Beer Wars

Miller Brewing has recently begun a few series of ads aimed at capturing some of Anheuser-Busch’s market share. In the first series, a woman goes through a “breakup” with Budweiser, while proclaiming she has someone new (Miller Genuine Draft). The second series features mock election debates pitting Miller’s “President of Beer” candidate against a Clydesdale representing Bud and its “King of Beers” claim. And the third series goes to the heart of the low-carb craze by comparing the carb levels of Bud Light and Miller Light, encouraging people to choose Miller Lite because of its low carb volume. I normally don’t take any notice of beer ads and they’re insinuation that the more you drink, the better you’ll look and the more hot chicks will notice you. I have paid a bit more attention to these Miller ads, however, because I have never seen a beer ad do an out and out attack on its direct competitor, going so far as to feature said competitor in its own ad. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one to take notice. Anheuser-Busch has retaliated with a series of ads, described here on adage.com: [T]he multi-pronged campaign will include point-of-sale materials positioning Budweiser's recently reformulated sub-premium Natural Light against Miller Lite. Bud's Natural Light, like Miller Lite, has 3.2 grams of carbohydrates. Other weapons include radio ads featuring the Bud lizards Frankie and Louie. The reptiles make fun of Miller's "President of Beer" ad campaign, though they don't mention it by name. And there will be more ads positioning Lite as the "Queen of Carbs." Honestly, I couldn’t care less about either company. Of the many beers brewed by the two companies, I only enjoy AB’s Michelob and Miller Genuine Draft. Why am I blogging about this then? Well, I love those Bud Lizard ads and am hoping they make a comeback. I heard one this morning and was stunned. (The lizard ads haven’t run for several years.) Here’s hoping this feud escalates to the point where the lizard ads make their way back onto television. UPDATE: Apparently, this little feud has some legs. Miller Brewing Company has filed suit in Milwaukee against Anheuser-Busch for "engag[ing] in false or misleading advertising activities."