Anheuser-Busch InBev is the largest beer maker in the world. Their products are known the world over and Budweiser is probably the most well-known of those products. Freedom Reserve is just the second beer released under Budweiser’s Reserve Collection. It is a red lager based on a 1757 recipe by George Washington. Portions of the proceeds go towards Folds of Honor which provides scholarships to military families.
The beer, which clocks in at 5.4% ABV, pours a brownish red with a tannish-white head. The head I was able to get on the glass was about one finger’s worth. It leaves a little lace on the glass. The aroma is a little malty with notes of biscuit. It does offer a little sweetness as well to the nose.
The first sip is smooth. You notice the toasted barley, a hint of caramel and a finish with a little molasses. It isn’t overly carbonated and I would call it a light medium body. It feels smooth in the mouth and on the way down.
Let’s be honest, when you see a name like Freedom Reserve you expect something out of this world. The expectations are high. This beer isn’t going to blow you away. However, this is a very nice beer. It has repeat drinkability and you can easily have several in a sitting. It has a nice flavor profile without tilting too far in any one direction. You can enjoy the mild hops, the toasted malts, and sweet molasses notes regardless of what kind of beer you prefer. This can be enjoyed by almost every type of beer drinker. It might not be your favorite but it will be something you can drink.
Personally, I actually enjoy this beer. It is a nice offering from Budweiser with a lot more flavor than your typical Budweiser lager. The Freedom Reserve is a nice variation and the fact that some of the proceeds go to charity is a nice bonus.