Budweiser on Tuesday unveiled the Budweiser Freedom Reserve Red Lager, the newest addition to their Reserve Collection and a beer the company says is inspired by former President George Washington's handwritten recipe.
The new lager was specially brewed by Budweiser's own military veterans and will help benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that helps raise money for educational scholarships for military families, according to a Budweiser press release.
Freedom Reserve Red Lager is the second specialty lager to appear in Budweiser's Reserve Collection and is inspired by George Washington's hand-penned recipe from his personal military journal dating back to 1757. Packaged both in a vintage stubby bottle and also available in a one-pint can, the Red Lager is brewed with toasted barley grains for a slightly sweet aroma with a touch of hops, a rich caramel malt taste and a smooth finish with a hint of molasses. Marking the seventh consecutive year Budweiser is teaming up with Folds of Honor, the brand brought together a select group of Budweiser brewers who are also proud veterans to brew Freedom Reserve and their signatures are prominently featured on each bottle and can.
We are incredibly proud of our Freedom Reserve Red Lager because it was passionately brewed by our veteran brewers who have bravely served our country," said Ricardo Marques, vice president, Budweiser. "With Freedom Reserve we remain dedicated to our mission to support our veterans and their families through our longstanding partnership with Folds of Honor."
USAF Major Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, saluted the Freedom Reserve line and its benefit to his organization.
"To call Budweiser a partner would be an understatement – they are considered family to us and the 3,000 families their donations help to support," Rooney said. "Freedom Reserve is a great testament to their unwavering dedication and compassion for our armed forces and we salute them."
The 5.4% alcohol beer will start showing up in stores this month, and it will be available through September or while supplies last. The company is also partnering with Drizly, an alcohol delivery service, to deliver the Freedom Reserve to Drizly customers across the country. Customers can use the code "Freedom" now through July 15 to save $5.00 on the first purchase.