As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am delighted to share with you the differences between Budweiser and Budweiser Select. These two beers are both produced by the renowned Anheuser-Busch brewery, but they do have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
1. Brewing Process:
Budweiser Select undergoes a longer brewing process compared to regular Budweiser. This extended time in the brewhouse allows for more detailed and precise control over the fermentation and maturation stages. The result is a beer with a lower carbohydrate and calorie content.
2. Flavor Profile:
Regular Budweiser is known for its crisp, clean, and refreshing taste. It has a balanced malt sweetness and a mild hop bitterness. On the other hand, Budweiser Select aims to provide a more refined and distinct flavor profile. The longer brewing process contributes to a beer that is smoother, with a subtle malt sweetness and a slightly more pronounced hop character.
3. Alcohol Content:
Budweiser and Budweiser Select also differ in terms of their alcohol content. Regular Budweiser typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 5%, while Budweiser Select has a slightly higher ABV, generally ranging from 4.3% to 4.6%. This difference is notable but not significant enough to dramatically alter the drinking experience.
4. Calorie and Carbohydrate Content:
One of the key selling points of Budweiser Select is its lower calorie and carbohydrate content. The extended brewing process allows for more complete fermentation, resulting in fewer residual sugars. As a result, Budweiser Select has approximately 55-60 calories per 12-ounce serving, compared to the roughly 140-150 calories in regular Budweiser. This distinction can be appealing to those who are conscious of their calorie intake.
Budweiser and Budweiser Select offer different experiences to beer enthusiasts. Regular Budweiser is a classic and widely recognized beer loved for its refreshing taste, while Budweiser Select offers a smoother and slightly more complex flavor profile, with the added benefit of lower calorie and carbohydrate content. Both beers have their own merits, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired drinking experience.