Beer Briefs: 10 Things You May Not Know About Budweiser

Beer Briefs: 10 Things You May Not Know About Budweiser

|August 15th, 2025|

Hand-held Budweiser Beer bottle at night on a street

If you think you know a beer, think again. Because Budweiser has a lot of things going on that even the most informed beer-lovers don’t have a clue about.

It Was Born in 1876
Budweiser was first brewed in St. Louis by Adolphus Busch, who was inspired by the Bohemian-style lagers of the Czech Republic. Back then, cold, crisp beers were still a novelty in America.

The Name Isn’t Original
The name “Budweiser” was taken from the Czech town of České Budějovice (known as Budweis in German), famous for its beer. That’s why Anheuser-Busch has been in a decades-long naming dispute with the Czech brewery Budweiser Budvar.

It Was One of the First Pasteurized Beers
Budweiser was among the first beers in America to be pasteurized, which meant it could be shipped long distances without spoiling — a game-changer for national distribution.

The Famous “Clydesdales” Were a Gift
The Budweiser Clydesdales made their debut in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition. They were presented to August Busch Sr. by his son as a surprise — and they’ve been marketing superstars ever since.

They Pioneered the “Refrigerated Rail Car”
To get Budweiser coast to coast while keeping it fresh, Anheuser-Busch invested in refrigerated train cars in the late 1800s — making it one of the first beer brands to go truly national.

The Beechwood Aging Process Is Real
Yes, Budweiser actually uses beechwood chips in its brewing process. The wood doesn’t flavor the beer — it helps yeast settle for a smoother taste.

It’s Brewed in Multiple Countries
Budweiser isn’t just made in St. Louis. It’s brewed under license in 20 countries around the world,

They’ve Had the Same Tagline for Over a Century
“The King of Beers” slogan dates back to the late 1800s. While other beer brands have cycled through dozens of slogans, Bud has held onto its royal claim.

Those Frogs Were a Marketing Phenomenon
The 1995 “Bud-weis-er” frog commercials became pop culture legends. They not only boosted sales but also won multiple advertising awards.

It’s Still One of the World’s Top-Selling Beers
Despite craft beer’s rise, Budweiser consistently ranks among the world’s best-selling beers — proof that brand loyalty and sheer reach can keep a beer in the game for nearly 150 years.

###

Want more Beer Briefs?

We’ve got ‘em…

Beer Briefs – 10 Things You May Not Know About Heineken

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

About the Author: American Craft Beer

AmericanCraftBeer.com is the nations' leading source for the Best Craft Beer News, Reviews, Events and Media.

Get Social

Join Our Newsletter