Craft brewer spoofs Budweiser’s renamed “America”

The response came within days. In early May 2016 AB-InBev announced it is replacing the Budweiser logo with “America” on its 12-oz. cans and bottles this summer. The cans of patriotic beer will be available from 23 May through the November election and aim “to inspire drinkers to celebrate America and Budweiser’s shared values of freedom and authenticity,” the brewer said.

This led the small Michigan-based craft brewer Saugatuck Brewing Company, which produces about 15,000 barrels beer per year according to press reports, to launch its own version called “Murica”.

On the company’s Facebook page it read: “We’re very proud to introduce our brand new name and packaging, along with the assurance that all of our beer is brewed under the careful watch of 1,776 Bald Eagles. This ensures that every drop of our beer is as true and honest as our fore fathers before us. Unlike other ’America’ beers, our brewery is completely American owned. What does it taste like, you ask? Freedom. It tastes like Freedom.”

As could be expected, the post went viral within hours.

However, when distributors asked if they could sell the beer, the Saugatuck brewery had to admit that people cannot buy it because it was just a joke. How could it not be, when it “tastes like Freedom” and is “brewed under the careful watch of 1,776 Bald Eagles”?

As to the name: It’s how you say “America” after you’ve had twelve beers, Saugatuck’s marketing manager confided.