Senator Eric Schmitt and Representative Wesley Bell Win Anheuser-Busch’s Brew Across America Congressional Brewing Competition

THE BIPARTISAN COMPETITION BRINGS TOGETHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO FIND COMMON GROUND OVER BEER AND AWARD $25,000 TO SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES IN AMERICAN MANUFACTURING  


 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 13, 2026 – Tonight, Senator Eric Schmitt and Congressman Wesley Bell were awarded the Brew Democracy Cup for their beer, “Arch Light Lager,” at the eighth annual Brew Across
America Congressional brewing competition. Anheuser-Busch’s annual competition fosters bipartisan cooperation and reinforces the American beer industry’s positive economic impact and the company’s role as a leading American manufacturer. To further the competition’s impact this year, Anheuser-Busch awarded $25,000 to strengthen career opportunities for veterans and continue building America’s manufacturing workforce of the future.  

Leading up to the competition, Anheuser-Busch hosted five teams – each made up of members of Congress from both sides of the aisle – at its breweries across the country to create beers inspired by ingredients and flavors from their home districts and states. These beers were then served at Anheuser-Busch’s Brew Across America competition at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. and judged on five different characteristics: visual, aroma, flavor, overall impression, and story. The winning beer, Arch Light Lager, was a dry-hopped American lager brewed at Anheuser-Busch’s St. Louis Brewery.  

Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch, said: “The American beer industry creates jobs, supports farmers, and strengthens our communities – right here in the U.S. Each year, it’s a privilege to bring lawmakers of both parties together to brew great beer and celebrate the 2.4 million American jobs that the beer industry supports.” 
As part of this year’s competition, Anheuser-Busch announced a $25,000 award to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch partnered with the Manufacturing Institute, the nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, and became the first American manufacturer to adopt a new digital credentialing system that translates military experience into skills needed for careers in manufacturing. 

As a leading American manufacturer and the nation’s top brewer, Anheuser-Busch has invested nearly $2 billion in its 100 facilities over the past five years. Anheuser-Busch recently expanded its commitment to creating and sustaining U.S. manufacturing jobs with a $300 million investment in its facilities and the expansion of its best-in-class Technical Excellence Center model, which upskills the company’s workforce and grows and develops the talent pipeline for manufacturing careers across the country.   

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) said, “Everyone knows Missouri brews great beer—so it’s only fitting that the Arch Light Lager brings home an award at Anheuser-Busch’s Brew Across America competition. It’s a point of pride that Anheuser-Busch beers are brewed with nearly 100 percent American-grown ingredients, supporting the farm economy in Missouri and across the heartland, and my bipartisan partner Congressman Wesley Bell and I were excited to celebrate America’s best brews together.”   

Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO) said, “Anheuser-Busch is a St. Louis institution, and I was proud to showcase the work of the brewers who keep that tradition going by creating Arch Light Lager. Beer supports our local economy and brings people together in a way few things do.” 

The participating members and beers of the eighth annual Brew Across America included:  

– Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA) and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY): Giddy Up and Peel Out, a fruited American wheat ale, brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Los Angeles Brewery 

– Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO): Arch Light Lager, a dry-hopped American lager, brewed at the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery  

– Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY): Hudson Valley Harvest Lager, an America dark lager, brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Baldwinsville Brewery  

– Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY): Chuck and Tom’s Bipartibrew, an American light lager, brewed at Wicked Weed Brewing  

– Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO): Meet in the Middle Mango, a West Coast IPA, brewed at Four Peaks Brewing Co.  

The panel of judges evaluating the beers included Brian Crawford of the Beer Institute, Cori Kramer of Center Forward, John Bodnovich of American Beverage Licensees, Leslie Sarasin of the Food Industry Association (FMI), and Stephen Parker of National Independent Venues Association (NIVA). The judges were advised by Ben Bailey, one of Anheuser-Busch’s certified Cicerone beer experts. 

 
 
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH 

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.  

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.