NYT: Superbrands for Super Bowl

Say what you will about their brews, but Anheuser-Busch has got to be the king of beer advertising, at least.

With the advertsing frenzy of the Super Bowl just around the corner, the New York Times says in a story today that AB will be saving all its ad love for its two flagship brands, Budweiser and Bud Light.

That seems like an odd decision. We've seen that craft brewing is the only segment of the beer industry with any significant growth over the last few years. And like other mega-brewers, AB has attempted to cash in on that trend with more than a few craft-like offerings. Just on shelves here recently I've seen their Redbridge sorghum lager, Stone Mill and Wild Hop organic beers, and a line of seasonal offerings from their Michelob label, including a marzen and a porter.

Of course, AB didn't get so big and rich by following my advice. And it could be that craft beer drinkers aren't interested in trying anything that comes from mega brewers. Or, perhaps the guys in St. Louis feel Bud & Bud Light need the help.