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'King of Beers' Gets a Taste of Own Medicine

...and realize it's a lot like watery piss, actually

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 17, 2008 2:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – Anyone who thinks InBev’s buyout of Budweiser represents the end of American beer needs a history lesson, writes Edward McClelland in Salon. Budweiser became the “King of Beers” by killing every other heir to the throne. In 1960, America had 175 traditional, regional breweries, making lagers just like Bud. Anheuser-Busch systematically crushed them all, through its distribution and marketing might.

As of 2005, Budweiser, Miller, and Coors made up 80% of the market. But being the McDonald's of beer has backfired lately. Sales have stagnated. Those wiped-out regional brewers have been replaced with innovative craft breweries, a growing market Bud’s been utterly unable to break into. Stagnating growth meant a stagnating stock, making the company ripe for a takeover. Call it the local brewmeisters’ revenge.

In an Oct. 18, 2005, file photo Steve Barongi, left, and Jesse Rivera, employees of Anheuser Busch, deliver cases of Budweiser to a New York restaurant.
In an Oct. 18, 2005, file photo Steve Barongi, left, and Jesse Rivera, employees of Anheuser Busch, deliver cases of Budweiser to a New York restaurant.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
Flags fly near the Budweiser sign on thge complex of St. Louis based Anheuser-Busch Cos. Wednesday, June 11, 2008.
Flags fly near the Budweiser sign on thge complex of St. Louis based Anheuser-Busch Cos. Wednesday, June 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
Once, American drinkers had more regional beers in the fridge, before Budweiser pushed them out.
Once, American drinkers had more regional beers in the fridge, before Budweiser pushed them out.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
In this June 13, 2008 file photo, Anheuser-Busch Cos. beers Budweiser and Bud Light are on tap, at Hammerstone's bar in St. Louis.
In this June 13, 2008 file photo, Anheuser-Busch Cos. beers Budweiser and Bud Light are on tap, at Hammerstone's bar in St. Louis.   (AP Photo/Whitney Curtis, File)
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