ST. LOUIS, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hearty holiday meals wouldn't be complete without a great beer to accompany them -- particularly one that looks great on the table. Brew Masters' Private Reserve from Budweiser, a rich, malty Doppelbock now available in most states through the end of the year, offers a special recipe and unique, limited-edition packaging that's sure to bring cheer to festive meals.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071029/AQM023)

First introduced in 2005 and featuring a refined recipe for this year, Brew Masters' Private Reserve is brewed with four types of malts, including Munich and caramel malts, which are classic for the beer style, giving the beer a toasted malt flavor and ruby-red highlights. Balancing the flavors are Hallertau hops from the Bavarian region of Germany. Brew Masters' Private Reserve is 8.5 percent alcohol by volume.

"The beer's style, doppel (double) bock, has roots in Bavaria," explains Anheuser-Busch brewmaster Eric Beck. "It was first brewed by monks as a lower-alcohol bock beer and was regarded as 'liquid bread.'" Over time, the strength of the beer increased as more of the sugars were converted to alcohol by yeast. Contemporary versions are known for their smoothness and intense toasted-malt flavor, Beck said.

"Serve this beer chilled, alongside a hearty holiday meal," Beck suggested. "It complements the nutty flavors in stuffing as well as a robust meat such as duck. It is also delicious alongside warm apple pie a la mode or bread pudding."

Packaged in a distinctive 46.5-ounce swing-top bottle, Brew Masters' Private Reserve comes in single-bottle versions or as part of a gift set. The gift set includes a bottle alongside two fluted pilsner-style glasses. Suggested retail price for the gift set is $21.99 (prices vary by region).

"The fluted pilsner-style glasses are perfect for savoring the beer's color and aroma," said Cindy Trusler, brand manager, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Whether you're hosting a holiday party or are looking for a unique gift to bring, Brew Masters' Private Reserve is a great choice. The glasses alongside the unique bottle are a beautiful addition to any holiday dining occasion."

Brewed at Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis brewery, Brew Masters' Private Reserve is part of the company's holiday and seasonal beer program, which also includes Michelob Celebrate Cherry and Chocolate, a Michelob holiday sampler pack, Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale and Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale. For information on availability of these or other Anheuser-Busch products, call 1-800-DIAL-BUD.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch (NYSE:BUD) is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.4 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country's best-selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2007. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans. For more information, visit http://www.anheuser-busch.com.

Source: Anheuser-Busch