In a triumphant return to the spotlight, Budweiser has unveiled a new advertisement ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl, just as the beer giant marks its 150th anniversary in America. The ad, titled “American Icons,” features the beloved Clydesdale horse and a bald eagle, rekindling a sense of patriotism that has resonated with audiences following a turbulent few years for the brand.
A Celebration of Heritage
The heartwarming commercial begins with a young Clydesdale discovering a fallen eagle chick. Over the course of the ad, the two forge an unbreakable bond, supporting one another through various trials. The emotional climax sees the mature eagle soaring majestically on the horse’s back, evoking images of a pegasus. The ad concludes with the slogan, “Made of America,” alongside the heartfelt message, “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.”
The release has generated a wave of positive reactions, with many fans praising the ad’s emotional depth and patriotic themes. One viewer remarked on social media, “Well done Budweiser. Welcome back to being American,” while another added, “If this doesn’t give you chills, you can’t call yourself an American!!”
A Return to Form
As anticipation builds for the Super Bowl, Budweiser fans have hailed this latest effort as a standout, with comparisons to some of the brand’s most iconic commercials from the past. “The best Budweiser commercial since the 2001 one!” declared one user on X (formerly Twitter), while another suggested that the ad should be shown on repeat instead of the halftime show. The emotional impact of the ad is palpable, with viewers sharing their experiences of watching it multiple times and being moved to tears.
Todd Allen, Budweiser’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, expressed the brand’s intention behind the ad in a recent press release. “As we celebrate Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can,” he stated. “‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle. This year’s spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”
Moving Past Controversy
Budweiser’s latest advertisement comes on the heels of a challenging chapter in its history. The brand faced significant backlash in 2023 after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which sparked criticism from conservative circles as well as disappointment from LGBTQ+ advocates who felt the brand did not adequately support her. The controversy prompted Anheuser-Busch InBev’s CEO Brendan Whitworth to address the fallout on national television, where he emphasized the brand’s commitment to uniting people but refrained from labelling the campaign a mistake.
Mulvaney later voiced her concerns, highlighting the dangers of a company that hires a transgender individual yet fails to publicly support them. “For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse in my opinion than not hiring a trans person at all,” she stated. Anheuser-Busch responded, reiterating its long-standing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring the safety and privacy of its employees and partners.
Why it Matters
Budweiser’s new ad represents more than just a marketing strategy; it serves as a pivotal moment in the brand’s trajectory. By embracing its heritage and moving forward with a message of unity and pride, Budweiser aims to reconnect with consumers after a tumultuous period. In a landscape where brands are scrutinised for their values and actions, this advertisement not only seeks to win back the hearts of loyal fans but also highlights the importance of resilience and community in the face of adversity. As the Super Bowl approaches, Budweiser’s narrative of recovery and celebration might just resonate deeply with a nation eager for shared moments of joy.
