Budweiser (/ˈbʌdwaɪzər/) is an American-style pale lager produced by Anheuser-Busch, currently part of the transnational corporation AB InBev and produced in various breweries around the world. There is an unrelated lager also called Budweiser, originating centuries ago in České Budějovice, Czechia (historically known as Budweis); the existence of the two separate beers has given rise to a trademark dispute preventing Anheuser-Busch from using the "Budweiser" name in some regions, leading to the exclusive use of "Bud" in those markets.
Introduced in 1876 by Carl Conrad & Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, Budweiser has become one of the largest-selling beers in the United States. The lager is available in over 80 countries, though not under the Budweiser name where Anheuser-Busch does not own the trademark. Budweiser is a filtered beer, available on draft and in bottles and cans, made (unlike the Czech lager) with up to 30% rice in addition to the hops and barley malt used by all lagers.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Budweiser made its first Parade appearance in the 1970 Parade, with the addition of a float known as "The Animal House". The float, based on a circus-style fun house, features various animals popping out from the various windows on the float. The float is also unique in that it was pulled by a league of Clydesdale horses, a feature which had been done sparingly since the 1940's. The float was retired after its sophomore appearance in 1971.
Despite the previous float's retirement, Budweiser's association with the Parade continued on. In 1972, the company introduced another brand-new float to the Parade, which was entitled "The Snowman Sleigh". The float, as the name suggests, was made to look like a giant sleigh. On the float was a a snowy, ice-topped mountain with evergreen trees placed intricately throughout the float. The highest point of the float is an enormous Snowman figure, which turned side to side as the float made its way to 34th Street. Enjoying the winter festivities, two young children (sculpted of foam) slipped and slid their way down the mountain with the help of toboggans. Like the company's previous entry, it was pulled by a league of Clydesdale horses. The float made consecutive appearances in both 1973 and 1974, and was retired shortly after the latter.
Three years after the float was retired, the tobogganing children were auctioned off and sold to an unnamed individual. The rest of the float was disposed of, and the Parade has since been without a Budweiser-sponsored unit.