Peyton Manning's Beer Habits: A Curious Conundrum

Former NFL superstar Peyton Manning is well-known for his love of beer, specifically Budweiser. After winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, Manning told a sportscaster, I'm going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight, Tracy, I promise you that. Manning's endorsement of Budweiser is notable because the National Football League bans players from officially endorsing alcohol brands. Despite this, Manning has a history of name-dropping Budweiser and Bud Light, and he owns shares in two AB-InBev distributors in Louisiana. While it is unclear whether Manning's endorsements were intentional or not, they have undoubtedly generated significant brand recognition value for Budweiser. In addition to his love of beer, Manning has also ventured into the world of bourbon, launching his own brand called Sweetens Cove Tennessee Bourbon.

Peyton Manning's favourite beer

Manning, a former NFL quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has a history of name-dropping Budweiser and Bud Light. Notably, in his post-Super Bowl 50 interviews, Manning mentioned that he planned to drink Budweiser to celebrate. The following Monday, he told CBS This Morning, "I've had a few Budweisers and it's been a special night."

Manning's endorsements of Budweiser and Bud Light may not be coincidental. He owns shares in two AB-InBev distributors in Louisiana, and Bud Light is the official sponsor of the NFL. Additionally, Manning grew up in Louisiana, where Budweiser, Miller, and Coors were the prevalent beer options.

Manning has also appeared in Bud Light commercials, such as one where he buys a Bud Light for everyone at a bar. However, it is unclear if these appearances indicate a genuine preference for the brand or are simply business partnerships.

Manning's Budweiser endorsement

During a post-game interview after winning the Super Bowl in 2016, Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, told a reporter that he was planning on "drink [ing] a lot of Budweiser" to celebrate. He also said he was thinking about "how soon I can get a Bud Light in my mouth", echoing a similar statement he made in 2014 after winning a playoff game.

Manning's endorsement of Budweiser and Bud Light sparked speculation about whether he was paid by Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser, to mention the beer brand. Anheuser-Busch denied paying Manning for his endorsement, with marketing communications executive Lisa Weser tweeting that the company was "surprised and delighted" by Manning's comments. However, it was noted that Manning owned shares in two AB-InBev distributors in Louisiana at the time, and that Bud Light was the official sponsor of the NFL.

Brand and marketing experts estimated that Manning's endorsements were worth millions of dollars in brand recognition value for Budweiser. Sponsorship analytics group Apex MG Analytics valued Manning's plugs at $3.6 million, while Tim Calkins, a professor of marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, stated that the value of Manning's endorsements was greater than the $5 million that companies typically paid for 30-second commercial slots during the Super Bowl.

Manning's endorsement of Budweiser was seen as a genuine expression of his love for the beer, reflecting his roots and his image as an "all-American boy". It is speculated that Budweiser was the beer of choice for Manning and his family, and that it held a sense of nostalgia for him.

Manning's alcohol investments

While it is known that Peyton Manning does drink beer, his alcohol investments are unclear. However, it is speculated that Manning may have investments in Budweiser, as he has a history of endorsing the brand. After Super Bowl 50, when asked about his plans, Manning replied, "I'm going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight, Tracy, I promise you that." Following the game, he also stated, ""I've had a few Budweisers, and it's been a special night." In addition to these verbal endorsements, Manning owns shares in two AB-InBev distributors in Louisiana, and Bud Light is the official sponsor of the NFL.

Manning's preference for Budweiser may also be influenced by his upbringing in Louisiana, where the options for beer were typically limited to Budweiser, Miller, and Coors. This speculation is further supported by the decline in Budweiser sales over the years, with people increasingly opting for other beer options.

Although Manning has not publicly disclosed his intentions behind his apparent affinity for Budweiser, it is possible that he may have a financial interest in the brand or simply enjoys the beer for personal reasons.

Manning's bourbon brand

Peyton Manning is well-known for his love of Budweiser beer, famously plugging the beverage after Super Bowl 50. However, Manning has also co-founded a bourbon brand called Sweetens Cove, which is named after a 9-hole golf course in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Sweetens Cove is a top-shelf, limited-edition, luxury spirit that runs $200 a bottle and is available in only a few states. The bourbon is a blend of 4, 6, and 16-year-old Tennessee whiskeys, offering notes of oak, fruit, spices, and vanilla in each sip. The magic behind the bourbon is largely due to master blender and industry legend Marianne Eaves, who is Kentucky's first female master distiller. Eaves tasted and smelled more than 250 barrels to develop the award-winning spirit.

Manning has described Eaves as the "secret weapon" and "quarterback" of Sweetens Cove, calling her a "star". He also acknowledged that the brand is as much about the story and the people as it is about the whiskey. The golf course, which is notoriously difficult to find, holds a special place in Manning's heart, and he felt a strong connection to the location and its traditions.

Sweetens Cove has received positive reviews, with critics praising its complex flavour profile and smooth finish. The brand has been deemed a serious business venture and has already made a significant impact on the bourbon market, challenging traditional pricing barriers and appealing to consumers with its unique blends and high quality.

Manning's drinking habits and Christianity

In his book, *Manning*, which he co-wrote with his father, Archie, in 2001, Peyton Manning opens up about his Christian faith and how it is the most important thing in his life, ranking above football. However, he also acknowledges that he drinks beer, which has led to some criticism as people don't expect a Christian to consume alcohol. Manning addresses this contradiction, stating that Christians are not perfect and that his faith provides him with forgiveness. He also mentions that he doesn't pray for victory in football games, but instead for both teams to remain injury-free.

Manning's father, Archie Manning, has also spoken about his Christian faith and how it has guided him through life. In an article from 1973, Archie talks about the influence of his parents, who took him to church as a child and taught him about Christianity. He recalls a particularly difficult time in his life when his father took his own life, and how his Christian faith helped him through this tragedy. Archie also mentions that his parents taught him the value of hard work and the importance of education, which has influenced how he raises his own children, including Peyton.

While Peyton Manning doesn't advertise his Christian faith as overtly as some of his peers, it is clear that it plays a significant role in his life. He prioritizes his faith above everything else and tries to let his actions speak louder than his words. This includes his drinking habits, which he doesn't hide, despite potential criticism from those who expect Christians to abstain from alcohol. Manning's openness about his faith and his realistic approach to it, including his acknowledgment of his own imperfections, is likely to resonate with many people who share his beliefs.

The Manning family's Christian faith has clearly been an important influence on Peyton Manning's life and career. It has guided his priorities and values, and he has spoken about how his faith in God has provided him with assurance and comfort. While he may not be as vocal as some other Christian athletes, his commitment to living his life according to his faith is evident in his actions and his words. Manning's drinking habits, therefore, do not define his Christian identity, but rather showcase his belief that Christians, like everyone else, are imperfect and capable of making mistakes.

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