As smaller craft beer makers slowly gain marketshare in North America, it’s not surprising the the big brewers are starting to dabble in specialty brews and, in Budweiser‘s case, local beers.
Bud’s “Project 12” began when brewmasters at 12 AB InBev breweries created their own small-batch “tribute” beers, each with a distinct style. The company pared the list to six beers that will be sampled this summer. Based on consumer feedback, the brewer will narrow the list to three beers that will be included in a limited-edition sampler pack hitting stores in the fall.
“Our objective is to allow our brewmasters to show some creativity, but the beers must fit the hallmarks the Budweiser brand is respected for, such as quality and consistency, and have a very crisp and clean taste,” Jane Killebrew-Galeski, director of brewing, quality and innovation for Anheuser-Busch, the U.S. subsidiary of AB InBev, said in a statement.
For instance, Budweiser Small Batch 91406 is named for a Los Angeles zip code and is described as a “deep-amber lager with 6 percent ABV that uses four different types of hops.” The other beers are: Budweiser Small Batch 63118 (St. Louis); Budweiser Small Batch 43229 (Ohio); Budweiser Small Batch 23185 (Virginia); Budweiser Small Batch 13027 (New York); and Budweiser Small Batch 80524 (Colorado).
The brews will be launched in August at private events at the 12 U.S. breweries featuring the brewmasters. The beers will also be sampled at “Budweiser Made in America,” a two-day music festival the brewer is sponsoring Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia.
The initiative is another example of how big brewers are following the playbook of smaller craft brewers by spotlighting brewmasters and seeking to connect with local communities. MillerCoors, for instance, has begun showcasing Keith Villa, the creator of Blue Moon.
AB InBev has also toyed with creating beers labeled by airport codes, such as LAX and LGA, according to trademark filings. The brewer has not commented on the filings.
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