Shock Top
Shock Top is an American brand of Belgian-style spiced witbiers, originally introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 2006 as a seasonal wheat ale and later acquired by Tilray Brands in 2023.[1][2]
The flagship product, Shock Top Belgian White, is an unfiltered wheat ale brewed with coriander spice and peels from orange, lemon, and lime fruits, resulting in a citrusy, refreshing profile at 5.2% alcohol by volume.[3][4]
Initially marketed as a craft alternative to appeal to consumers seeking flavored, lighter beers, the brand expanded from seasonal to year-round availability and introduced variants like Honey Bourbon Cask Wheat while maintaining its core Belgian-inspired identity.[1][5]
Despite its positioning, Shock Top originated from a major brewer, leading to debates over its classification as craft beer, and its sale to Tilray—a company primarily known for cannabis products—reflected shifts in the beverage industry amid declining sales pressures.[6][7]