"free beer" news and stories

In my early 20s I was an indiscriminate drinker, with my taste buds and intoxication level governed by my wallet. I filled my stomach with lowest-common-denominator liquor and beer -- preferably free. An open bar could make me try any reprehensible beverage, which explained why, at 24, I often turned my tongue orange on Sparks.

But instead of a gimmicky malt beverage, an unlikely beverage is inviting twentysomethings to take a free test drive: Budweiser. In a new ad campaign called "Grab Some Buds," Anheuser-Busch is hoping to introduce young drinkers to the pleasures of its innocuous lager. The campaign culminates with Budweiser National Happy Hour on September 29th, when bargoers can suck down six to 12 ounces of free Bud.

Is this a kind gesture on A-B's part? Hardly. Last year, Bud sales nose-dived 9 percent, and the numbers are looking equally grim in 2010. Craft beer, light beer and even crappier sub-premium beer (mmm...Keystone Light) have sapped the Clydesdale brand's strength.

If you're like me, you have no children and life is sweet and easy. (Pause added here for angry parental backlash.) But let's say I did have kids: I'm sure one of the few pleasures in which I could have previously partaken was knowing I'd always have the opportunity for a free beer tasting if I took my imaginary wee ones to an Anheuser-Busch-owned theme park such as, say, Sea World. (We all know Shamu excitement is enhanced after a few taster brews.)

Well, say goodbye to dad's break from family fun time. Anheuser-Busch has announced it's removing free beer samples from hospitality centers in its theme parks such as Sea World and Busch Gardens. Instead, they'll be replacing them with restaurants that have "broader appeal."

A quick check on Thesaurus.com reminds us that "broader appeal" is synonymous with "earning potential." Also, instead of "free samples," hospitality centers will now offer "free lessons in the harsh realities of big business." Let the good times roll!

[via USA Today]