Spotlight on St. Louis, Missouri: Anheuser-Busch Brewery & Tour

Anheuser-Busch had its beginnings when Eberhard Anheuser purchased a bankrupt St. Louis brewery in 1860. His son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined the company in 1864, became a partner in 1869 and took over as president in 1880 when Anheuser died, ensuring the company would be controlled by the family until its sale to InBev in 2008.

Following Adolphus Busch's tour of Europe, where he studied new methods of bottom fermentation brewing, his discovery of a popular Bohemian Lager in the Czech city of Budweis led him to introduce Budweiser to the states in 1876.

As the first brewery to utilize the process of pasteurization, combined with artificial refrigeration and extensive bottling, Anheuser-Busch became the forerunner in nationwide distribution, so Budweiser became America's first national brand of beer.

Before 2008, when Anheuser-Busch was bought by InBev, the company had already achieved worldwide recognition as Anheuser-Busch International Inc. with an extensive line of beers and other products. Today as Anheuser-Busch InBev, the company has already surpassed SABMiller as the number one brewer worldwide.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis still gives free tours, and samples are included for those of legal age.

St. Louis Brewery Tour Times:
September through April
Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM and Sunday 11:30 AM until 4:00 PM
May through August
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Sunday 11:30 AM until 5:00 PM

The brewery also offers the more in-depth Beermaster Tour in which guests can observe the various intricate details involved in the brewing process.
St. Louis Beermaster Tour Times:
Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:45 PM or 3:00 PM
Sunday 12:30 PM, 1:45 PM or 3:00 PM

The tours also include a visit to the stables of the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales horses.

Also available at the brewery is the Beer School, where guests can participate in an informative, interactive class and learn the five essential steps to a better beer experience.
St. Louis Beer School Times:
September through May
Monday to Saturday 10:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:15 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 3:15 PM
June through August
Monday to Saturday 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:15 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:15 PM

Call 314 577-2626 to schedule tours