I really want to like new beers that are released by big-name breweries. Imagine being able to enjoy a full-bodied, fragrant IPA at the same prices your neighbor pays when buying American carbonated water lager by the 30-pack. Or, would such accessibility somehow diminish the experience? But I digress...
I bought a six-pack of Budweiser American Ale about a week or so ago, and, of course, I really wanted to like it. Pretty smart move on the part of A/B. I'm sure the thinking was, "We're loosing market share left and right to craft brews, why not throw something out there for the quality-conscious public, and see if it sticks. Forget the fact that Miller, Coors and Bud's sister brand Michelob have tried the same tactic and failed. We can make this work. We're the King of Beers!"
First off, I think they are trying to make a statement with the pricing. Much closer to the Sam Adams or Harpoon range than say, Icehouse. They are probably thinking that us beer snobs would never look twice at something that goes $4.49 for a six-pack.
The beer does have excellent color - deep reddish-brown, and very consistent, with a substantial, fluffy head. The aroma was also very good, with the kind of roasted malt and citrus smells you would look for.
Taste-wise, it started out pretty good - a little sweet, a little bitter, a little fruitiness. But, then came the finish.
And that's just it. There isn't one - no slightly bitter aftertaste, no lingering feeling of fruit on the tongue. Nothing. It's like the beer just gets to the back of your pallet and disappears. It's really strange. Everything up to that point indicates it will be a real craft beer experience. But in the end, I was left wanting more.
I enjoyed the beer a bit more the second time I tried it, but that was after a strenuous night of in-line hockey, and all mainstream American beers taste better in that context.
Conclusion: I don't think I will be buying it again. I do appreciate that A/B is thinking about "us". (I know - they only want our money, but that's business.)
