Budweiser Changes Beer’s Name to ‘America’ for the Election Season

No, this isn’t a joke, but prepare yourself for a slew of patriotic jokes: Anheuser-Busch announced Tuesday that their iconic beer Budweiser was getting a name change in anticipation of the “Most Patriotic Summer Ever.” The press release states:

The brand is also modifying Budweiser’s iconic label to add copy that is central to American history, including phrases from the Pledge of Allegiance and lyrics from “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.” On shelves nationwide from May 23 through the election in November, these cans and bottles aim to inspire drinkers to celebrate America and Budweiser’s shared values of freedom and authenticity. …

“We are embarking on what should be the most patriotic summer that this generation has ever seen, with Copa America Centenario being held on U.S. soil for the first time, Team USA competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Ricardo Marques, vice president, Budweiser. “Budweiser has always strived to embody America in a bottle, and we’re honored to salute this great nation where our beer has been passionately brewed for the past 140 years.”

The New York Times notes that Budweiser, which has been brewed in St. Louis since the 19th century, is a top-selling U.S. beer. It also brings up a question on many peoples’ minds:

When a thirsty American goes to the store looking for Budweiser, would he or she be confused upon encountering America instead?

“We have no doubt that consumers will recognize it in a heartbeat,” Mr. Marques said.

There has already been a diverse set of reactions to the name change on Twitter, with many users celebrating the patriotism and pulling out their wallets in anticipation.

Budweiser renaming it’s beer “America” for the summer.

Because… America.

I love it.

— •AEV• (@vandives) May 10, 2016

Budweiser changing its name to America for the summer! Looks like I’ll be drinking in, a, and for America!

— Jacob McCook (@jacob_mccook) May 10, 2016

Other users were not so thrilled, and remarks ranged from catty comments to serious insults.

Budweiser, realizing it’s a tasteless embarrassment in the eyes of the rest of the world, correctly changes name to “America.”

— Mary Beth Williams (@embeedub) May 10, 2016

I’m guessing “Xenophobia” didn’t have the same thirst-quenching brand awareness as “America”

— Justin Ellis (@JustinNXT) May 10, 2016

On the plus side, #Budweiser renaming itself to “America” will certainly help many foreigners avoid inadvertently drinking it

— Tom McKay (@thetomzone) May 10, 2016

Just like America the country, “America” the beer will most likely be enjoyed solely by the smallest percentage of people.

—Posted by Emma Niles

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