USA: AB InBev to launch limited-edition Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve beer

Anheuser-Busch dug deep in the archives of its St. Louis brewery for its new beer slated to hit store shelves nationally this week, Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve, STLtoday.com reported on October 23.

Adolphus Busch created the amber lager in pre-Prohibition days for his friends and it was originally only sold in St. Louis where the brewery was founded. The recipe hasn't been brewed by A-B since Prohibition ended.

The recipe was tweaked a bit to have a higher alcohol content — 6.1 percent — than the original. By comparison, A-B's flagship Budweiser brand has 5 percent alcohol content.

The beer in 12-ounce, vintage stubby glass bottles will be available at retailers and some bars and restaurants nationally only for a limited time.

"While Budweiser Repeal Reserve is a great tasting amber lager, it also tells the story of an important part of our history and gives reason for celebration," A-B's vice president of Budweiser Ricardo Marques said in an email. St. Louis is the U.S. headquarters for AB InBev.

While A-B has rolled out numerous line extensions for Bud Light, line extension for its flagship Budweiser are rare. The last Budweiser line extension was in 2012 when the brewery launched the limited edition Budweiser Black Crown.

The Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve launch comes as market share for Budweiser continues to fall in the U.S. but is growing internationally. Budweiser is the third best-selling beer in the U.S., behind Bud Light and Coors Light.

23 October, 2017