Annual A-B sales decline in 1991. (Anheuser-Busch Inc.)

Annual A-B sales decline in 1991

Annual beer sales at Anheuser-Busch, Inc., fell slightly in 1991, the first decline in 15 years for the world's largest brewer.

Analysts said the 0.5-percent drop by the brewer is a result of the doubling of the federal excise tax on beer on January 1, 1991, and the recession, which caused beer drinkers to switch to cheaper brands.

The government now imposes a tax of $18 per barrel on beer, which comes to about 32 cents a six pack.

The St. Louis-based beermaker said it sold 86 million barrels of beer, down