• Bitter Brew

  • The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America's Kings of Beer
  • By: William Knoedelseder
  • Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
  • Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (711 ratings)

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Bitter Brew  By  cover art

Bitter Brew

By: William Knoedelseder
Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
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Publisher's summary

The engrossing, often scandalous saga of one of the wealthiest, longest-lasting, and most colorful family dynasties in the history of American commerce - a cautionary tale about prosperity, profligacy, hubris, and the blessings and dark consequences of success.

From countless bar signs, stadium scoreboards, magazine ads, TV commercials, and roadside billboards, the name Budweiser has been burned into the American consciousness as the "King of Beers". Over a span of more than a century, the company behind it, Anheuser-Busch, has attained legendary status. A jewel of the American Industrial Revolution, in the hands of its founders - the sometimes reckless and always boisterous Busch family of St. Louis, Missouri - it grew into one of the most fearsome marketing machines in modern times. In Bitter Brew, critically acclaimed journalist Knoedelseder paints a fascinating portrait of immense wealth and power accompanied by a barrelful of scandal, heartbreak, tragedy, and untimely death.

This engrossing, vivid narrative captures the Busch saga through five generations. At the same time, it weaves a broader story of American progress and decline over the past 150 years. It's a cautionary tale of prosperity, hubris, and loss.

©2012 William Knoedelseder (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Bitter Brew

Average customer ratings
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Fascinating

Absolutely fascinating book. A real page turner. Finally the story those of us that grew up in St. Louis have always wondered.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Good srory.

Couldn't stop listening once I started. Being from St Louis it connected the dots on stories I have heard about AB for years. Well written and good narration.

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What a great book to read.

This is like a history lesson of Anheuser-Busch. I appreciate all the people, that were part of this making this book. people will be reading this for years to come. like we all know I wish and has a bush, would’ve stayed an American owned company.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome Story

great story about the King of Beers and a family who was St. Louis Royalty and how they let it slip away.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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This Buds For You!

I loved this book. The author did a wonderful job telling the story of the rise, the wild ride, and the sad decline of an American family brewery.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story

This was a hometown Midwest titan of business. Great memories of the Cardinals of the 60's and Busch Gardens in the 80's. Generations of Busch men did wonderful work but eventually lost the way. Too bad!

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Gran historial

Cuenta de manera detallada los intrincados asuntos de 5 generaciones que manejaron AB durante siglo y medio

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Couldn't stop listening...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

This is a great story detailing the blood sweat and tears associated with building and ultimately losing one of America iconic companies / brands. I have lived in St. Louis for nearly 4 years now and this story has given me an entirely new perspective on the big brewery and the family that built it. I would reccomend this book to almost anyone who has an interest in history, business or even general drama.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic Book, Amazing Story and a Broken Heart

What did you love best about Bitter Brew?

It was a fascinating look into the lives of the Busch family. Amazing story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

August IV

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Amazement - All the money in the world won't buy you happiness.

Any additional comments?

This is a must listen book. If you are from St. Louis or in the business world, you have to listen to this story. It was very well done, listens very easily and will shock you with all its ups and downs.

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good book for beer lovers

the historic value of the Busch story alone makes it worth reading. good drama throughout as well.

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