Anheuser-Busch has said it will have to double its capacity for its cold aluminium bottle by fall 2005, because demand has been so high.

In addition, the US brewer said it will debut its new beer, Budweiser Select, in the package next month.

"We knew people would love the aluminium bottle because it is cool and different," said Mike Owens, vice president of sales and marketing, Anheuser- Busch, Inc. "We are excited by the magnitude of interest in this new package. Young adults, particularly in bars and clubs, tell us they really like the way it makes drinking cold beer a tactile experience. In fact, this package is so popular that it's selling out, and it's doing its job to help enhance the beer drinking experience."

Owens added that the success of the innovative new aluminium bottle packaging is further evidence that the company's marketing and pricing strategies are on target and continue to produce positive results for America's leading brewer.

Budweiser Select is the sixth brand to be offered in this package - joining Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob Light, Michelob and Anheuser World Lager.