As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am well aware of the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of Budweiser and Budvar. While Anheuser-Busch InBev claims that Budweiser is the original, it is important to delve into the historical context to understand the true story.
First, let's acknowledge that the St Louis-based Anheuser-Busch brewery did indeed start producing their version of Budweiser approximately 30 years before Budvar. This fact is often used to support the claim that Budweiser is the original. However, it is crucial to recognize that brewing in Budweis (now Ceske Budejovice), the Czech Republic, has a long and storied history that predates the American version.
Budweis has been a hub of brewing activity for centuries, with records dating back to the 13th century. The region's brewing traditions and techniques were well-established long before Anheuser-Busch came into existence. The original Budweiser beer was brewed in Budweis by the Czech brewery Budějovický Budvar, also known as Budweiser Budvar, which was founded in 1895. This brewery has been producing beer using traditional methods and local ingredients for over a century.
It is worth mentioning that the name “Budweiser” itself is derived from the German name for Budweis, as the region was primarily German-speaking before the Czech Republic gained independence. Both Budvar and Anheuser-Busch have historical ties to the name, albeit from different perspectives.
The Budweiser name became a point of contention between the two breweries, leading to legal battles and disputes over trademark rights in various countries. This further highlights the complex nature of the Budweiser brand and its origins.
As a brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste both the American Budweiser and the Czech Budvar, and I can say that they are distinct from each other in terms of flavor profiles and brewing techniques. Budvar has a rich and malty character with a slightly bitter finish, while Budweiser leans towards a lighter and crisper taste. These differences can be attributed to variations in ingredients, brewing processes, and regional preferences.
While it is true that Anheuser-Busch InBev's Budweiser was produced before Budvar in terms of timeline, it is essential to acknowledge the long history of brewing in Budweis and the Czech Republic. Budvar's brewing tradition spans centuries, and their beer holds a significant place in the brewing world. The debate over which beer is the “original” is nuanced and depends on one's perspective and definition of originality.