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Miller or Bud? The Cubs Fan's Dilemma

Picture_1_tiny by NightPutting on

This may be semi-OT, but it's something I've thought about and discussed with some friends of mine for a while now (rather unsurprising since I'm a college student), and I wanted to gauge the beer-swilling Cub fan community's opinion as well:

As a Cubs fan, which beer do you prefer: Miller Lite or Budweiser/Bud Light? It's an interesting dilemma which I think goes beyond simply taste preference. Obviously, we'd all prefer Old Style for obvious reasons, but because these two beers are far more likely to be available at a big-chain restaurant than a regional brew like Old Style, It would be too much of a cop out to include the local favorite. After all, down here in Champaign Old Style is rather hard to come by (although I recently saw a local liquor store selling it in bottles).

Bud Light

On the face of things, this appears to be the most obvious choice. The Budweiser rooftop on Waveland has become synonymous with Wrigley, they brand themselves rigorously with the team (on TV, with signage, etc.), and Bud Light is readily available at the ballpark (they are, after all, the Bud Light Bleachers). And let's not forget our guy Harry Caray -- after all, he was *the* Cub Fan and Bud Man.

That said, the obvious Anheuser-Busch connection to St. Louis is a repulsive force. With Busch Stadium being the home of the Cubs' biggest rival, Budweiser, for all its efforts on the north side, is an unbrazen representative of the Cardinals, St. Louis, and all things Joe Buck. And, Harry's greatness aside, did his time in St. Louis inoculate him into liking their beer, even in Chicago?

Thus, the question becomes: is drinking Bud the equivalent of fraternizing with the enemy?

Miller Lite

So the alternative, then, lies with Bud's biggest rival: Miller. While Bud may have the lucrative beverage deal inside Wrigley proper, Miller has countered with their own signage, in right field next to the revered Eamus Catuli numbers, and while it may not be as iconic as the red roof, the slogans are routinely entertaining. (additional examples here, here, and here). Further, the recent decision by MillerCoors to move to Chicago may suggest the brand's future growth in the area, and it may perhaps be embraced by Chicagoans more definitively. And as a side note, Miller Lite was, more or less, the first light beer to be mass produced.

Not to mention: it's blue! Bonus points for that, right?

Ah yes, but in the last decade a new Cubs rival has emerged, and they, in similar fashion to the Cards, are connected with this major beer label. Milwaukee is unquestionably Miller's territory (it's Miller freakin' Park). We may still think of Brewers as a very respectable, friendly rival, but the feeling isn't quite mutual (see the other BCB for some examples, however tepid they may be). 

Not to mention the fact that Miller has built a certain connotation with that other Chicago team. 

But that said, there was that sign last year that trashed Miller's own team....

So what's your take on this issue? Which do you think tastes better? Which do you make yourself think tastes better for ethical reasons?

EDIT: Additional Disclaimer: We all know there are better tasting beers than these two. Consider this a hypothetical, "desert island" type of choice.

Poll
What's it gonna be?
  • Bud Light
  • Miller Lite

  122 votes | Results

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

2 recs | Comment 156 comments

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Comments

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I vote for sweetened iced tea, but it's not an option.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 16, 2008 1:31 PM CDT   0 recs

I'd vote for beer that doesn't taste like crap, but it's not an option.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Jul 16, 2008 1:32 PM CDT   0 recs

+1

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 16, 2008 1:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Same here.

At Wrigley, ever since I discovered the premium beers I haven’t purchased a single one of the awful beers sold at the regular concession outlets and sold in the stands.

Why pay $6.25 for crap when I can have a Heineken for $6?

by Wreckard on Jul 16, 2008 1:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+everything

Loves me some Heineken.

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jul 16, 2008 2:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

everyone has their own pallates...

but to me Heineken always had somewhat of a “skunky” taste

"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever

by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 16, 2008 3:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed.

Tried it once, thought it was awful.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Jul 16, 2008 3:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well Heineken is just one of the many choices at the premium beer cart

There’s other good stuff there like Beck’s, Amstel, and so on, most of which are better options than Old Style, Miller, or Bud.

My point is just that there’s better options in the ballpark.

by Wreckard on Jul 16, 2008 3:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Two heinekens over here, chief!

"I tell you, Steve Blass, you pitch me inside, they never, never find that ball."
-Roberto Clemente

by cubbybear on Jul 16, 2008 4:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll take one!

I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.

by neverAcquiesce on Jul 16, 2008 4:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ack to Heineken...

I’d rather not drink than drink a Heineken, that said Bud is the beer of choice regardless of their affiliation with the birds.

by jbertram on Jul 16, 2008 6:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Jagerbombs.

"This is the kind of thing … that makes you want to see the Chicago Cubs team lose." Marty Brennaman

by Bildo1805 on Jul 16, 2008 5:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

was talking to a guy at the bar the other night during the ASG…said when he was stationed over in Germany drank a lot of jagermeister…got sick…and wasn’t able to even smell it for 23 years after that.

"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever

by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 17, 2008 11:39 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i'm the same exact way

one bad night with jager, resulted in alcohol poisoning and now if i even get a hint of it within 2 feet of me i get nauseous

by DartmouthCubsFan on Jul 17, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You and me both

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on Jul 17, 2008 2:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Heineken = bad

Heineken Light = good

CRAFTY BEAVER!!!

by lostinthevines on Jul 16, 2008 7:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed

I don’t care where Miller is brewed . . . it’s bad beer. And I’m from Wisconsin.

If I had to choose between Miller or Bud, I’d have a Bud, but the lights/lites . . . ugh.

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 16, 2008 2:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Goose Island

I think we can’t go with Bud or Miller/Coors because they are linked to other ball parks in the National Leauge…
Bud- Cardnals Coors- Rockies Miller- Brewers.
Sam Adam’s is from Boston, so I guess they can be linked to the Red Sox.

The only choice we have is Goose Island a local Brew. Honkers

by martiniduck on Jul 16, 2008 4:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I've always been

a Miller man, when it comes to beer, I prefer MGD or Miller Lite.

"I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then I'd have all my money back."
-Jack Handey

by deepthoughtsbyjackhandey on Jul 16, 2008 1:37 PM CDT   0 recs

Gotta live the High Life

"Look at it this way: If you're a Cubs fan, the Greatest Day of Your Life is yet to come." ~ Cubs Forever

by IvyOnTheWall on Jul 16, 2008 3:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oops

How could I forget? One of my favorites

"I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then I'd have all my money back."
-Jack Handey

by deepthoughtsbyjackhandey on Jul 16, 2008 8:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pabst Blue Ribbon

made by the same people that make Old Style

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 16, 2008 1:38 PM CDT   0 recs

+1

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Jul 16, 2008 2:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Not technically true.

Miller contract brews for them, but they are not owned by them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pabst_Brewing_Company

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Jul 16, 2008 6:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Goose Island

A write-in for some Honker’s Ale. Pretty good stuff.

by DonnyDonovan on Jul 16, 2008 1:40 PM CDT   0 recs

Agreed

I’m also partial to 312.

"And heeeere cooome the pretzels!"

by NightPutting on Jul 16, 2008 1:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That is currently

one of my favorites

"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

by gwood on Jul 16, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Excellent choice!

Honker’s is one of the best craft beers available in the Chicago area, IMHO.

Unfortunately, the best beer I’ve ever had in my life doesn’t have any distributors in this part of the country. (Steam Engine Lager, from Steamworks Brewing Company, Durango, CO. Amazing stuff.)

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Jul 16, 2008 1:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Three Floyd's

FTW

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08

by Fuk-U-Meter on Jul 16, 2008 1:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ding ding ding

We have a winner.

I lived in Portland OR for a while and became a bit of a beesnob. Three Floyds IPA is as good as any Northwest brewed beer.

Having moved back to Chicago I’ve reembraced my blue collar beer ways. So when its not a craft brew is MGD.

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Jul 16, 2008 2:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm a big fan of the Goose Island IPA myself

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Jul 16, 2008 2:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I vote Miller....but not like the Miller from Miller Park vendors.....

Here is the hierarchy of beer drinking vessels:
1. Draft beer in a glass
2. Draft beer in a cup served by Steve or Les in the UD at Wrigley
3. Glass bottle
4. Aluminum Can
4 (tie). Aluminum “bottle” (anyone can see it’s really just a can)
5. Leather boot
6. Plastic bottle

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08

by Fuk-U-Meter on Jul 16, 2008 1:41 PM CDT   0 recs

I'm an North East Coaster

Yuengling baby!!!

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on Jul 16, 2008 1:43 PM CDT   0 recs

I'll second that...

...Yuengling Lager is my favorite.

by 60613 on Jul 16, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yunegling is the shit!!!

They serve it in FL… i juts moved here from there and when I saw they don’t serve Yungling here (Decatur, IL) I was a sad man. I did find goose island and Fat Tire (new belgium brewery, FT Collins, CO) though, so it’s a wash.

by GoCubbies34 on Jul 16, 2008 7:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

All time favorites are still Stroh's and Old Style, but

Stroh’s is too hard to find. I would go Miller as they just announced that MillerCoors is moving to Chicago. None of that Belgian St. Louis swill for me (Sorry Harry).

by N Oakley on Jul 16, 2008 1:47 PM CDT   0 recs

I read an article recently

That Stroh’s (or maybe it was Schlitz) is reverting back to the recipe that was used in the 50s and 60s. Supposedly it used to be a lot better than it has been recently.

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Jul 16, 2008 2:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Go with what you like

I wouldn’t worry about either Miller or Budweiser being linked with our competitors. Both companies have now been bought out by foreign companies (Bud just approved the buy out yesterda). I guess the more valid question is if you would rather support a South African or Belgian company!!! Either way, you are not supporting the opposition in any way shape or form.

Way back... outta here!!!

by Chubby Hugs on Jul 16, 2008 1:47 PM CDT   0 recs

Neither.

Bud’s always given me a headache. I stopped drinking Miller Lite many years ago out of principle (when they were owned by RJ Reynolds). Not trying to be political here. I’m just stating my reason. These days, I drink Rolling Rock or some local Wisconsin beers (I live in Wisconsin).

by madmf on Jul 16, 2008 1:48 PM CDT   0 recs

mmmmm

New Glarus Spotted Cow

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08

by Fuk-U-Meter on Jul 16, 2008 1:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Love me some Spotted Cow.

New Glarus Yokel’s pretty darn good too. Also like Capital’s Island Wheat.

by madmf on Jul 16, 2008 3:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You just cant go wrong

with those Wisconsin microbrews.

"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth

by TkGoUWGB on Jul 16, 2008 4:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Just had a New Glarus Spotted Cow

...for the first time, great stuff!

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Jul 16, 2008 6:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Rolling Rock...

...is good stuff, but I liked it more before Budweiser bought it and moved the brewery. No more “Glass-Lined Tanks of Old Latrobe”. What a shame.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman

by hip2bsquare on Jul 16, 2008 1:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm a Rolling Rock guy, too.

I had no idea it was owned by Bud, though. I really should look into these things.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 16, 2008 2:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

RR was the late Tim Russert's favorite, too. Brokaw had one at the memorial.

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 16, 2008 2:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I didn't know

about the Bud ownership either. Learn something new everyday.

by madmf on Jul 16, 2008 3:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Rolling Rock and other regional beers

The loss of regional beers is a big deal. Old Style isn’t brewed by J. Heilman in LaCrosse, WI, its now part of one of the large, foreign owned Megabreweries (Miller, I think). Its not the same beer. But the Rolling Rock Story is particularly sad. Busch bought RR from InBev (the same guys that just purchased Busch). The first thing that they did was move the production from Latrobe to the Budwiser Brewery in Newark (the one next to the airport). And they have changed the bottle. The beer is now “inspired” by the glass lined tanks of Latrobe etc. What is it? Another mega-industrial beer. It “safe” beer. It won’t present any health hazards. Its consistent beer. It will taste the same from bottle to bottle. (To the extent that it has taste). But its lost the distinction.

The only thing that one can hope is that the “appeal” of AB was truly their “american” roots and when the European control becomes more obvious…. down goes Fraizer….

by frustratedfan on Jul 16, 2008 3:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow, suddenly I feel...

...infinitely less cool for drinking Rolling Rock. Next you’ll tell me Milwaukee’s Best isn’t made in Milwaukee.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 16, 2008 3:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pabst owns many brands, including Old Style,

Stroh’s, and many more. However, Pabst doesn’t have any brewing facilities. They contract out the brewing of ALL of their regional brands, including their own PBR brand. The brewing of Old Style is contracted out to Miller, in Milwaukee. They continue to use the old recipies.

PBR also owns the Schlitz brand, and is allegedly restoring the 1960’s formula—as mentioned here earlier. That, I think is brewed @ Miller in Texas, but I’m not quite sure about that. Check the Pabst web site for all of the brands they control

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 16, 2008 3:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Schlitz is back

I had a pair last time I was in Madison. Go on the right night at Old Fashioned in Madison, i believe it’s a dollar a can…and its still overpriced. Haha.

"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth

by TkGoUWGB on Jul 16, 2008 4:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ever had Furthermore?

It’s pretty good. And my sister knows the guy who makes it.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Jul 16, 2008 3:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Beer....blech...meh...whatever.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 16, 2008 1:52 PM CDT   0 recs

LOL

I agree on blech … iced tea for me!

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 16, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

like it's 1989

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 16, 2008 3:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Nothing wrong with older women with wild sides

"I tell you, Steve Blass, you pitch me inside, they never, never find that ball."
-Roberto Clemente

by cubbybear on Jul 16, 2008 4:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Coors

is my favorite but Miller comes in second. I hate any budweiser product except for Michelob.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Jul 16, 2008 1:58 PM CDT   0 recs

A fantastic question

I’ve pondered this many times myself for many of the same reasons. I never buy the stuff at the store, because it looks like you’re buying beer for a high school party, but sometimes at the bars you dont really have a choice.

I respect what the Brewers have done. I despise the Cards. Miller eeks it out. But just barely. They’re both piss.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Jul 16, 2008 2:04 PM CDT   0 recs

In order:

cold free beer is #1, free beer #2, cold beer #3. Since I just returned from Wrigley I had trouble finding a cold beer there and it wasn’t free. Give me a Miller Lite or if you buy me a Bud Light I’ll drink it. Favorite beer I ever found was in a brew pub in downtown Milwaukee that was a homebrew rasberry beer, nothing too bad just a light hint of red rasberry. Man that was good! Last choice is that new MGD 46. 46 calories of water taste. I will also drink a cold Premium Grain Belt in Minnesota, great flavor.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Jul 16, 2008 2:04 PM CDT   0 recs

Miller or Bud

Neifi prefers Coors Light

by Neifi Perez on Jul 16, 2008 2:05 PM CDT   0 recs

WOW

Lots of Miller Fans here. I had to go with bud light but nothing beats the cool refershing Michelob Golden Light!! Something i have to take to Ill when i go to cubs games. Or good old BUSH light, regardless I am not a miller fan!

by bleed that blue on Jul 16, 2008 2:12 PM CDT   0 recs

Busch Light

as in Anheuser-Busch. Bush light is something else entirely.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08

by Fuk-U-Meter on Jul 16, 2008 2:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm surprised that you guys can tell the difference

A friend of mine is a bartender at a local bar over here. Every once in a while, he tells me that whenever someone asks for a Miller, he gives them Budweiser (or Natural Light, but no one’s talked about that)—and no one’s ever complained. I personally can’t tell the difference; Miller and Budweiser both taste like urine. How I know what urine tastes like, you don’t want to know.

Fat Tire, Leinenkugels, Yuengling (PA DRINKERS UNITE!), Widmer Brother’s Hefeweizen, Blue Moon, Stella Artois, Pyramid Hefeweizen, and Arrogant Bastard are all great beers.

"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk

by NittanyCub on Jul 16, 2008 2:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Fat Tire is good

but, since you seem to like wheat based beers, you should try New Belgium’s Mothership Wit and the other wheat beer brewed by New Belgium. It’s the same brewery as Fat tire and at least as good as fat tire.

"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

by gwood on Jul 16, 2008 2:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yuengling drinker here

I’m from Maryland so I know all about Yuengling. Great beers you listed. If you ever see it, try any Flying Dog beer.

My cousing went to Penn St. and is a huge fan, so i’ve sort of adopted them as my college team.

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on Jul 16, 2008 2:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

If I had to choose...

...I guess I’d go with Miller. I don’t see them as being all that different, though.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 16, 2008 2:17 PM CDT   0 recs

Leinenkugels, which is a Miller owned product

Budweiser is good for killing weeds.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 16, 2008 2:24 PM CDT   0 recs

You know what else is good for killing weeds? Weed-killer.

What, what did you expect?

"It’s like they have 40,000 players on one team. Forty thousand people want to be in the dugout slapping fives. ‘Passionate’ is an understatement. Fans like that are special." -- Giants LHP Alex Hinshaw on Wrigley Field

by northsider on Jul 16, 2008 2:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Does it even work doing that?

"I tell you, Steve Blass, you pitch me inside, they never, never find that ball."
-Roberto Clemente

by cubbybear on Jul 16, 2008 4:25 PM CDT