As part of my research for Dan Steffens, I scouted out the Anheuser-Busch plant and found out probably more than I ever needed to know about "beechwood aging."
People in St. Louis always use the strange expression "A-B products." Consider the following conversation:
"Are the 'A-B products' popular in Philadelphia?"
"Why yes, I have had a Budweiser before."
I thought this was akin to someone from Atlanta asking if I've ever heard of a little soft drink called Coca-Cola. Especially since I heard today that one out of every two beers consumed in America is, all together now, an "A-B product."
Of course they make more than just Bud and Busch. Michelob, Natty Light (and Ice), Rolling Rock, King Cobra Malt Liquor (not available for tasting), Bicardi Silver, Tequiza (yuck), something called Hurricane and Hurricane High Gravity. I tried a Michelob Pomagranate and something called Tilt, a neon green energy malt beverage that promises incredibly unhealthy amounts of caffeine to balance out its 8.8% alcohol content. I then exceeded my "two tastes" by having a Budweiser Select. The only difference being: no beechwood aging! George Clooney never mentioned that little fact. I also had a Grolsch, a beer that they don't actually brew but do somehow make money from.
This little fox is called Bevo (actually Reynard the Fox) and he is enjoying an ice cold mug of Bevo, a non alcoholic drink that was popular during Prohibition.
If I were truly more adventurous I would have ordered the "Snoot Dinner." Instead, I go the Pork Steak, a true St. Louis original.
Washed it down with an Orange Whistle. The Vess Company has been making soda in STL since 1919. One of their salesmen went on to create a version of his own favorite. You may know it as 7-Up.
