Last week, Chef David Chang travelled coast-to-coast to find the best burger taste buds could find on behalf of a Budweiser sponsored event searching for the ‘Bud & Burgers Champion.’ Representing the West Coast was Male Standard co-founder Victor Macias. However, in true Budweiser fashion not all was as it seemed – with a $100,000 prize, and an opportunity to work on a new competition series (working title) “United States of Burgers,” there was plenty of competition to chew over.
The Bud & Burgers Championship
Thankfully, the weather was pitch perfect, a refreshing 85 degrees. Prime time grilling time. Unlike other popular festivals, Budweiser managed to source only the most authentic cowboys and cowgirls to litter the stage in their best boots. This set the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed BBQ, despite the crowds. Headlining the first night was King of Country Tim McGraw – you could practically hear the Daisy Dukes dropping all around!
Male Standard Votes at the Bud’s for Burgers ChampionshipBudweiser wanted to make sure everyone took away a lifetime experience and set an incredible outdoor carnival with a rustic down home feel. From the top of the Ferris wheel, you could really get a sense of all the different ‘playgrounds’ on offer – there was so much to see and do. With a refreshing Budweiser Signature Draught in one hand, Victor spent the first night taking in the sights and smells.
Male Standard Votes at the Bud’s for Burgers ChampionshipThe Buds & Burgers event was so much fun! Budweiser put out a challenge to find the perfect burger that would compliment their crisp, clean beer. When it came to decision time, Victor had to make a call between a Greek fusion burger and a fresh twist on the classic Cuban; the Cuban came out on top, but it was a close call. The Cuban complimented the festival-exclusive Budweiser Signature Draught better with its bold, clean taste.
This Bud’s for Burgers: Chef David Chang and Budweiser SetWith a belly full of Bud & Burgers, it was time to hit the night primed for adventure. Victor got to see the Animals perform their legendary hits, including ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ which is widely regarded as the ‘Amazing Grace’ of the South. In true Budweiser fashion, the night was all about trying something new and unexpected and loving very moment – which is how Victor found himself line dancing for the first time!
The Bud & Burgers Verdict
Budweiser is a medium-bodied flavorful, American style lager – golden color, light, and clean. The crisp finish and aroma-enhancing carbonation opens up the taste buds, pulling all the subtle flavors of the burger together into one delicious bite. To best appreciate the taste and aroma the pairing, Victor found enjoy a sip of Bud before and after the first bite of a burger worked best.
Male Standard Votes at the Bud’s for Burgers ChampionshipIngredients:
- Two-row and six-row barley malt
- Rice
- Filtered water
- Budweiser lager yeast
- Select varieties of bitter and aroma hops
Brewing process:
- Bottom fermentation
- Beechwood aged
- Lagered and filtered
- 5% ABV
Male Standard wanted to give a big thank you to Budweiser for the awesome invitation – Victor had an absolute blast tryingthe burgers and can’t stop raving about the Budweiser Signature Draught. While it’s only available at select festivals this summer, we think it’s the perfect excuse to get out there and try something new! If you’re looking for a soundtrack for your taste buds, be sure to look out for Budweiser Signature Draught.
About Bud & Burgers
Semi-finalists will compete head-to-head at 10 nationwide Bud & Burgers Championships events hosted at some of the biggest festivals throughout the summer, including Stagecoach Music Festival, Free Press Summer Fest, Chicago Blues Festival and more. The competition will culminate at the finale event hosted by Budweiser and Chef Chang at the Budweiser Brewery in St. Louis on July 11, where the Bud & Burgers Champion will be crowned. Chang will join Budweiser’s brewmasters as a judge at the final event.
For a list of festivals and details on the contest, please visit Budweiser.com/eventfinder.