Budweiser is the name for two separate popular brands of beer, one brewed in the Czech Republic and one based in the United States.  The original use of the term Budweiser was used to refer to beer from the city of Ceske Budejovice in Bohemia (the modern Czech Republic) since 1265. Derived from the German name for the town, Budweis, something from Budweis being Budweiser.

The largest (but not the only) brewery in Ceske Budejovice has long exported beer under the "Budweiser" brandname, and in many European countries is the only beer that can be sold as "Budweiser". In some places where it competes with the American Budweiser it is marketed by the brewer Budejovicky Budvar using the names "Budvar", "Budweiser Budvar", and "Budejovicky Budvar". It recently started having limited distribution in the USA under the name "Czechvar".

The United States Budweiser is the best-selling brand of beer sold by Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewing company, based in Saint Louis, Missouri.  As the name implies, it was originally brewed in imitation of the famous Czech beer, but over the decades has developed its own style which has proved very commercially successful. It is brewed in the lager style using mass production techniques. Budweiser beer deteriorates quickly with age or excessive heat, so to ensure quality the company has fairly stringent requirements for handling and sale. There are numerous Budweiser breweries located around the nation, many of which offer tours with free samples.

Anheuser-Busch has a market share in the United States of about 50%, for all of its brands of beer combined. The company is known for its sports sponsorships, video game sponsorship (Tapper), and (sometimes) humorous advertisements. Advertising campaigns have included frogs saying 'bud-wei-ser', lizards doing the same, Clydesdale horses, etc. They also got into record breaking with Miss Budweiser and the Budweiser Rocket Car.  Famous Busch television campaigns have included the "Gimme a light" spots, the annual Bud Bowl, the "Waazzzup" series, and others.

It is also known for its repeated legal attempts to obtain complete control of the Budweiser trademark, which have been generally unsuccessful. The inexpensive and nearly colorless and flavorless beer itself takes a backseat to the advertising.  It is by this means that a mass produced beer, with these characteristics, is kept popular with young drinkers.  Naturally, it is the younger generation Anheuser-Busch target with their advertising.

In the United States and most of Latin America, the American beer is the only one which can be sold under the name "Budweiser". In some countries where the Czech brew has rights to that name, the American beer is sold as "Bud".

• USA Budweiser http://www.budweiser.com/

• Anheuser Busch - http://www.anheuser-busch.com/

• Czech Budweiser http://www.budvar.cz/

• Czechvar http://www.czechvar.com/

• Czechvar's return to the USA http://www.beersince1933.com/czechvar.htm

A TRADITIONAL SUSSEX COUNTRY PUB

There is nothing better than a Sussex pub, and, certainly, there is nothing more cosy and inviting than a rambling wooden oasis, with eccentric little hidey holes and a huge garden so you can lose your kids in it. The Ram Inn at Firle has all these ingredients and more.  This interesting old house, once the law courts complete with a holding cell in the basement, is under new management.  The pub has been refitted in traditional style and now boasts a superb new menu to tempt your taste buds with generous portions at reasonable prices.

Sitting on a quiet tree lined lane in the tranquil backwater of Firle, The Ram Inn is an attractive, unspoilt country pub that remains relatively unchanged since it was built in the 16^th century. There is a main bar, a quiet non-smoking snug area and a large family room provided with games, toys and high chairs. In the summer, food and drink can be enjoyed in the delightful sheltered gardens, where there is a children's play area and a separate hidden garden, ideal for quiet dining. In winter months the log fires in the bar and snug create a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The Ram Inn - Firle, Sussex

The proprietors Shaun and Hayley invite you to sample the delights of the Sussex countryside.  The Ram Inn is not far from the famous Glyndebourne Opera House near Lewes.

The Ram serves traditional pub food prepared to an exceptionally high standard every day, from midday until 9pm, with a scrumptious Sussex cream tea available from 3pm until 5.30pm. As well as the delicious, wide-ranging menu, there is also a special children's menu and tins of babyfood available, with all the facilities you may need for heating up bottles and food. The bar stocks three real ales, including Harveys, and a traditional hand-pulled cider. Guinness and Budweiser are also available. There is a large range of soft drink and a selection of children's drinks too.

A Traditional Sussex Country Pub

Mon-Sat 11.30-23.00; Sun 12.00-22.30

Traditional pub food served all day

Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Switch

Children's play area, beer garden, parking, excellent baby facilities

THE RAM INN

Firle, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6NS

Tel: 01273 858222

Directions: From the end of the M23, follow the A23 towards Brighton. When you reach the A27 turn left and follow it to Lewes, and then on towards Eastbourne. About 4 miles beyond Lewes, past the turning for the A26, Firle is signposted on the left.

Firle Place, Charleston Farmhouse 2 miles, Glyndebourne 3 miles, Lewes Castle 5 miles, Michelham Priory 8 miles, Brighton 12 miles, Seven Sisters Country Park 10 miles