1200 Lynch St. | St. Louis, MO 63118
Clydesdales & Cold Brews
When you think of St. Louis, two things come to mind: the iconic Gateway Arch and the world-famous Anheuser-Busch brewery. Recently, I took the Clydesdale VIP Tour at Anheuser-Busch, which was filled with fun, history, and a few sips of surprisingly tasty beer (yes, even for me, a non-beer drinker!).
The VIP Experience ticket prices are $30 per person, and for that, you’re in for a truly special experience. The tour itself is about an hour—just the right amount of time to dive into some Clydesdale history, snap a few photos, and enjoy a cold one.
Meet the Clydesdales! If you’re a fan of the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales, you’re in the right place. These horses have been the face of Anheuser-Busch since 1933, originally given as a gift to celebrate the end of Prohibition. With their distinct markings, impressive size, and gentle demeanor, these horses have become a beloved symbol not only of the brand but of American brewing tradition.
Our tour guide, Randy, was fun! He was knowledgeable, entertaining, with a great sense of humor. Not only did he share fun facts about the horses and their responsibilities in the brewery world, but he also surprised us with a bottle of beer—ours to enjoy then and there, or to save for later. We were also lucky to meet Jessi, Olaf the Clydesdale’s groomer. She gave us the lowdown on Olaf’s pampering routine and grooming techniques, and showed us the incredible care that goes into keeping these gentle giants looking their best. Olaf himself was the star of the show, and we got up close to pet him and capture a photo. (Yes, he’s as soft and photogenic as he looks!)
Now, I’ll be the first to admit, beer isn’t usually my drink of choice, but when the tour wrapped up, we were treated to a complimentary beer, and I decided to give it a try. I chose the Mango-flavored beer…and, wow! The sweet and tropical notes won me over. Who knew? Anheuser-Busch might just convert a few non-beer drinkers yet!
If you’re looking for a tour that’s a perfect blend of history, up-close moments with beautiful animals, and a little beer buzz, this VIP experience is a must. You don’t have to be a beer lover (or even a horse lover!) to enjoy it—just someone who appreciates a well-crafted story and the chance to meet some true icons. So, here’s to Randy, Jessi, Olaf, and a mango beer that surprised me! Cheers to new experiences and unforgettable moments at Anheuser-Busch!
