Staff Reports
Ah, the saga of Bud Light, a classic tale of beer, buzz, and bewilderment. Picture this: a brand once synonymous with tailgates and Sunday afternoon football finding itself on a whirlwind journey into the land of catastrophic marketing decisions. Once the serenading song of frat houses and backyard grills, Bud Light decided to put on a new costume, one that veered right into controversy. The tale’s twist? Partnering with a certain influencer whose fame floored everyone—not in a good way.
Rewind to just this year when Bud Light, rather than Budweiser (the company name is Anheuser-Busch, which owns both brands), took the plunge into what can only be described as a marketing Titanic. They enlisted Dylan Mulvaney, hoping to sip champagne—or perhaps something stronger—amidst the wave of progressive politics. But alas, the wave crested and crashed down, drowning what seemed to be part of their business. Their audience, left bemused, decidedly stuck to the good ole’ cold cans and simpler times.
Interestingly, the story unfolds quite predictably, much like an awkward school dance where attempts to showcase hip moves only lead to unceremonious trips and falls. Bud Light had witnessed the rise of craft beers nibbling away at its market share since 2013. Instead of steadying the ship, they chased after elusive trends. As they waded deeper into the waters of politicization, their core fans—those dependable souls guzzling down a brew on lazy afternoons—began to trickle away.
But wait, the story takes another turn! In a bid to regain its cultural crown, Budweiser recently released their newest Super Bowl ad that anyone with a pulse would agree is a tear-jerker. They ditched the new age hullabaloo for heartfelt Americana, proudly parading Clydesdale horses against the melodies of classic rock tunes. With two white farmers gazing into the horizon, Budweiser has seemingly renewed its vows with the values it built its empire on. This time, hearts around the country seem to swoon with nostalgia. They might be onto something here, if the legion of positive reactions on YouTube is anything to go by.
The company might have finally figured out—better late than never—that some consumers just want their Budweiser, hops, barley, and all, served with a side of no-nonsense. So, as Budweiser gallops back into familiar territory, one can’t help but wonder if the brand has truly learned its lesson. For now, let’s raise a glass—of whatever beverage you prefer—to a classic company rediscovering its roots, betting its chips on Americana, and maybe, just maybe, showing us that old school cool never really gets old… as long as you don’t forget who you were in the first place. Cheers!
