“‘I’ before ‘E,’ except in Budweiser”

“I before E except after C” is an old spelling rule, but there are many exceptions. Budweiser is one of the highest selling beers in the United States. The beer joke “I before E except in BUDWEISER” has been cited in print since at least November 1987.
 
   
Wikipedia: Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch)
Budweiser /ˈbʌdwaɪzər/ is a pale lager produced by Anheuser–Busch InBev. Introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch it has grown to become one of the highest selling beers in the United States, and is available in over 80 markets worldwide. It is made with up to 30% rice in addition to hops and barley malt. Budweiser is produced in various breweries located around the world. It is a filtered beer available in draught and packaged forms.
 
Google Groups: comp.mail.uucp
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
11/9/87
(...)
I before E except in BUDWEISER
 
Google Groups: alt.humor.best-of-usenet
Hardcore Alaskan
8/15/93
(...)
Newsgroups: ua.flame
From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Frederick J. Polsky V1.0)
Subject: Froot Loop
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1993 08:12:00 GMT
(...)
Sean sez: I before E except in Budweiser.
 
Google Groups: alt.bbs.wildcat
TED SMITH
4/1/94
(...)
i before e except in “Budweiser”, where it’s me before u
 
Google Groups: alt.music.canada
Todd Brandenburg
11/9/94
(...)
I before E except in Budweiser and Heiniken
 
Google Groups: rec.games.fnp.dnd
Dave Harper
7/1/98
(...)
I always thought it was ‘I before E, except in Budweiser.”
 
7 September 2000, Charlotte (NC) Observer, pg. 5E:
Today’s Quote: “Remember, I before E, except in Budweiser.”
 
Google Books
Cozenage: Beware the Scam
By Mike Marsh
Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc.
2002
Pg. 63:
“Remember, ‘I’ before ‘E’, except in Budweiser,” volunteered Moanika.
 
Google Books
Paws Or It’s a Dog’s Life:
A Tale with Many Wags
By Robert Ayres
Xlibris Corporation (Xlibris.com)
2008
Pg. 125:
“Remember “I” before “E”, except in Budweiser.” ~Professor Irwin Corey
   
Facebook
“I” before “E,” except in Budweiser.
(Joined Facebook December 14, 2009—ed.)