand". FOXBusiness. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "Michelob Ultra Now the Top-Selling Beer in America". VinePair. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
- ^ "Anheuser-Busch reports rise in Q1 sales, slight drop in profit". St. Louis Business Journal. April 23, 2008. Archived from the original on August 23, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
- ^ Protz, R., The Complete Guide to World Beer (2004), ISBN 1-84442-865-6
- ^ "Budweiser Select". Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
- ^ "AB InBev unveils new Bud 66, the iPhone of lagers". thegrocer.co.uk. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
- ^ "Dwyane Wade On Launching Budweiser Zero: "It Was Personal To Me Because Of My Mom's And Dad's Journey Through Addiction."". MSN. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ "Dwyane Wade And Budweiser Launched A Non-Alcoholic Beer That's Just 50 Calories". Yahoo. July 29, 2020. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ DiNapoli, Jessica; Blenkinsop, Philip (May 25, 2022). "Budweiser brewer AB InBev 'off track' on non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer goal". Reuters. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
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External links
[edit]Anheuser-Busch brands
View on GrokipediaHistorical Context and Ownership
Origins of the Brand Portfolio
The Anheuser-Busch brand portfolio originated in St. Louis, Missouri, where Eberhard Anheuser acquired a struggling Bavarian Brewery in 1860 and renamed it E. Anheuser & Co.[2] Adolphus Busch, Anheuser's son-in-law, joined in 1864, implementing pasteurization—the first U.S. brewery to do so—and refrigerated rail transport to extend shelf life and enable wider distribution of lager beers.[2] In 1876, Busch introduced Budweiser, a Bohemian-style pilsner lager using imported hops and rice adjuncts for crispness, positioning it as an affordable premium American beer that rapidly became the company's flagship.[10] This launch marked the portfolio's foundation in mass-produced, pasteurized lagers suited to the expanding U.S. rail network and immigrant tastes for lighter European-style brews.[10] By the late 19th century, Anheuser-Busch diversified into premium segments with Michelob in 1896, an all-malt draft beer priced at about $8 per barrel for wholesalers—double typical rates—targeting upscale consumers seeking a fuller-bodied alternative to Budweiser.[11] Initially unpasteurized and draught-only, Michelob emphasized quality ingredients without adjuncts, reflecting Busch's strategy of tiered offerings to segment the market by price and perceived sophistication.[12] The company's early growth relied on internal innovation at its St. Louis facility, producing over 1 million barrels annually by 1900 through mechanized brewing and bottling advancements, rather than external acquisitions.[13] Post-Prohibition in 1933, Anheuser-Busch rebuilt with value-oriented brands like Busch Bavarian in 1955, a filtered lager marketed as "Clear and Bright" to appeal to budget-conscious drinkers amid rising competition.[14] The portfolio expanded in the 1970s amid the light beer trend sparked by Miller Lite in 1973; Anheuser-Busch launched Natural Light in 1977 as its first reduced-calorie lager at 97 kcal per serving, brewed with high corn adjuncts for economy and refreshment.[15] Bud Light debuted in 1982 across 40 states, a 110-calorie variant of Budweiser emphasizing taste retention in a lower-calorie format, which propelled it to bestseller status through aggressive marketing and production scale.[16] This era's developments, driven by consumer shifts toward lighter, cheaper options, solidified the portfolio's focus on lager variants without significant pre-2008 brand acquisitions, prioritizing in-house R&D at 12 U.S. breweries.[13]Post-2008 AB InBev Integration
The acquisition of Anheuser-Busch by InBev, completed on November 18, 2008, for $52 billion, formed Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) and integrated Anheuser-Busch's U.S.-centric brand portfolio into a global brewing powerhouse controlling approximately 25% of worldwide beer volume at the time.[17] [18] This merger added key Anheuser-Busch brands like Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob to InBev's existing lineup, including Stella Artois and Beck's, enabling cross-regional synergies such as expanded distribution for Budweiser in Europe and Asia.[19] To secure U.S. antitrust clearance from the Department of Justice, AB InBev divested specific assets, including Labatt USA's distribution rights in upstate New York and certain brands like Bass and Rolling Rock to independent buyers, preserving local competition in affected markets.[20] Post-merger integration emphasized operational rationalization and cost discipline, with AB InBev targeting $1.5 billion in annual synergies through supply chain efficiencies, procurement consolidation, and headcount reductions exceeding 1,500 positions at Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis headquarters within the first year.[21] [17] Brand strategy shifted toward a "focus brands" model, prioritizing high-volume global icons like Budweiser—repositioned as AB InBev's flagship—while de-emphasizing or divesting non-core regional labels to streamline the portfolio and allocate marketing resources more efficiently.[22] This approach involved absorbing Anheuser-Busch's U.S. marketing expertise into AB InBev's centralized structure, fostering a unified corporate culture under CEO Carlos Brito that prioritized zero-based budgeting and performance metrics over legacy practices.[17] By 2009, AB InBev accelerated divestitures of peripheral assets inherited from Anheuser-Busch, including a 27% stake in China's Tsingtao Brewery and South Korea's Oriental Brewery, generating proceeds to reduce debt from the acquisition and refocus on core beer brands.[23] These moves supported long-term portfolio optimization, with Anheuser-Busch brands benefiting from global scale—such as Bud Light's export growth—though integration challenges included cultural clashes between InBev's efficiency-driven ethos and Anheuser-Busch's traditional U.S. operations, leading to ongoing workforce adjustments.[24] Overall, the integration transformed Anheuser-Busch's brands from primarily domestic players into components of a premiumization-focused global strategy, evidenced by increased investment in Budweiser's international positioning.[25]Flagship Beer Brands
Budweiser Line
The Budweiser line features the flagship Budweiser American-style lager, originally developed by Adolphus Busch at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri, and first produced in 1876.[10] This medium-bodied, crisp lager is brewed using high-quality barley malt and a blend of premium hop varieties, resulting in a balanced flavor profile with notes of malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness.[26] Known as the "King of Beers," it has maintained a signature beechwood aging process to enhance clarity and flavor consistency, contributing to its widespread recognition in the United States and international markets where trademark allowances permit.[10] Over time, Anheuser-Busch introduced premium extensions within the Budweiser line to target specific consumer preferences while leveraging the core brand's heritage. Budweiser Black Crown, launched in January 2013 following Anheuser-Busch InBev's Project 12 consumer testing initiative, represents a golden amber lager variant with increased body, color, and hop character compared to the standard product, achieving a 6% alcohol by volume (ABV).[27][28] This variant incorporates proprietary yeast descended from the original 1876 strain and a blend of caramel malt with domestic hops, aiming to appeal to those seeking a bolder taste without departing from Budweiser's lager tradition.[27] Other notable variants include Budweiser Select, a lower-carbohydrate option introduced to cater to health-conscious drinkers, and historical extensions like Bud Dry, a drier profile launched in the 1990s but later discontinued.[29] These products underscore Anheuser-Busch's strategy of line extensions to maintain relevance amid shifting market demands, though the core Budweiser lager remains the line's cornerstone, with annual U.S. production historically exceeding billions of barrels prior to industry consolidations.[1]Bud Light Variants
Bud Light variants represent extensions of the core Bud Light light lager, introduced on July 31, 1982, with 4.2% ABV and 110 calories per 12-ounce serving, designed to offer reduced calories compared to standard lagers while preserving drinkability through a blend of barley malts and rice.[16] These variants, developed under Anheuser-Busch (later AB InBev), incorporate flavor infusions, higher alcohol content, or hybrid mixes to target specific markets, such as citrus preferences or ready-to-drink convenience, amid competition in the light beer segment where Bud Light held over 25% U.S. market share by volume in the early 2010s.[30] One prominent variant, Bud Light Lime, launched nationwide in May 2008, adds 100% natural lime flavor to the base recipe, yielding 4.2% ABV and 116 calories per 12-ounce serving, which contributed to a surge in sales during its debut summer amid rising demand for flavored light beers.[31] A refreshed version with updated packaging followed in April 2018 to sustain appeal in the citrus category.[32] Bud Light Platinum, introduced in early 2012 with Super Bowl advertising support, features a slightly sweeter profile and higher 6% ABV in a cobalt blue bottle, positioning it as an upscale light beer option with fewer carbs than the original despite increased calories.[33] It marked one of Anheuser-Busch's notable extension launches, achieving rapid distribution but facing later challenges in sustaining volume amid shifting premium preferences.[34] Seasonal offerings like Bud Light Orange, debuted in April 2018 as a limited-time product available through September, incorporate real orange peels for a citrus-forward taste at 4.2% ABV, aiming to capture summer consumption and expand beyond lime's dominance in flavored variants.[35] Bud Light Chelada, first nationally released in 2008 as a premixed hybrid, combines Bud Light with Clamato tomato cocktail, lime juice, spices, and black pepper for 4.2% ABV, targeting michelada-style preferences in Latino markets and evolving with additions like Tajín Chile Limón in March 2023 for enhanced spice.[36][37] More recent innovations include Bud Light Next, a zero-carb, low-calorie variant launched in 2022 with under 80 calories per serving and 4% ABV, emphasizing health-focused modifications to the light lager formula.[38]| Variant | Launch Year | Key Features | ABV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bud Light Lime | 2008 | Natural lime infusion; 116 calories/12 oz | 4.2%[30] |
| Bud Light Platinum | 2012 | Sweeter taste; premium positioning | 6%[33] |
| Bud Light Orange | 2018 (seasonal) | Orange peel flavor | 4.2%[35] |
| Bud Light Chelada | 2008 | Clamato and spice mix | 4.2%[36] |
| Bud Light Next | 2022 | Zero carbs; <80 calories/12 oz | 4%[38] |
Michelob Family
The Michelob family consists of premium lager beers produced by Anheuser-Busch, with the original Michelob introduced in 1896 as an all-malt pale lager of 4.7% ABV developed by Adolphus Busch for upscale draught consumption.[39][12] Initially available only on draught, a pasteurized bottled version expanded its national reach starting in the mid-20th century, positioning it as a high-end alternative to mass-market beers.[40] Key variants emerged to address evolving consumer preferences for lighter options. Michelob Light, launched in 1978 as the industry's first super-premium light beer, utilized a high percentage of two-row barley malt and imported hops, marking Anheuser-Busch's second light beer after Natural Light.[11][41] This was followed by Michelob Golden Draft, a cold-filtered lager incorporating two-row barley malt, premium American hops, and corn for smoothness, with a light variant offering reduced calories at 110 per 12-ounce serving and 4.1% ABV.[42][43] Michelob Ultra, introduced in 2002 amid demand for low-carbohydrate beers, features 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, redefining the light beer segment with its focus on active lifestyles.[3] By September 2025, Michelob Ultra achieved the top position in U.S. beer sales by volume for the year-to-date period ending September 14, surpassing Modelo Especial, driven partly by the March 2025 launch of Michelob Ultra Zero, a non-alcoholic variant that became a leading innovation in the category.[3][44][45] Anheuser-Busch invested $7.4 million in September 2025 to expand Michelob Ultra production at its Los Angeles brewery, reflecting sustained demand amid broader industry shifts.[46]Value and Light Beers
Busch Brands
Busch Beer, originally launched as Busch Bavarian in 1955, marked Anheuser-Busch's first major beer introduction following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, positioned as an affordable, crisp American lager with the slogan "Clear and Bright as Mountain Air."[14] The brand draws its name from Adolphus Busch, a key figure in the company's early development, and emphasizes themes of refreshment and outdoor appeal, often associating with mountainous imagery and accessibility for working-class consumers. In 1979, it was rebranded simply as Busch, adopting the slogan "Head for the Mountains" to reinforce its rugged, value-driven identity, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.3%, 114 calories per 12-ounce serving, and a profile featuring balanced malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness brewed from premium hops, select grains, and water.[14][47] The Busch portfolio expanded in the late 1980s and 1990s to include lighter and specialized variants targeting health-conscious and seasonal drinkers. Busch Light, introduced in 1989 as Busch Light Draft and rebranded in 1994, offers a smoother, sweeter light lager with reduced calories (95 per 12 fl oz serving), 3.2 grams of carbohydrates, 0.7 grams of protein (fat, sodium, and cholesterol negligible), and 4.1% ABV, brewed longer for enhanced crispness and marketed as "the coldest and smoothest" option for extended outdoor activities.[14][48][49] Busch Ice followed in 1995 as a higher-strength variant at 5.9% ABV, featuring a bolder, fuller body with ice-brewed techniques for smoothness and the slogan "Brave the Cold," appealing to consumers seeking intensified flavor without premium pricing.[14] Non-alcoholic and themed extensions further diversified the line. In 1994, Busch Non-Alcoholic debuted with the slogan "Mountain of Real Beer Taste," providing a zero-ABV alternative that mimics the original's profile for designated drivers or low-alcohol preferences. Busch Camo, launched in 2006, introduced camouflage packaging tailored for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts, maintaining the core Busch recipe while enhancing thematic marketing without altering the beer's formulation.[14] These variants collectively position the Busch family as a budget-friendly segment within Anheuser-Busch's portfolio, emphasizing mass-market appeal over craft complexity, with Busch Light achieving notable growth as the second-fastest-growing beer in the U.S. by volume in recent years.[50]Natural Light
Natural Light is an American light lager produced by Anheuser-Busch, introduced in 1977 as the company's first reduced-calorie beer to compete with emerging low-calorie options like Miller Lite.[15][51] It features a 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), 95 calories per 12-ounce serving, 3.2 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.7 grams of protein, achieved through a longer fermentation process that lightens the body while maintaining a crisp profile.[52][53] The beer is brewed using water, barley malt, corn (as a cereal adjunct), hops, and yeast, with a blend of premium American and imported varieties contributing to its mild flavor.[54] This formulation prioritizes affordability and drinkability over complexity, positioning it as a value-oriented product often associated with high-volume consumption in social settings like college campuses, where it earned the nickname "Natty Light."[55] By 2019, it ranked as the sixth best-selling beer in the United States, reflecting sustained demand despite critiques of its taste as watery or bitter compared to fuller-bodied lagers.[56] Marketing efforts have emphasized nostalgia, utility, and youthful demographics, including partnerships like a 2023 collaboration with Sperry for upcycled boat shoe beer holders and a 2025 tie-in with actor Richard Karn for a "craft" parody campaign.[57][58] In 2023, Anheuser-Busch reintroduced a retro can design from the brand's early years, which outperformed modern packaging in sales rate.[59] Variants such as Natural Ice (launched 1995) and Natural Light Hard Seltzer (2019) extend the line into higher-alcohol and non-beer categories, while promotions like the controversial 77-pack targeted spring break events but drew scrutiny for encouraging excess.[60][56][61] Despite its commercial success, Natural Light has faced persistent derision in beer enthusiast circles, topping lists of "worst beers" on sites like RateBeer due to perceived lack of flavor depth, though defenders highlight its role as an accessible entry-level lager brewed for efficiency rather than connoisseur appeal.[62][63]Flavored, Seltzer, and RTD Products
Bud Light Seltzers and Ritas
Bud Light Seltzer, a line of flavored hard seltzers produced by Anheuser-Busch, was announced in November 2019 and launched nationally on January 13, 2020.[64][65] The initial offerings included four flavors—Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Strawberry, and Mango—each containing 100 calories, no sugar or artificial flavors, and 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) in 12-ounce cans.[66][67] By August 2020, variety packs had generated over $155.5 million in dollar sales year-to-date.[68] The product line expanded with additional flavors, including Cranberry, Grapefruit, and Pineapple in August 2020, alongside the existing Strawberry in a 12-pack variety format.[69] In December 2021, Anheuser-Busch introduced Bud Light Seltzer Hard Soda and Sour variety packs, featuring bolder flavors in 12-ounce cans with 100 calories and 5% ABV, targeting the growing flavored malt beverage (FMB) segment.[70][71] Bud Light Seltzer positioned itself against competitors like White Claw by emphasizing cane sugar and natural fruit flavors.[67] Bud Light Ritas, originally launched as Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita in April 2012, represent Anheuser-Busch's entry into ready-to-drink (RTD) margarita-style beverages, blending Bud Light Lime with margarita flavors at 8% ABV.[72][73] The product quickly gained traction, ranking as the second-best-selling new beer launch of 2012 behind Bud Light Platinum.[74][75] Subsequent expansions included Straw-Ber-Rita in March 2013, which sold over 500,000 barrels following its predecessor's success; Mang-O-Rita and Raz-Ber-Rita in March 2014; and Lemon-Ade-Rita in February 2015, with the core Rita flavors dominating the FMB category.[76][77][78][79] In 2019, the lineup extended to Rita Spritz variants, further diversifying the portfolio originally marketed under Bud Light Lime.[80] Both Bud Light Seltzers and Ritas fall within the broader hard seltzer and FMB markets, which saw global hard seltzer revenues reach approximately USD 18.97 billion in 2023 amid ongoing category growth projected at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2030, though specific Bud Light variants faced headwinds from brand-wide sales declines post-2023.[81][82]Other Flavored Extensions
Bud Light Chelada, introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 2007, combines Bud Light lager with Clamato tomato cocktail, spices, and lime for a savory, spicy profile at 4.2% ABV, available in 24-ounce cans and 12-packs.[83] Variants include Bud Light Chelada Tajín Chile Limón, launched nationwide on March 27, 2023, in 25-ounce cans, incorporating Tajín seasoning for added chili-lime heat.[37] Another extension, Bud Light Chelada Mangonada, blends mango flavors with chamoy and Tajín rims, targeting regional markets before wider rollout.[84] Tequiza, a malt beverage launched by Anheuser-Busch in the late 1990s, infused lager with blue agave nectar, natural lime flavor, and tequila essence at 5.5% ABV, positioned as a Corona competitor but discontinued after limited market traction.[85] It featured a fusion of beer and agave elements without actual tequila distillation.[86] Tilt, introduced in August 2005 as a high-ABV (8-12%) fruit-flavored malt beverage line, included raspberry, blue, and other variants infused with caffeine, guarana, and ginseng, brewed at Anheuser-Busch facilities using two-row malt and natural grains.[87] Production ceased in June 2008 amid regulatory scrutiny over caffeinated alcoholic drinks, with Anheuser-Busch agreeing to halt sales nationwide.[88]Premium and Regional Brands
Rolling Rock
Rolling Rock is an American lager beer introduced in 1939 by the Latrobe Brewing Company in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, initially as a local brand with regional appeal in the eastern United States.[89] The beer gained a reputation for its crisp, light profile, brewed using a recipe incorporating malted barley, rice, corn adjuncts, hops, water, and brewer's yeast, resulting in subtle flavors with low bitterness.[90] Its alcohol by volume stands at 4.4%, classifying it as a standard-strength lager with approximately 130 calories per 12-ounce serving in its traditional formulation.[91][92] Anheuser-Busch acquired the Rolling Rock and Rolling Rock Green Light brands from InBev on May 18, 2006, for $82 million, securing global rights and recipes to integrate it into its premium portfolio.[89][93] Production shifted shortly after from the original Latrobe facility—operational since 1893—to Anheuser-Busch's Newark, New Jersey, brewery, a decision that eliminated hundreds of local jobs and sparked community protests over the loss of the beer's Pennsylvania heritage.[94] This relocation contributed to perceptions of diminished authenticity, correlating with subsequent sales declines as consumers associated the brand with its small-town origins.[95][96] Marketed for its straightforward, no-frills appeal, Rolling Rock features distinctive emerald-green bottles emblazoned with the number "33," referencing the 33 words in its original brewer's oath pledging quality ingredients and processes.[90] Positioned as a premium yet accessible alternative to mass-market lagers, it targeted blue-collar and outdoor enthusiasts, with advertising emphasizing purity and tradition over innovation.[96] Under Anheuser-Busch InBev—formed after InBev's 2008 acquisition of Anheuser-Busch—the brand maintains a niche presence, though it lacks the volume dominance of flagship products like Budweiser, reflecting challenges in sustaining regional loyalty amid broader industry consolidation.[93][97]LandShark Lager
LandShark Lager is an American-style lager developed in partnership between Margaritaville Brewing Company and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand, with brewing handled by Anheuser-Busch.[98] Introduced in 2007, it serves as the house beer for Margaritaville restaurants and embodies a tropical, island escapism theme inspired by Buffett's music and lifestyle.[99] The brand is owned by Margaritaville entities but produced under license by Anheuser-Busch in the United States.[100] The beer features a 4.6% alcohol by volume and is characterized by a light, refreshing profile with notes of hops and two-row caramel malts, offering a hint of malty sweetness balanced by subtle hop bitterness.[101] It is crafted from basic ingredients including malt, hops, yeast, and water, resulting in a crisp, easy-drinking lager suited for warm-weather consumption.[102] Production occurs at Anheuser-Busch facilities, including the brewery in Jacksonville, Florida.[103] Marketing emphasizes its connection to Jimmy Buffett, with promotions like limited-edition cans featuring collaborations such as the Zac Brown Band in 2014.[104] Sales have shown growth in select markets, with 24-bottle packs increasing 52% in 2018 at certain Canadian retailers amid an overall decline in the category.[105] Distribution covers the United States and Canada, available in various pack sizes including 12-ounce bottles and cans.[106]Johnny Appleseed
Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider is a 5.5% ABV alcoholic beverage produced by Anheuser-Busch, introduced as the company's first entirely new brand in eight years following development that began in 2011.[107][108] The product targeted the expanding hard cider market, positioning itself with a flavor profile emphasizing a balance of apple taste and refreshment, available nationwide starting April 7, 2014, in 12-ounce glass bottles sold in six- and 12-packs or individually.[109] The brand drew its name from the American folk hero John Chapman, known for disseminating apple seeds across the frontier, though historical records indicate Chapman's apples were primarily suited for cider production rather than eating. Anheuser-Busch marketed Johnny Appleseed as a straightforward, approachable entry into the cider category, with initial production at its Baldwinsville, New York, facility.[110] Packaging featured a logo incorporating a "J" on a sack of apples, aligning with the brand's thematic roots.[111] Marketing efforts included a national television commercial debuting in May 2014, aimed at broadening consumer awareness amid competition from established cider makers.[112] Promotional events, such as an ice sculpture installation in Massachusetts referencing the folk hero's legacy, underscored the brand's narrative focus.[113] Despite these initiatives, Johnny Appleseed achieved limited market traction and was discontinued by around 2016, as evidenced by its absence from current retail listings and production records.[114] Consumer reviews on platforms like Untappd averaged 3.1 out of 5 based on over 21,000 ratings, reflecting mixed reception on flavor and crispness.[115]Craft Beer Portfolio
Key Acquisitions and Ownership
AB InBev, the parent company of Anheuser-Busch, initiated its expansion into the U.S. craft beer segment with the acquisition of Goose Island Beer Company on September 30, 2011, for $38.8 million. This purchase marked the company's first major foray into craft brewing, providing access to Goose Island's barrel-aged and IPA-focused portfolio, including the flagship Goose Island IPA, and establishing production facilities in Chicago. The deal was structured to retain the founding family as minority stakeholders initially, but AB InBev assumed full control, integrating the brewery into its operations while allowing some independent branding.[116][117] Building on this foundation, AB InBev acquired Elysian Brewing Company in February 2015, a Seattle-based brewer renowned for hazy IPAs like Space Dust and seasonal innovations tied to mythological themes. The undisclosed purchase price reflected Elysian's growing regional footprint and experimental ethos, which AB InBev aimed to scale nationally using its distribution network. In September 2015, the company followed with Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles' largest craft brewery at the time, for an undisclosed sum, bolstering its West Coast presence with accessible, fruit-infused beers like Mango Cart. These acquisitions were part of a deliberate strategy to diversify beyond mass-market lagers by absorbing established craft producers.[118][119][120] Further expansions included Four Peaks Brewing Company in October 2016, an Arizona staple with the popular 8th Street IPA, acquired to strengthen Southwest market share. In 2017, AB InBev purchased Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, for a reported $32.5 million, targeting its sour and barrel-aged specialties despite subsequent consumer boycotts over perceived threats to craft independence. Veza Sur Brewing, a Florida-based Latin-inspired craft brand, was also added that year. All these entities operate as wholly owned subsidiaries under AB InBev's High End division, with centralized ownership enabling shared resources while preserving brand autonomy in marketing and limited releases.[121][122]Retained Craft Brands
Anheuser-Busch InBev streamlined its craft beer holdings in August 2023 by selling eight brands—Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider Company, and Alpine Beer Company—to Tilray Brands for an undisclosed sum, aiming to concentrate resources on higher-performing assets amid a contracting U.S. craft segment.[123] This divestiture followed earlier acquisitions that expanded AB InBev's craft exposure, but retention focused on brands demonstrating sustained volume growth and market resonance.[124] As of 2025, the retained craft portfolio emphasizes five core U.S.-based breweries: Goose Island Beer Co., Golden Road Brewing, Elysian Brewing, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Karbach Brewing Co., which collectively drove double-digit depletion growth in the first half of the year.[125][126] Goose Island Beer Co., founded in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois, was acquired by AB InBev in 2011 for $38.8 million, marking an early entry into craft with its flagship IPA and barrel-aged variants.[127] The brewery's 312 Urban Wheat Ale and Honker's Ale remain staples, produced at facilities in Chicago and Memphis, contributing to AB InBev's high-end segment through innovative hazy IPAs and sour beers.[124] Golden Road Brewing, established in 2011 in Los Angeles, California, joined the portfolio in 2015 via acquisition, known for accessible session beers like Mango Cart wheat ale, which leverages West Coast fruit-forward styles.[125] Its production scaled post-acquisition, emphasizing year-round staples and seasonal releases amid urban market demand. Elysian Brewing, originating in Seattle, Washington, in 1996, was purchased in 2015 for its Space Dust IPA and pun-themed portfolio, including pub-exclusive brews from its Capitol Hill and Golden Gardens locations.[126] Retained for its cult following in the Pacific Northwest, Elysian focuses on bold, aromatic IPAs and barrel-aged experiments. Wicked Weed Brewing, founded in 2007 in Asheville, North Carolina, entered AB InBev's fold in 2017, prized for Freak King IPA and the Freaky portfolio of high-ABV innovations from its wood-aged program.[124] The brewery's retention underscores AB InBev's emphasis on Southeast growth, with production at its Funkatorium sour facility supporting national distribution. Karbach Brewing Co., launched in 2011 in Houston, Texas, was acquired in 2016, featuring Hopadillo IPA and Love Street Blonde, tailored to Southern preferences for crisp, hoppy lagers and ales.[125] Its retained status reflects strong regional performance, with expanded capacity aiding AB InBev's craft volume gains in 2025.[126] These brands operate under AB InBev's High End division, prioritizing premium craft positioning over mass-market scaling, with combined efforts yielding the fastest craft market share gains among top manufacturers through targeted marketing and distribution synergies.[124] Kona Brewing Company's Big Wave Golden Ale persists in the portfolio via retained Hawaiian operations post-Craft Brew Alliance sale, though mainland production shifted, maintaining its island lager identity.[1]Divestitures and Sales
In August 2023, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) announced the sale of eight beer and beverage brands from its craft portfolio to Tilray Brands, Inc., a Canadian cannabis and beverage company, for an undisclosed all-cash amount.[128][129] The transaction included the brands along with associated production rights and inventory, allowing Tilray to expand its beverage operations by leveraging existing facilities.[128] This divestiture represented approximately one-third of AB InBev's U.S. craft beer brands, reflecting a strategic reduction in its high-end division amid shifting market dynamics and post-pandemic portfolio optimization.[130] The divested brands encompassed:- Shock Top (a Belgian-style wheat ale brand launched in 2007)
- Breckenridge Brewery (Colorado-based, known for Avalanche Amber Ale)
- Blue Point Brewing Company (New York-based, acquired in 2014)
- 10 Barrel Brewing Company (Oregon-based, acquired in 2014)
- Redhook Brewery (Washington-based, part of Craft Brew Alliance)
- Widmer Brothers Brewing (Oregon-based, part of Craft Brew Alliance)
- Square Mile Cider Company (cider brand)
- Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer (hard seltzer line)[128][131]