Anheuser-Busch InBev is again rolling out a new Budweiser product, this time a red lager.
The new brew, called Budweiser Freedom Reserve Red Lager, is the second beer introduced under Budweiser's Reserve Collection. The first was the Budweiser 1933 Repeal Reserve, which hit store shelves late last year.
Similar to the Repeal Reserve, Freedom Reserve will be packaged in a vintage stubby bottle. The beer will also be available in a one-pint can.
Red Lager is brewed with toasted barley grains for a slightly sweet aroma with a touch of hops, a rich caramel malt taste and a smooth finish with a hint of molasses. A portion of proceeds will go to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to military families.
While A-B has rolled out numerous line extensions for Bud Light, line extension for its flagship Budweiser had been rare. Prior to the Reserve Collection, the last Budweiser line extension was in 2012 when the brewery launched the limited edition Budweiser Black Crown.
The new Budweiser offerings come as market share for Budweiser continues to fall in the U.S. but is growing internationally. Budweiser is the third best-selling beer in the U.S., behind Bud Light and Coors Light.
A-B also recently announced a partnership with Jim Beam on a new limited edition beer called Budweiser Reserve Copper Lager. The beer will be brewed with two-row barley and will be aged on Jim Beam bourbon barrel staves to create a toasted oak aroma and nutty taste.
