Ep 18. Budweiser

John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 3 episode 18 is titled "Budweiser." In this episode, Ratzenberger explores the history and production process behind one of America's most well-known beers, Budweiser.

Ratzenberger begins his journey by traveling to St. Louis, Missouri, the home of Budweiser's headquarters. He meets with Brewmaster George Reisch, who has been with the company for over 30 years. Reisch takes Ratzenberger through the brewing process, from the selection of the hops and barley to the fermentation and aging of the beer. Ratzenberger learns about the ingredients that give Budweiser its signature taste, including the special strain of yeast that has been used for over 100 years.

Next, Ratzenberger visits the Budweiser Clydesdales, the iconic horses that are a symbol of the brand. He meets with one of the trainers and learns about the horses' history and training. Ratzenberger also gets to see the Clydesdales in action, as they pull a carriage through the streets of St. Louis.

Ratzenberger then travels to Fairfield, California, where he visits the Anheuser-Busch canning plant. He learns about the can-making process and sees how the cans are filled and packaged for distribution. Ratzenberger also learns about the company's commitment to sustainability, including their use of renewable energy sources and their goal of achieving zero waste.

Finally, Ratzenberger travels to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he visits the Anheuser-Busch research center. Here, he meets with scientists and engineers who are working on new products and innovations for the company. Ratzenberger learns about their work on creating new flavors of beer and developing new technologies to improve the brewing process.

Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger emphasizes the importance of American-made products and the pride that comes with producing something of high quality. He also highlights the impact that Budweiser has had on American culture, from its role in advertising to its status as a staple at sporting events and backyard barbecues.

Overall, "Budweiser" is a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved beers and the people who work to produce it. Ratzenberger's enthusiasm for American manufacturing and his engaging personality make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and culture of American business.