Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour (St. Louis, Missouri)

Visiting breweries across the country was not one of our original goals when we set out on the road nine years ago, but when you find yourself in parts of the country where historic breweries are located, what else are you going to do? And, I can’t lie, I enjoy these tours, especially the free tastings! J The Anheuser-Bush Brewery is more than just a fun place to hang out and taste beer, though. Opened in 1852 by German immigrant Adolphus Bush, the brewery was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1966, recognizing the company’s importance in the history of beer brewing and distribution in the United States.

Spread over 142 acres, this brewery ranks number one in beer production in the United States, and during the tour we were able to see where the beer is produced, packaged, and distributed. Our guide provided us with a running narrative of the company’s history, beers that have come and gone, information about the Clydesdale horses, and little known bits of trivia surrounding beer production in general.

What I noticed was how ornate the Brew House was, with its beautiful chandeliers, stained glass windows, and intricate iron work. And while I’m not a fan in general of using animals to entertain humans, I have to concede that the Clydesdale horses’ living quarters at this facility were more posh than many a hotel. They seem to be treated very well, at least as far as the public is shown.

Cheers!

Miller Brewery Tour (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

No trip to Milwaukee would be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewery, founded in 1855 by Frederick Miller when he purchased the small Plank Road Brewery in Miller Valley. Although many breweries have come and gone in this beer town, Miller Brewing Company, headquartered here, has persevered. Our tour provided highlights from the last 155 years of history starting with a short video, followed by a walking tour through the facility that was spread over several city blocks, and an overview of the ownership changes and various brands of beer manufactured by this company over the years. We were led through the packaging center, shipping and distribution warehouse, and the unique Miller Caves.

I most enjoyed learning the history of the Miller High Life Girl in the Moon logo. Even though she is one of the most famous advertising icons of the past century, her origins, dating back to the early 1900's, remain an enigma. According to company legend, A.C. Paul, Miller’s advertising manager was alone, possibly lost, in the woods in Wisconsin, when he had a crystal clear vision of the High Life Girl perched on the crescent moon. Nobody’s sure how his vision became the advertising logo that has long since endured. Some claim she represents an ancestor of the Miller family, but to date, there is no proof of this.

We enjoyed our tour of one of the oldest breweries in this country, and most especially the last part – sampling "The Champagne of Beers"!