Prepare to Be Hooked by Tarpon Spoon, New Florida Brew from Anheuser-Busch

Just in time for peak tarpon fishing season, Anheuser-Busch introduces today Tarpon Spoon, a deliciously refreshing, all-malt, Bohemian pilsner named after the famed sea icon and brewed exclusively for Floridians.

Available on draught in select bars and restaurants, Tarpon Spoon is characterized by its classic toasted malt flavors, which are balanced by its complex blend of spicy, citrus and floral Saaz hop aromas. Golden in color, Tarpon Spoon is a medium-bodied, full-flavored beer that is well-balanced, has a refreshing finish and a long-lasting foam head. The beer's unique citrus aromas, combined with its color and mouth-feel,make it particularly refreshing and enjoyable in Florida's warm and sunny climate.

This specialty beer was crafted by a small,hand-picked group of beer experts at Anheuser-Busch's Jacksonville, Fla., brewery. The group chose the beer style, created the recipe and selected Tarpon Spoon's name and tap marker design.

"As members of this community for more than 38 years, we took great pride in crafting a beer geared to Florida's angling and boating lifestyle and love of seafood," said Steve Foppe, senior brewmaster of Anheuser-Busch's Jacksonville brewery. "Adult beer lovers who enjoy trying new styles of beer with their favorite foods will enjoy discovering this one."

Tarpon Spoon is brewed with two-row malt and a touch of toasted malt. It is spiced using Saaz and Tettnanger hops, which give it the soft, rounded bitterness and flavor of a Bohemian pilsner.

The beer's unique tap marker, designed to lure local beer lovers looking to try a new and different style of brew, features the tarpon fish and highlights the shiny spoon portion of the lure -- the piece that tempts the fish into biting.

"This is a beer that is sure to earn the quick recognition and respect of adult beer lovers throughout Florida," said Foppe. "It's bound to become as much of a local favorite as the noble fish for which it was named."

Tarpon Spoon is best served in a tall glass with a wide opening, which showcases its wonderful foam head and allows the beer's aroma to funnel straight to the nose. The beer pairs well with spicy, salty and citrus-based foods such as conch fritters, coconut shrimp, tapas and ceviche. Tarpon Spoon's moderate hopping stands up to spicy food without overpowering it, while its crisp finish cuts through salts and spice. The beer's floral hop aroma particularly complements citrus-based foods, and its carbonation cleanses the palate between bites.

Brewed at Anheuser-Busch's Jacksonville, Fla., brewery, Tarpon Spoon contains 5.5% alcohol by volume. Tarpon Spoon is part of Anheuser-Busch's companywide local specialty beer program, which was introduced to brew specialty beers that are uniquely tailored to regional taste preferences. The program was initially launched at Anheuser-Busch's Merrimack, N.H., and Columbus, Ohio, breweries in March 2006. It was later extended to the company's St. Louis brewery in September 2006 and Fort Collins, Colo., brewery on April 9.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.4% share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50% share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27% share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country's best-selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2007. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans.