Elk Mountain Amber Ale and Elk Mountain Red Lager to go national Dec. 12.

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1994--The first two hand- crafted specialty beers developed by the Specialty Brewing Group of Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Elk Mountain Amber Ale and Elk Mountain Red Lager, will be available nationally beginning Dec. 12.

Elk Mountain Amber Ale is the first ale ever brewed in the company's 142-year history, while Elk Mountain Red Lager is the first red lager produced by Anheuser-Busch since 1906.

"The specialty beer market has dramatically increased during the last few years -- as have the taste expectations of specialty beer drinkers," said Tim Schoen, brand manager, Specialty Brewing Group. "Given our great experiences with both Elk Mountain brands in their initial markets, we believe those beer drinkers will find our beers to be very appealing."

Named for the company's Elk Mountain Farms in Bonners Ferry, Idaho -- which is the primary source for all hops used to brew the beers -- Elk Mountain Amber Ale delivers a robust flavor and aroma with a smooth creamy head, while Elk Mountain Red Lager has a very pleasing light, caramel taste and a subtle, spicy hop note. Of all U.S. brewers, Anheuser-Busch alone grows hops for its own beers.

Both are all-malt beers brewed in small batches using a high percentage of the more expensive two-row barley malt. Elk Mountain Amber Ale is brewed using Hallertau, Cascade and Willamette hops, while Elk Mountain Red Lager uses Hallertau, Tettnang and Saaz varieties.

Elk Mountain Amber Ale and Elk Mountain Red Lager will be available in draught and packaged forms, and both beers are brewed at the company's facilities in Merrimack, New Hampshire and Fairfield, California.

CONTACT: Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis

Mike Lenzen, 314/982-1751