Anheuser-Busch Introduces Hard Root Beer

In response to the growing popularity of alcoholic root beer —  a trend solidified by Pabst Brewing's national distribution of Not Your Father's Root Beer — Anheuser-Busch has launched its own version of the alternative to beer, called the Best Damn Root Beer.

The new beverage has an alcohol content of 5.5 percent, equal to Anheuser-Busch's Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider, but still lower than Not Your Father's lowest ABV of 5.9 percent. Not Your Father's Root Beer also comes in 10.7 percent ABV and 19.5 percent.

The launch of Anheuser-Busch's Best Damn Root Beer also marks the launch of a new brand platform from the major brewery called Best Damn Brewing Co., which is dedicated to sweeter alcoholic beverages.

"We've seen a growing consumer interest in sweeter taste profiles, and we jumped at the opportunity to brew an easy-drinking, hard root beer," Rashmi Patel, Anheuser-Busch's vice president of marketing, said in a press release. "People like beers that are approachable, down-to-earth, and don't take themselves too seriously."