REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CAREY AND BIPARTISAN BUDDY REPRESENTATIVE JIMMY PANETTA WIN ANHEUSER-BUSCH BREW DEMOCRACY CUP WITH COLUMBUS BREWING TEAM AND HONOR FLIGHT NETWORK

THE SIXTH ANNUAL BREW ACROSS AMERICA CONGRESSIONAL BREWING COMPETITION IN WASHINGTON, D.C. BROUGHT TOGETHER MEMBERS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE TO FIND COMMON GROUND OVER BEER

WASHINGTON, DC . – October 25, 2023 – Representative Mike Carey (R-OH), along with his bipartisan buddy Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and the Anheuser-Busch Columbus Brewery in Ohio, tonight won the 2023 Brew Democracy Cup with their beer “Bipartisan Brew” at the sixth annual Anheuser-Busch Brew Across America Congressional Brewing Competition in Washington, D.C. at Nationals Park. To further the competition’s impact, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation awarded Honor Flight Network a $20,000 donation in honor of its shared victory.

In the true spirit of democracy, attendees voted to award the People’s Choice Award to “ErieLee Good Beer,” brewed by Representative Susie Lee (D-NV) and her bipartisan buddy RepresentativeDavid Joyce (R-OH), the Anheuser-Busch Los Angeles Brewery, and the National Volunteer Fire Council. 

Over the summer, members of Congress and their counterparts visited Anheuser-Busch breweries across the country and worked alongside A-B brewing teams to create signature beers inspired by local flavors and ingredients from their districts and states. Each participating member of Congress worked alongside a bipartisan buddy to brew their beer, which highlights the nonpartisan nature of beer and helps strengthen the ties between members across the aisle.  

To up the stakes and give back to its community partners, each brewing team was paired with one of six of Anheuser-Busch’s nonprofit partners – the American Red Cross, Folds of Honor, Honor Flight Network, National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Anheuser-Busch Foundation committed to donate $75,000 to be split among them – four of the nonprofit partners took home a $10,000 donation, while the Brew Democracy Cup winner Honor Flight Network received a $20,000 donation and the People’s Choice Award winner National Volunteer Fire Council received a $15,000 donation. 

“Growing up on my family farm in Sabina, Ohio, teamwork is a value that continues to guide my work. I am extremely proud that Representative Jimmy Panetta’s and my batch, Bipartisan Brew, won this year’s Brew Democracy Cup,” said Representative Mike Carey (R-OH). “With our brew, we are highlighting the importance of preserving democracy and recognizing the dedication of growers in my district who make it possible to come together over a beer.” 

Tonight, the home state brews were evaluated on five different characteristics by a panel of judges: visual, aroma, taste, balance and drinkability. Last year, Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) won the cup with the Fort Collins Brewery team for “Seventeen Finger Select.” 

"As a company, we’re committed to being there for the moments that matter,” said Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch. "Through the Brew Across America Congressional Brewing Competition, we’re honored to invite lawmakers to raise a glass over meaningful conversations and finding common ground, while giving back to the communities we serve and the charities that support our nation’s veterans and first responders.” 

“Anheuser-Busch has always played a special role in fostering bipartisan cooperation to move our country forward. That’s who we are, and it’s one way we work to create a future with more cheers,” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer, Anheuser-Busch. “These unique beers represent and reflect different parts of America, reinforcing what we have in common and what we can accomplish when we work together. Congratulations to Representatives Carey and Panetta, Anheuser-Busch’s Columbus brewing team, and Honor Flight Network, whose beer Bipartisan Brew took home the cup this year during our sixth annual competition.” 

The participating Members of Congress and the beers of Brew Across America 2023 were:

ErieLee Good Beer, brewed by Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and the Anheuser-Busch Los Angeles Brewery

OK, ILL Drink to That, brewed by Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) and the Oklahoma City Lid Plant

To Be Rather Than To Seem, brewed by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Wicked Weed Brewing

Bipartisan Brew, brewed by Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and the Anheuser-Busch Columbus Brewery

Gip & Tip Pilsner, brewed by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) and the Goose Island Brewery

Little Rockies Lager, brewed by Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and the Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins Brewery

The beers were voted on by a panel of judges, which included: Sophia Cai, Axios; Rachael Bade, Politico; Josh Dawsey, The Washington Post; Andrew Desiderio, Punchbowl News; David Drucker, The Dispatch; Carl Hulse, The New York Times; Abby Livingston, Puck News; and Kelsey Snell, NPR.

The country’s leading brewer launched Brew Across America in 2017 as a way to bring the nation’s political leaders together over a beer to discuss issues facing the country. The initiative highlights the nonpartisan nature of beer and its ability to strengthen our democracy by fostering dialogue and finding common ground.

For more information on the Anheuser-Busch Brew Across America Congressional Brewing Competition, follow @AnheuserBusch on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and join the conversation using #BrewDemocracy #BAA2023. 

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About Anheuser-Busch

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States.

We are home to several of America’s most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.