This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2026
Lengthy and excellent typed letter signed by brewing magnate Adolphus Busch, writing to his grandson Adolph Busch III regarding management of the Anheuser-Busch brewery and its star product, Budweiser beer. Adolph Sr. appears to be grooming his grandson to take over stewardship of the brewery in this letter, discussing operations, quality control, R&D and pricing of the storied brand. Dated 3 April 1912, letter runs five pages on five separate sheets of Busch's personal letterhead displaying an eagle flying through a monogram ''A''. Letter reads in small part,
''...that you take so very much interest in the business, gives me immense pleasure and delight, more than anything else could have done.
You are undoubtedly, my dear boy, on the right track to work yourself up to the highest point of the ladder, and to endeavor to excel in everything your father and grandfather, in the art of brewing and in the management of the greatest brewery in the world...
I suppose you have read the telegram which I sent recently in regard to the excellence of the Budweiser beer. We stated plainly that it was as good as beer could be, and that it was better than it ever has been before.
Now, recently we tested the Buck beer, quite a number of gentlemen and connoisseurs; and they all pronounced it as the very best they ever drank; and they drank much of it...
In regard to the enlargement of the new mash tank; by two feet; I fully approve...The flow of the extract will be quicker, and therefore it will absorb less of the contents of the grain skin...Now, Adolph, I wish you would once a month order samples of the various hops to be brought in our office, to see whether they are all in good condition, not heated, and whether they improve in aroma...
Now, what gave me especial pleasure in your report is that you fully concur with me regarding the Budweiser bottle beer prices. / Yes, it was a criminal wrong on the part of those who reduced the original price. It ought to be now what it was at the start, $2.00 per case...Now, I am in favor of this being done now or at a convenient time, and we can do it without any damage to us. They must and will have the Budweiser beer, and they will pay the price for it...I would have rather lose the entire city business than reduce the price of the Budweiser beer one penny per box...
Now, I want you to give your papa the assurance that he can go away without fear or hesitation, and that you will endeavor to be in command with your assistants day and night, that you will have a vigilant eye on all and everything, and that you will deliver back to us our beloved concern in better condition when we return than when we leave...God bless you, old boy. / Sincerely, / [signed] Papa Busch''.
Each sheet measures 8.5'' x 11''. Folds and staple puncture to upper left, overall near fine condition.