Here is an article about the real Budwesier. Budweiser, of course, refers to the German name for the town Budweis–the style of beer (or anything esle) that came from there is Budweiser. There is still a important brewery there, and although it is now in the Czech Republic and the town’s name is Budejovice, that beer is still available in Europe under the name Budweiser. It is available in the U.S. under the name Czechvar.
That Budweiser is terrific beer.
Look for Czechvar; the U.S. Budweiser is only a pale, feeble imitation!
I had a friend from England who came here and was very supprised at the lack of quality in the Budweiser beer. This must explain why. Of course, he also said Domino’s pizza is great there too, so he might have just been brain-damaged.
Yes, Czechvar/Budvar is a very nice beer. Shares absolutley no resemblence to its American counterpart.
Despite my beer snobbery background, I have found that Budweiser and its pisswater ilk do serve a purpose. When you’re absolutely stinking hot, sweaty, and thirsty (like after a long hike, or day of yardwork), nothing quite hits the spot like watered-down American macrobrews. You don’t want something malty and complex in flavor at this point. You want something chuggable and crisp, with a hoppy bitterness offset with a little bit of sweetness. For 90 degree plus days, a Bud will work, as will an MGD, PBR, or Old Style. Busch, however, I simply cannot drink no matter the circumstance.
It’s certainly not a beer I would drink to appreciate its flavor, and not a beer I drink outside of summer. But it has its place.
But sometimes you want beer-flavored water!!! I sure as hell do. I find that bitter hoppiness refreshing in a way water isn’t. I’ve been accused of being a total beer snob, but, listen, you can’t eat steak everyday. Sometimes you just want a shitty, greasy, sloppy hamburger. And there’s no reason to be ashamed of that.
Also, there something nostalgic about these beers – at least to me. It’s like comfort food. I can’t imagine going to Wrigley and slinging back Sam Adams or Goose Island (our very good local brew.) It’s gotta be Old Style.
