BUILDING AN AMERICAN ICON
When Anheuser-Busch was founded in the 1850s, it started as a small neighborhood brewery. Through the combined efforts of Eberhard Anheuser, Adolphus Busch, and thousands of employees, our brewery quickly transformed from a local fixture into a national presence.
Today, we employ thousands of people nationwide, all united by a deep passion for dreaming big and supporting the communities that we call home.
1870s
Adolphus Busch, a German immigrant, arrived in the United States in 1857. By 1861, Adolphus had married Lilly Anheuser, the daughter of local businessman Eberhard Anheuser. After serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, Adolphus went to work at his father-in-law’s brewery and begins building a brand that would become an American Icon.
1870s
Anheuser-Busch becomes the first American brewery to use pasteurization, allowing beer to be shipped long distances without spoiling.
1870s
Anheuser-Busch’s use of new technologies like pasteurization artificial refrigeration, refrigerated railcars, and rail-side ice house allowed Budweiser to become the first nationally distributed beer brand.Today, Budweiser is brewed in 12 locations across the US an at more than 50 breweries around the world.
FOR THE LOVE OF LAGER
The introduction of lager beer to the United States by German immigrants during the mid-19th century forever changed the landscape of the brewing industry. As lager became the most popular style of beer, we pioneered the use of new technologies allowing consumers across America to enjoy beers like Michelob, Faust, and Budweiser. Our time-honored traditions of brewing the highest quality beer while constantly innovating has pushed the future of our industry forward.
The Birth of Lager
In the mid-1800s, the population of St. Louis exploded as a large wave of German immigrants settled in the city. One of the principal industries that Germans brought to St. Louis was brewing. These German brewers introduced a style of beer popular in Germany, but relatively unknown in the United States: lager beer.
Eberhard Anheuser From Soap to Beer
Eberhard Anheuser — a German soap maker who would go on to own the largest soap and candle company in St. Louis — emigrated to Missouri in 1843.
Although he had no brewing experience, Eberhard became part owner of the Bavarian and by 1860 had bought out the other investors, changing the brewery’s name to E. Anheuser & Co.
Adolphus Busch - A Historic Partnership
Adolphus Busch was born in 1839, the second youngest of 22 children. At the age of 18, he made his way to St. Louis via New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Adolphus began working as a clerk on the riverfront and by the time he was 21, he had a partnership in a brewing supply business. It was through this enterprise that Adolphus Busch met Eberhard Anheuser — and his daughter Lilly.
A Fortunate Love Story
In 1861, Adolphus Busch and Eberhard Anheuser’s daughter Lilly were married. Shortly after that, Adolphus went to work for his father-in-law at E. Anheuser & Co, later purchasing half of the brewery.
An Americon Icon is Born
Adolphus’ vision and entrepreneurial mindset grew the business both in the US and abroad – no small feat at the time. In 1879, the company was renamed the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association to recognize his efforts.
When Eberhard Anheuser died in 1880, Adolphus became president of the brewery. In 1901, the company broke the 1 million barrels of beer sales mark for the first time, making it one of the nation’s leading breweries.
Crowning a King
When Adolphus began working at the brewery, most beer in the United States was sold and consumed in the community in which it was brewed. But, Adolphus was determined to create a brand that would transcend the tradition of local brews and appeal to people across the US.
In 1876, Adolphus and his friend Carl Conrad created Budweiser, an American-style lager that succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations and eventually became the brewery’s flagship brand:
Sales & Marketing Center Stage
In addition to being a leader in the technical development of the brewing industry, Adolphus Busch was also a master of advertising and promotion.
Adolphus used traditional, proven selling methods, but in a far more organized and deliberate manner than his competitors. He pioneered the use of giveaways and in the 1880s turned the Anheuser-Busch brewery into a tourist destination by offering tours to the public.
The Legacy Continues
In the mid-1800s, the population of St. Louis exploded as a large wave of German immigrants settled in the city. One of the principal industries that Germans brought to St. Louis was brewing. These German brewers introduced a style of beer popular in Germany, but relatively unknown in the United States: lager beer.
The Birth of the American Lager
In the mid-1800s, the population of St. Louis exploded as a large wave of German immigrants settled in the city. One of the principal industries that Germans brought to St. Louis was brewing. These German brewers introduced a style of beer popular in Germany, but relatively unknown in the United States: lager beer.
Everhard Anheuser From Soap to Beer
Eberhard Anheuser — a German soap maker who would go on to own the largest soap and candle company in St. Louis — emigrated to Missouri in 1843.
Although he had no brewing experience, Eberhard became part owner of the Bavarian and by 1860 had bought out the other investors, changing the brewery’s name to E. Anheuser & Co.
Adolphus Busch a Historic Partnership
Adolphus Busch was born in 1839, the second youngest of 22 children. At the age of 18, he made his way to St. Louis via New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Adolphus began working as a clerk on the riverfront and by the time he was 21, he had a partnership in a brewing supply business. It was through this enterprise that Adolphus Busch met Eberhard Anheuser — and his daughter Lilly.
A Fortunate Love Story
In 1861, Adolphus Busch and Eberhard Anheuser’s daughter Lilly were married. Shortly after that, Adolphus went to work for his father-in-law at E. Anheuser & Co, later purchasing half of the brewery.
An American Icon is Born
Adolphus’ vision and entrepreneurial mindset grew the business both in the US and abroad – no small feat at the time. In 1879, the company was renamed the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association to recognize his efforts.
When Eberhard Anheuser died in 1880, Adolphus became president of the brewery. In 1901, the company broke the 1 million barrels of beer sales mark for the first time, making it one of the nation’s leading breweries.
Crowning a King
When Adolphus began working at the brewery, most beer in the United States was sold and consumed in the community in which it was brewed. But, Adolphus was determined to create a brand that would transcend the tradition of local brews and appeal to people across the US.
In 1876, Adolphus and his friend Carl Conrad created Budweiser, an American-style lager that succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations and eventually became the brewery’s flagship brand:
Sales & Marketing Center Stage
In addition to being a leader in the technical development of the brewing industry, Adolphus Busch was also a master of advertising and promotion.
Adolphus used traditional, proven selling methods, but in a far more organized and deliberate manner than his competitors. He pioneered the use of giveaways and in the 1880s turned the Anheuser-Busch brewery into a tourist destination by offering tours to the public.
The Legacy Continues
In the mid-1800s, the population of St. Louis exploded as a large wave of German immigrants settled in the city. One of the principal industries that Germans brought to St. Louis was brewing. These German brewers introduced a style of beer popular in Germany, but relatively unknown in the United States: lager beer.
MARKETING THROUGH THE AGES
Our first responsible drinking message dates back more than 100 years. Today, our commitment to responsible drinking and making every experience with beer a positive one remains the same. From safe rides to safe roads, we are proud to do our part.
Our willingness to adapt and implement new technologies is a critical chapter in our history. The introduction of Budweiser cans in 1936 exemplified this tradition and created a legacy that continues to be celebrated at each one of our breweries.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, especially when it comes to marketing and advertising. As an industry leader, we are inspired to take part in conversations and celebrate the cultural moments happening every day.
Although Budweiser is one of the most iconic brands in the world, we have proudly brewed a diverse portfolio for more than a century. By 1900, we were producing 17 different products to meet the taste of our customers— for every occasion.
