AB InBev unveils new Kentucky Common Beer, Partnership

4/3/23 Update:
No, Budweiser isn't making a Kentucky Common.

Despite our announcement being an April Fools Day joke, we do take the Kentucky Common seriously…so we’re bringing back our campaign: we believe the Kentucky Common should be the Official State Beer of Kentucky. And we need your help to tell that story: Sign the petition.

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The KING OF COMMONS

We are beyond excited to announce the launch of a brand-new beer that brings together the brewing heritage of St. Louis, MO, and Louisville, KY – Budweiser Kentucky Common. This historic beer style, deeply rooted in American brewing history, is a unique and flavorful addition to the Anheuser-Busch portfolio. You can expect to find thirty-can cases and six-packs of this dark cream ale on shelves and on draft at your favorite bar later this month.

The Kentucky Common has a rich past, originating in the Louisville area in the late 19th century. A favorite among blue-collar workers, this dark cream ale was often enjoyed in taverns and saloons. Known for its darker color, crisp finish, and balanced malt and hop profile, Budweiser Kentucky Common perfectly aligns with the recent trend of simpler, more traditional beers.

Louisville's Falls City Brewery, circa 1930

By introducing Budweiser Kentucky Common, the largest beer producer in the United States celebrates the shared brewing heritage of St. Louis, home to Anheuser-Busch, and Louisville, with its rich pre-Prohibition brewing history and distinct beer styles and traditions. This unique and delicious beer style will delight beer lovers across the country.

"We're thrilled to introduce our take on this classic beer style," said a spokesperson at Anheuser-Busch. "Budweiser Kentucky Common is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and we're excited for beer enthusiasts to try it nationwide."

Since we’ve been promoting the Kentucky Common as a style and championing our hometown as a historic beer city since 2020, Louisville Ale Trail is happy to collaborate and help launch Budweiser Kentucky Common. We think the beer style is worth celebrating and we’re excited that such a large brewery has embraced this Kentucky tradition and wants to share it with the world. We feel honored that we’ve been selected to help Anheuser-Busch announce the news.

(Statement of disclosure); In this monumental partnership, AB InBev, Anheuser-Busch’s parent company, has agreed to purchase the intellectual property and service rights to "Louisville Ale Trail®," as well as "Kentucky Commons Radio Hour ™" podcast and associated media, for $5.02 million, contingent and spanning a ten (10) year license agreement, pursuant to all contractual and pre-defined terms, and obligations, and effective immediately.

Budweiser Kentucky Common will be available in select markets across the United States in the coming months after April 1st. For more information, CLICK HERE

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A big thank you to Kevin Gibson for joining us to share this news. Learn more about Louisville beer and history by picking up some of his work here.

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