Vintage Budweiser Tap Handle Review (Updated | May 5th)
When evaluating these items, key considerations include the material composition, such as wood, ceramic, or lucite, and the specific era of the branding. Condition is paramount, particularly regarding the integrity of the internal threading and the preservation of the original paint or decals.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Polished Chrome Edition if you have limited vertical clearance under low-hanging cabinets.
- The Signature Bowtie Classic is the best choice for collectors seeking a traditional, iconic brand aesthetic.
- Select the Polished Chrome Edition for a professional look and a sturdy, weighted metal feel.
- Always verify universal threading compatibility to ensure the vintage handle fits your modern draft system faucet.
- Prioritize handles with metal bases to prevent stripping and ensure long-term durability during frequent use.
Budweiser Grand Bowtie Tap 2016 Edition
Polished Chrome Edition
- The chrome metal base adds a nice, sturdy weight.
- At 8 inches, it fits perfectly under low-hanging cabinets.
- The polished finish gives it a high-end professional look.
- BEST FOR SIGNATURE BOWTIE CLASSIC: Budweiser Full Size Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR POLISHED CHROME EDITION: Budweiser Grand Bowtie Tap 2016 Edition Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT BAR PROFILE: Budweiser Short Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR WHITE BRASS COLLECTIBLE: Littleton Coin Company Budweiser Classic Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EMBOSSED PUB STYLE: Budweiser 12-Inch Red Acrylic Pub Style Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR TRADITIONAL DRAFT AESTHETIC: Budweiser 11.5-Inch Pub Style Draft Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR THREE-SIDED SELECT DESIGN: Budweiser Select Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Vintage Budweiser Tap Handle
Budweiser Full Size Tap Handle
If you are looking to bring that classic dive bar energy into your basement, this Full Size Budweiser Signature Bowtie Tap is exactly what you need. It has that iconic red and white look that immediately tells your friends you aren’t messing around with fancy craft beers tonight.
Since it uses a standard 3/8 inch thread, it screwed right onto my home kegerator without any fuss. It feels substantial in your hand, giving you that satisfying resistance when you pull a pint of the King of Beers.
I’d recommend this for anyone building a dedicated home bar who wants an officially licensed piece that looks authentic rather than a cheap knockoff. It fits most standard kegerator setups perfectly, making it a versatile choice for a man cave.
The only real bummer is the all-plastic construction; while it looks great from a distance, it doesn’t have the heavy, cold-to-the-touch metal feel of the older vintage handles from the eighties.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The iconic bowtie design looks great on any home bar.
- Standard threading makes installation quick and very easy.
- Official licensing ensures the colors and logos are accurate.
- Full-sized dimensions provide a comfortable grip for pouring.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The lightweight plastic material feels a bit less premium.
- It lacks the weight of older traditional wooden handles.
Budweiser Grand Bowtie Tap 2016 Edition
The 2016 Grand Bowtie Edition is a step up for those who want a bit more shine on their draft tower. Standing at 8 inches tall, it’s a bit more compact than some of the massive pub handles, which is actually great if you have low cabinets above your kegerator.
What sets this one apart is the chrome metal base combined with the plastic bowtie. That metal bottom gives it a nice weight and a polished look that catches the light.
It still uses the standard 3/8 inch threads, so it’s a universal fit for most systems. This is the one to get if you want a modern vintage hybrid look that feels a bit sturdier than the basic models.
However, you have to be careful with the chrome finish over time. If you use harsh cleaners on your bar, the finish can start to pit or dull, so you really have to stick to a damp cloth to keep it looking sharp.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The chrome metal base adds a nice, sturdy weight.
- At 8 inches, it fits perfectly under low-hanging cabinets.
- The polished finish gives it a high-end professional look.
- Universal threads ensure it works with almost any faucet.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The chrome finish requires careful cleaning to avoid damage.
- The plastic top section can show scratches if handled roughly.
Budweiser Short Tap Handle
If you are looking to bring that classic dive bar energy into your home setup, this 8-inch shorty tap handle is exactly what you need. It features the iconic red bowtie logo that everyone recognizes instantly, paired with a sleek chrome metal base that feels surprisingly sturdy in your hand.
Because it is an officially licensed Budweiser product, the colors are spot-on and it doesn’t feel like a cheap knockoff. It uses standard 3/8 inch threads, so it’ll screw right onto your existing kegerator or jockey box without any fuss.
I’d recommend this for anyone with a low-clearance setup or a smaller bar where a massive handle would just get in the way. It’s simple, effective, and looks great under a dim light.
The only real bummer is that the bowtie section is plastic, which feels a bit less premium than the heavy metal base. It’s a solid workhorse for a casual home bar, but don’t expect a heavy heirloom piece.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The compact 8-inch height fits perfectly in small home bars.
- Official licensing ensures the branding and colors are perfectly accurate.
- Standard threads make installation quick and easy on most systems.
- The chrome metal base provides a nice, weighted feel during use.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The plastic bowtie logo feels a bit thin compared to metal.
- Short handle length offers less leverage than traditional tall taps.
Littleton Coin Company Budweiser Classic Tap Handle
This is a bit of a curveball because it’s not your typical bar fixture; it’s actually a white brass novelty bar designed by the Littleton Coin Company. Instead of a functional handle for pouring beer, this is a collectible display piece shaped like a tap handle to celebrate the history of the American lager.
It’s made from solid white brass, giving it a unique weight and a metallic sheen that looks incredible on a shelf or inside a display case. If you’re a hardcore breweriana collector or someone who loves limited edition memorabilia, this is a cool way to show off your brand loyalty without needing a kegerator.
It’s built by an employee-owned company that has been around since 1945, so the quality is definitely there. However, the obvious catch is that it isn’t a functional tap handle for your beer lines.
It’s strictly for looking at, so don’t buy this expecting to pour a cold one with it on Friday night.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heavy white brass construction gives it a premium, high-end feel.
- Unique novelty shape makes it a standout piece for collectors.
- Produced by a reputable company with decades of hobbyist experience.
- Officially licensed design ensures authentic Budweiser branding and logos.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- This is a non-functional display item and cannot pour beer.
- The brass material requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine.
Budweiser 12-Inch Red Acrylic Pub Style Tap Handle
If you are trying to recreate that classic corner tavern vibe in your basement, this 11.5-inch pub style handle is exactly what you need. It has that iconic, deep red acrylic body that feels substantial in your hand, and the white embossed lettering really pops against the color.
I love that it features the same design on both sides, so it looks great from any angle of the bar. It is finished off with a gold-colored finial and ferrule which gives it a slightly more elevated, vintage look than the standard plastic ones.
This is a perfect pick for the guy who wants a traditional ‘King of Beers’ setup without hunting through antique shops for months. The only real bummer is that the silver base and gold accents don’t always match every faucet finish, so it might look a little mismatched if your hardware is all chrome.
Still, for a red acrylic classic, it is a solid, durable choice for heavy use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The embossed lettering provides a premium, high-quality feel.
- Identical double-sided design looks great from every angle.
- The 11.5-inch height makes it a visible bar centerpiece.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The gold accents may clash with silver bar hardware.
- Acrylic material can show fingerprints and smudges easily.
Budweiser 11.5-Inch Pub Style Draft Beer Tap Handle
This is the quintessential Budweiser Pub Style handle that you have probably seen a thousand times at your favorite local dive. It stands at 11.5 inches tall, which is that sweet spot for getting a good grip and enough leverage for a smooth pour every time.
It is straightforward, no-nonsense, and built for the draft beer enthusiast who values the heritage of the brand over flashy modern designs. If you are building a home bar and want it to feel authentic, this is the ‘old reliable’ of tap handles.
It fits any standard draft faucet, making the installation a breeze for beginners. However, because this is a more basic vintage style model, it lacks some of the intricate textures or metallic flourishes found on the more expensive collector editions.
It is definitely more about function and nostalgia than being a high-end display piece, but it gets the job done perfectly for a daily pour.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Classic pub styling offers an authentic bar atmosphere.
- Standard threading ensures it fits almost any home kegerator.
- Tall profile provides excellent leverage for easy pouring.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The design is very basic compared to limited editions.
- Lacks the weighted feel of ceramic or wooden handles.
Budweiser Select Beer Tap Handle
If you are looking to add a touch of early 2000s brewing history to your home bar, this Budweiser Select Beer Tap Handle is a solid choice. It stands exactly 12 inches tall, giving it enough height to stand out among other handles without hitting your ceiling.
What I really like is the three-sided design; no matter which way you turn it, the sleek branding is visible to your guests. It is built to fit all standard tap systems, so you won’t have to worry about buying extra adapters just to get it mounted.
This is perfect for the collector who wants something a bit more modern than the 70s wooden styles but still wants that ‘vintage’ niche appeal. It feels substantial in the hand, which makes pouring a pint feel more official.
However, because it is a taller, slim handle, it can feel a bit top-heavy on lighter portable kegerator towers, potentially causing a bit of a wobble if you aren’t careful with your pull.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The twelve inch height provides great visibility on any bar.
- Three-sided branding looks sharp from every angle in the room.
- Standard threading ensures it fits almost any existing draft system.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The tall profile makes it feel slightly top-heavy during use.
- Slimmer plastic construction lacks the weight of solid wood handles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which handle is best for a low-clearance home kegerator setup?
The Budweiser Grand Bowtie is a great choice for tight spaces because it stands only 8 inches tall, preventing it from hitting the top of your fridge or cabinet. While compact, it still maintains the iconic branding found on the full-size versions.
How does the Budweiser Select Beer tap handle differ from the standard versions?
The Budweiser Select Beer handle features a unique three-sided design and stands at 12 inches, making it significantly taller and more modern than the classic bowtie styles. It is best suited for a multi-tap bar where you want a specific handle to stand out visually from the standard red labels.
Is the Budweiser Beer Pub Style handle made of durable materials?
This 11.5-inch handle uses a red acrylic body paired with a gold-colored finial and ferrule, giving it a traditional ‘pub’ aesthetic. While the acrylic is sturdy, the gold-finished parts can show wear or pitting over time if cleaned with harsh chemicals, so stick to mild soap and water.
What thread size should I look for to ensure compatibility with my home bar?
Most vintage and modern Budweiser handles, including the Grand Bowtie and Select models, use the standard 3/8″-16 UNC threading. This is the universal size for North American draft faucets, so you shouldn’t need any special adapters for a standard kegerator.
What is the benefit of choosing a ‘Full Size’ handle over a novelty version?
Full-size handles provide better leverage, making it easier to pull a heavy tap faucet without applying excessive force. Novelty items like the Littleton Coin Company bar are excellent for collectors’ displays, but may feel less ergonomic for daily high-volume pouring.
How can I tell if a vintage tap handle is authentic or a reproduction?
Check the ferrule at the bottom; authentic licensed handles usually have a heavy, high-quality metal base rather than painted plastic. Look for crisp lettering on the logo and consistent weight, as many older Budweiser handles were built to withstand commercial bar use.
Are these handles suitable for outdoor bars?
Acrylic and metal handles hold up well, but vintage wood or painted resin handles can crack or fade if exposed to direct sunlight and humidity. If you are using a handle like the Budweiser Pub Style outdoors, ensure it is kept under a cover when not in use to preserve the finish.
