Budweiser now an import!

[Drazula]

In case you haven't heard, Anheuser-Busch was bought out by Belgian beer maker InBev for $52 billion. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25663923) Inbev makesStella Artois, Beck’s and Bass. Seems pretty shocking to me.

The only domestic beers left are Miller and Coors. Good thing I drink Coors Light. :)

[Sang]

Heard about this about a month ago - Some of the American reactions seemed really asinine. Started complaining about losing jobs.

[Orochi Avlis]

Does it really matter where beer comes from to enjoy it?

[Damien_Azreal]

Nice "return" thread Draz. :p

"Hey Draz is back.... holy shit BEER!" ;)

[avatar_58]

Heard about this about a month ago - Some of the American reactions seemed really asinine. Started complaining about losing jobs.

You'd complain too if you lost your job.

Also....wtf Draz? :o

[Syph]

(Redneck accent)They took our jobs!
I hope their proposed solution is better than the one on south park :D

[Black Yeti]

You should be happy about that since americans don't know how to brew beer. ;)

I keep wondering how people can drink light beer because to me that tastes like real beer mixed with water. Hint: If you take a real beer an put water in it you'll get twice the amount for the same price. :D

No kidding, I had to stop drinking beer when I was in the states a few years ago. I could only find the american brands (yeek) and Heineken (which even if it's european cannot be considered a real beer). Once I tried a bud light and wondered how they could find buyers for such a product. My hypothesis is that american taste buds must be affected by some genetic anomaly. That's the only way I can explain why they can drink light beer and eat that stuff they call bread. Also nobody seemed to notice the taste of chlorine in the tap water (which you'll often find in soft drinks like coke, fanta etc. when you order it in a restaurant. But that's a different story.). Go figure...

No offense meant, there are lots of good products made in USA but there are some commestible goods that make me wonder.

[jimbob]

and Heineken (which even if it's european cannot be considered a real beer)hear hear. heineken is awefull.

just give me a large glass of grolsch and i`ll be a happy camper :)

as for the jobs, Sab miller took over our lokal brewery ( Grolsch ) and its just a new owner, its not like they move the brewery abroad or anything so i gues that the same wil happen with your brewery over there, belgium has enough brewery`s as is.

and thier good at brewing too :D

[Syph]

Most beer is terrible regardless of who makes it IMO. At least here in the states. I'd love to go to Europe sometime to taste the difference firsthand. As it is I don't drink much, and I can't help but think of the Simpsons episode where the Germans buy the plant and refer to American beer as "swill", as a good reason why.

[peoplessi]

I have never understood the logic behind light beer? :) I think we don't have single one light beer of our own here in Finland.

[Black Yeti]

Most beer is terrible regardless of who makes it IMO. At least here in the states. I'd love to go to Europe sometime to taste the difference firsthand. As it is I don't drink much, and I can't help but think of the Simpsons episode where the Germans buy the plant and refer to American beer as "swill", as a good reason why.

That reminds me of another scene in "The Springfield Files", love that scene:


Moe draws back and offers him a real new brand: "Red Tick Beer."

Homer: Hmm... Bold, refreshing, and something I can't quite put my
finger on.
[at the Red Tick Beer brewery, dogs are swimming in the tank]
Man: [takes a sip] Hmm... Needs more dog.


I have never understood the logic behind light beer? :) I think we don't have single one light beer of our own here in Finland.

No wonder when you see the price of beer in Finland. It would be a waste of money drinking light beer.

[Scream]

Well, not that I like to see anyone lose their job if that ends up being the result of this, but if a foreign influence can do something to make American beer taste less like water this is good as far as I'm concerned. ;)

[Mr.Fibbles]

As a resident of St. Louis (the HQ of AB) I have some interest in this matter. As a person underage, I have no official stnace on this matter regarding beers and which ones suck.

Bud Light is not the only beer AB makes, for those ignorant of that. Also, I think I remember seeing somewhere that Miller is owned by AB, but maybe it was another beer company.
The concern is jobs and how the foreign owners will handle the employees etc. No one wants to lose their jobs, not at this time in America's economic situation. Quite frankly, there aren't a lot of jobs in St. Louis and if people start getting replaced or dropped from one of the main employers in St. Louis, it could be very bad for the city itself.

[jimbob]

I have never understood the logic behind light beer? :) I think we don't have single one light beer of our own here in Finland.

they tried introducing light beer over here once, it failed misserably.

[Black Yeti]

As a resident of St. Louis (the HQ of AB) I have some interest in this matter. As a person underage, I have no official stnace on this matter regarding beers and which ones suck.

Bud Light is not the only beer AB makes, for those ignorant of that. Also, I think I remember seeing somewhere that Miller is owned by AB, but maybe it was another beer company.
The concern is jobs and how the foreign owners will handle the employees etc. No one wants to lose their jobs, not at this time in America's economic situation. Quite frankly, there aren't a lot of jobs in St. Louis and if people start getting replaced or dropped from one of the main employers in St. Louis, it could be very bad for the city itself.

I doubt that they're going to close down the factory or fire any considerable amount of people. That would be bad publicity and I don't think they want to loose customers. For the same reason I also doubt that they are going to change the taste of the beer. If anything they are going to introduce other beers using the brand budwiser.

Also for your information the real budwiser (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budweiser) comes from europe.

[Mr.Fibbles]

Yes, I know they aren't closing the brewery, in fact they are making it the North American HQ, but the changes may or may not benefit the city as a whole. I think that is what the issue is really, some people are worried about jobs etc.

AB is an American company founded by a German and his son in law. Those name disputes are irrelevant.

Like I said, I have no official stance on beer tastes etc, but I have no doubt they will not change the "Great American Lager" at the risk of losing their purchase.

[ryche]

They'll make a chocolate beer now!

[Phait]

American/domestic beer sucks.

Import FTMFW.

[Scotty]

In case you haven't heard, Anheuser-Busch was bought out by Belgian beer maker InBev for $52 billion. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25663923) Inbev makes Stella Artois, Beck’s and Bass. Seems pretty shocking to me.

The only domestic beers left are Miller and Coors. Good thing I drink Coors Light. :)

Miller got bought out by South African Brewing back in 2002.

Coors merged with Molson in 2005.

Ppl that bought A-B back when it was trading for $45-55 are overjoyed now.

Even though I'd be overjoyed if one of my stocks got bought out and I ended up pocketing a 27-56% gain, it still kinda sucks that it works out this way.

Although no A-B breweries are supposed to be closed, the Merrimack, NH brewery is A-B's smallest, and the possibility of it closing has come up from time to time over the years. Oh well, I guess I should take the tour while I still can. The last time I took the tour was 25-30 years ago when I was a kid.

[Syph]

We Americans sure know how to sell out! Interestingly (But not enough to provide any links, that would be wasting your time really) I was just reading about companies we thought were American owned but aren't on one of those AOL or AIM frontpage articles. Forgot which one.

[Jiminator]

My friend is an executive for bud. She cashed in 25k of stock options today. good for her, since she probably will not have a job next year. As for a sellout, the purpose of a company is to make money for the shareholders, the $70 was a good offer.

[TerminX]

American/domestic beer sucks.

Import FTMFW.
Correction... most of the popular, mass-marketed pisswater that gets called beer in America sucks. A lot of the beers from the local breweries around here (northern/central California) are good enough that I can't just say "American beer sucks."

[Phait]

Pretty much what I meant. I had some sampler beers at a local brewery and some were good, and their red ale is good.

[BadScout]

We Americans sure know how to sell out!

Well, that's globalisation and market consolidation. Nowadays, every country I think fears somewhat 'bout selling out...

Anyway, don't worry - you still got http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown-Forman_Corporation ;)

While I don't like american beers in general, I must admit Yuengling lager wasn't that bad. Got pretty much wasted :D

[Tetsuro]

What difference does it make? The last time I had Budweiser made me wonder why the hell I liked it previously. :p

[8IronBob]

Suddenly beer isn't as American as apple pie anymore... Sad. :(

[Jokke_r]

In Finland no one really drinks anything but the domestic beers, but i've heard that they're still quite bad compared to german beer :/

[Stense]

Suddenly beer isn't as American as apple pie anymore... Sad. :(


Apple pie of course being an English dish and beer dating back to at least 3100 BC. :p

Can't say I've ever had any particular like of Budweiser (any type), but its sad that jobs are likely to be lost over this.

[Sang]

You'd complain too if you lost your job.

But.. They haven't lost their jobs, they just think they will solely for the reason that some other company is going to be taking over.. wtf? Just because some other company is taking over, that doesn't mean that company will decide that there should be lay-offs and all that.. It's not like Europeans are evil, cruel monsters who don't respect their workers. At least every time in Belgium, when a company is getting close to having no choice but to fire people, effort is put in to avoid such a situation. So I really doubt a European company is going to be like "hey here's an idea let's fire all these silly Americans".

If they do end up doing that then well sucks to those people, but people are complaining about being fired before they're fired. Wtf.

[Drazula]

Although I am generalizing, most people that drink domestic beer are fundamentalist, grass roots folks. They drive pickup trucks and wear flannel shirts. They will view this as anti-American. I think the biggest winner in this buyout is Coors. That is where these "American made" people will drift to.

There will be jobs lost as there will be duplicate and overlapping sales forces and warehouse etc. But it will be global, wherever both companies have products.

And yeah, I'm back.... beer gooooood... :)

[Llama Gibbz]

Yuengling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._G._Yuengling_&_Son).


Topic Closed.

[Drazula]

Yuengling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._G._Yuengling_&_Son).


Topic Closed.
Sure there will be micro breweries around. Hell I used to drink Matt's Beer Balls (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Brewing_Company) in college (along with anything that ended in Beer).

But the great American Breweries are just about gone.

[The Baskinator]

My parents have asked that we stop buying beers owned by AB. This is especially shitty because I've always lived and grew up around St. Louis, MO---and my family is big on good beer. Anheuser-Busch is a source of local pride, or at least it was. So they want to make a point, and only buy microbrews. Now, this makes me happy anyway, since I prefer microbrews on the whole.

However, I can't fall back on my staple of Rolling Rock anymore. It's more expensive and more difficult to buy microbrews. More variety, sure, but everyone has that mid-shelf staple beer, just in case the store has run out of Joe Blow Microbrew #465.

[Hudson]

Yuengling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._G._Yuengling_&_Son).


Topic Closed.

While I agree completely, can you do me a favor and ship me some to Illinois?

Seriously, I miss that delicious beer :(

[The Baskinator]

As a resident of St. Louis (the HQ of AB) I have some interest in this matter.


:love: I didn't realize you're from my neck of the woods.

[Nessus]

Good to see ya Draz. That Belgium company says they're not going to mess with domestic operations at all, they;d be foolish too. They probably just want all of the facilities and distribution that company has so they can do their own thing with other products and overseas.

I used to love the Belgium beers, Duvel, Delirium Tremens and such but they're heavy, most of the European beers are. Sometimes you want something less substantial like a bud or Corona when it's 95 degree's out.

[Mr.Fibbles]

:love: I didn't realize you're from my neck of the woods.
I think it came up once in another thread. I remember spending a lot of time bashing Illinois.

As far as microbreweries go, my parents and older brothers agree that Schafly's is good. I am not sure how my parents etc are reacting to this whole thing other than just saying, oh well.
I think as long as the price doesn't change (except maybe going down) and the quality etc stays the same, no one will care too much in the end; at least not in my family. It seems that the beer of choice at family events in Bud Light, Busch, and maybe Budweiser for some reason.

[RedSplat]

Live action shot:
http://www.redsplat.net/beernow.jpg

Cheap beer.

[Mr.Fibbles]

7.9% isn't that a little high for beer?

[NutWrench]

I have about a thousand shares of Budweiser. Between the buy-out and the way the American economy is going, it might be worth holding on to them. Folks are going to be doing a lot more drinking in the future, I think.

[Waiter]

I used to love the Belgium beers, Duvel, Delirium Tremens and such but they're heavy, most of the European beers are.

I've heard people claim that Budweiser tastes very different in the states compared to the exported version you can buy in Europe. The european version is supposed to have more flavour, whereas the US version ... welll ... making love in a canoe and all of that. Has anyone tried both and can confirm/deny this?


...and yes, nice to see you back, Draz! :)

[Jokke_r]

7.9% isn't that a little high for beer?

err no. Most regular beer in finland is 4,6% but most brands also have a stronger one, normally around 8%

[8IronBob]

Yeah, I believe that there's even some beer from Romania or something that has upwards of about 9%, so yeah, I see where you're going. I believe it was Romanian, maybe something else from Eastern Europe. I actually like imports from the former Soviet countries, for some strange reason.

[Scream]

I've heard people claim that Budweiser tastes very different in the states compared to the exported version you can buy in Europe. The european version is supposed to have more flavour, whereas the US version ... welll ... making love in a canoe and all of that. Has anyone tried both and can confirm/deny this?


...and yes, nice to see you back, Draz! :)

The Canadian version of Bud tastes better than the American one. They both still suck, but the Canadian version sucks less. I assume they are brewed locally to some extent in each country using local methods, although I only know the difference from the taste.

[bobthefish]

lol. the canadian beer companies arnt having any trouble (like keiths) :P

[wayskobfssae]

Heard about this about a month ago - Some of the American reactions seemed really asinine. Started complaining about losing jobs.

It's one more huge kick in the ass of an already pissed off Western world.

[Jiminator]

My parents have asked that we stop buying beers owned by AB.
The important thing to realize is that the buyout means the profits are going overseas. 8% if they are doing well. The rest of the money goes to keep the factories, supply lines and a whole bunch of other people in work.

[X-Vector]

It's one more huge kick in the ass of an already pissed off Western world.

Belgium isn't part of the Western world?

Anyway, as far as alcohol percentage in beer goes, the highest I've sampled so far is the fantastic Maredsous 10 (%):

http://www.thebelgianbeershop.com.mt/maredsous10.jpg

Haven't had any problems with the strength of this beer, in my experience the 8,5% Duvel is more risky (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20060920/ai_n16735173).

[wayskobfssae]

Belgium isn't part of the Western world?

IMO, the EU machine has kinda created it's own... "region."

[X-Vector]

If the term "machine" is supposed to imply that Europe is some kind of harmonic, smoothly operating union with a common purpose, then you're mistaken.

Only non-Europeans think that way.
And hippies.

[The Stinger]

If the term "machine" is supposed to imply that Europe is some kind of harmonic, smoothly operating union with a common purpose, then you're mistaken.

Only non-Europeans think that way.
And hippies.

And naive politicians who live in a dream world.

[peoplessi]

Well, for my taste, every beer that goes beyond 6% isn't a simple "beer" anymore. The taste is overcome by alcohol, some people taste alcohol more easily, some less easily. But there is one exception for me, and it's Norwegian Stout beers from "Nøgne Ø" - very good. From our national beers, cheap lagers, I prefer Karjala.

http://www.nettikeittio.fi/failid/karjala_imago_200dpi.jpg

If the term "machine" is supposed to imply that Europe is some kind of harmonic, smoothly operating union with a common purpose, then you're mistaken.

Only non-Europeans think that way.
And hippies.

More smooth than Russia is with it's old territories. You can't expect union of multiple nations to be harmonic all the time. For the most parts, it works very smoothly. Only naive people would think that, or point it out, since it would mean we live in a perfect world ;)

[Orochi Avlis]

lol. the canadian beer companies arnt having any trouble (like keiths) :P
Alexander Keith's and Sleeman's are Canadian good beer (and the only ones I'll drink). But both plagued by bad advertisments.
Keith's had that annoying scot (or whatever the hell he was) that turned out to be a pedophile in real life and Sleeman's ads now consist of "Hey, Al Capone drank our beer. You should to!"

Oh yeah, Rickard's Red is good too.

[Chimera]

Tried Budweiser once, didn't lilke it at all.

I'm siting here with a glass of Erdinger (delicous) but my favourite beer is brewed in the next county over, Butty Bach (http://www.wyevalleybrewery.co.uk/beers_view.php?id=3) FTW!

We've got some great breweries local to Shropshire, infact there's one micro just opened in town in an old teddy bear factory...

[wayskobfssae]

More smooth than Russia is with it's old territories. You can't expect union of multiple nations to be harmonic all the time. For the most parts, it works very smoothly. Only naive people would think that, or point it out, since it would mean we live in a perfect world ;)

Heheh, thank you.

[Waiter]

I'm siting here with a glass of Erdinger (delicous)

Weissbier/Hefeweizen ftw \o/

[Hudson]

I'm drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon, Yuengling needs to expand further west goddammit :o

[Syph]

I'm drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon, Yuengling needs to expand further west goddammit :o

It's plentiful and cheap here on the east coast, and one of the few beers I actually enjoy drinking.

Oddly one time when i bought it as I was showing the guy my ID he asked me if I was from Pennsylvania, and I thought he was implying it was fake, since it clearly says New York. But apparently most of the people that bought it there were from Penn. Just struck me as funny. Funny and confusing.

[Little Conqueror]

In case you haven't heard, Anheuser-Busch was bought out by Belgian beer maker InBev for $52 billion. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25663923) Inbev makesStella Artois, Beck’s and Bass. Seems pretty shocking to me.

The only domestic beers left are Miller and Coors. Good thing I drink Coors Light. :)

Maybe Anheuser-Busch will start making some decent beer now.

Blue Moon for the win. :p

[Hudson]

It's plentiful and cheap here on the east coast, and one of the few beers I actually enjoy drinking.

Oddly one time when i bought it as I was showing the guy my ID he asked me if I was from Pennsylvania, and I thought he was implying it was fake, since it clearly says New York. But apparently most of the people that bought it there were from Penn. Just struck me as funny. Funny and confusing.

Oh I know, before I moved here with Basky I lived my entire life on the East Coast. Yuengling is a staple over there, I just wish they would move a little further west ;)

I should stop complaining though, Illinois/St. Louis is microbrew heaven :love:

[wayskobfssae]

I'm drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon

Now I can't get the scenes from Midnight Madness outta my head. :doh:

[8IronBob]

Anyone have Chinese beer at all? I tried a Tsingtao out recently, and I'm wondering how to compare that to any Western beer at all? Anyway, at least having Belgium make Bud is far better than having beer sent to China like everything else.

[Scotty]

Domestic production should continue here.

I'd imagine production for export will be relocated to other countries, as this would lower shipping and customs costs.

As for profits going out of the country, profits go to stockholders, and American stockholders can buy foreign stocks. I own several foreign stocks, but not InBev at the moment.

[DudeMiester]

It's still not Canadian beer! :p

[Wellenreiter]

Weissbier/Hefeweizen ftw \o/

Best one ever! (http://www.brauerei-gutmann.de/hp1/Home.htm) Sometimes it's really good to live in germany, where beer is still beer. :D

[Kev_Hectic]

I assume they are brewed locally to some extent in each country using local methods, although I only know the difference from the taste.

Yup it is, the Budweiser that they sell in Canada is actually brewed by Labatt. Just look at the fine print on any bottle or can that is sold over here.

As for which one tastes better, I've never drank the American brewed Bud, so I can't say.

[motionblur]

Ah ... beer. The only topic where germans feel loved internationally :D :D :D

[X-Vector]

Besides cars, you mean?

[motionblur]

... well, yeah :p

[Ecmaster76]

I used to love the Belgium beers, Duvel, Delirium Tremens and such but they're heavy, most of the European beers are. Sometimes you want something less substantial like a bud or Corona when it's 95 degree's out.

I was in Belgium last Summer (Brugge) and the beer there made me cry with joy. The Delerium also gave me some odd dreams. ;) I have noticed that European beer imported into the US isnt as good as it is over there. Freshness isnt the only cause, mybe not even the main one. I've heard that they have to put in a lot of preservatives to comply with US law (not sure if thats true though).

$5 says restaurants start charging Import/Premium prices for Bud. They already do for Killians :mad: and its made by Coors in Colorado.

[LarsBM]

In case you haven't heard, Anheuser-Busch was bought out by Belgian beer maker InBev for $52 billion. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25663923) Inbev makesStella Artois, Beck’s and Bass. Seems pretty shocking to me.

The only domestic beers left are Miller and Coors. Good thing I drink Coors Light. :)

Good thing I live in Norway and only drink my towns local brew. ;)

It's called Dahls and it's the best!

[shiranui]

I thought American beer tasted like panthers' piss anyway?

[Bludd]

How can it be considered an import if it is still brewed in the United States?

[Scotty]

...because they'll brew it with imported horse piss instead of domestic horse piss? :D

[wayskobfssae]

I thought American beer tasted like panthers' piss anyway?

... did you just randomly pick an animal?

[Mr_Diffrence]

Nice "return" thread Draz. :p

"Hey Draz is back.... holy shit BEER!" ;)

lol

Welcome back Draz

[Pansa]

well , it may seem quite mean, oh noo an american brand has been bought up..

its not like american cooperations buy up .. say ... european brands... like for instance cars.. oh and they NEVER close down factorys to switch to "low wage" countries..

welcome to the world of capitalism ..

[Pansa]

Well, for my taste, every beer that goes beyond 6% isn't a simple "beer" anymore.
everything below 5% is loliflavored water ^^

or in budweisers case "weak loliflavoured water"

[LeadBullet]

I find any beers I've tried to be kind of piss based.

So I suppose the stronger foreign beers are along the lines of piss concentrate.

[angie1313]

Doesn't bother me one bit. I was never a fan of Badweiser anyway.

[ZaphodB]

Maybe with it becoming an import it will actually have flavor instead of tasting like bitter water.

[Chimera]

heh, I mentioned Erdinger earlier, now I've tried Leffe....

German beers FTW?

[X-Vector]

Leffe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leffe) is not a German beer.

Belgian beers FTW.

[Chimera]

Leffe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leffe) is not a German beer.

Belgian beers FTW.

My apologies. I bow to your greater knowledge :D

[biXen]

Budweiser really tastes like nothing, luckily it's role here has been taken over by Heineken which tastes more and better. Easily drinkable, slightly sweet and no aftertaste. I like beer that's easy to enjoy, not stuff you have to sit down and prepare a speech before drinking ;)