That's right. As reported in bizjournals.com, Anheuser-Busch plans to offer 500,000 free Budweisers at bars and restaurants in the hope of attracting more drinkers among the under-30 crowd. This is AB's largest ever national free sample effort. The reason for this, and this is astounding to me: Only 4 out of 10 people in their mid 20's have tried Budweiser. TRY. Budweiser used to flow quite freely during my HS and college days. Friends and colleagues would agree. In fact, a few of the staff members may wish they didn't have as many Budweisers at the staff retreat last weekend. It just makes me wonder what everyone else has been drinking? Craft beers (jvining)? Keystone? -- I guess that is understandable given the age demographic. But to reach your mid 20's and not even try a Budweiser is un-American to me. I hope that people take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. I know TCD staff members will be on it and provide information on which local watering holes will be serving cold Buds during "National Happy Hour" on September 29.
That is a shocking statistic...kids these days. I would like to see a Google maps rendering of all of the bars that will be doling out the free scuds.
ReplyDeleteGreat image Snipes and those are some baffling stats. We should find a spot that is giving away samples and take full advantage.
ReplyDeleteNever really liked Bud Light, if im gonna go light and deep, I prefer Nick Lacheys (AKA Miller Lights). If Im gonna go a bit heavier and for some more taste, a Bud D is always nice once in a while but you have to admit, for the same fill a Peroni, Stella or Heini provides a superior taste. Or a nice pint of Guiness or New England IPA. Bud needs to get their recipe figured out versus using the patriotic guilt, which doesn't even work anymore because they owned by zee Belgiums/ Brazilians. That said, doesn't Bud still have 50% market share in the US?
ReplyDeleteJvining...I have to say I disagree with your take. I personally love the taste of Bud. It's just beer, it's not trying to be anything else and I appreciate that. As for the imports you mention, I quite like Stella, but the other two always taste bitter to me and are just too damn light. Couldn't agree more on Guiness or a darker beer like Long Trail or Fat Tire.
ReplyDeleteTo your stat: Anheuser-Busch has about a 50% market share but that's across all of the brands. While Bud and Bud Light certainly dominate that 50%, Bud's market share is far smaller than 50%.
Good point Phil, it is just beer, and it's a damn good beer. When you crack one, you're not saying, "look at me, I'm drinking a Bud," which isn't the case with a Peroni. All those other beers are more for making a fashion statement (and a weak one at that). Peroni? Really Jvining?
ReplyDeleteKobra - you're so euro
ReplyDeleteThey just taste better to me, plain and simple. You can triple blind taste test me if you prefer. No fashion statements here. Kind of like lamb and tuna fish...
ReplyDelete