Beer, and its consumption, has become a hallmark associated with many American cultural activities. As a symbol associated with the enjoyment of sports, recreation or camaraderie, light beer in particular is a uniquely American staple. In this article, you'll have the opportunity to rank a list of ten of America's most popular light beers head-to-head using RumbleRank to establish your own conclusive list.
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The American Light Beers Included in the List
Below are the ten light beers we included as well as short descriptions from the brewers themselves about the taste profile and history of each brand. We want to emphasize that the point of this article is to focus on LIGHT beers - not craft beers, or really anything beyond the lager & pilsner category. The ten we included are both "popular" beers and (mostly) distributed nationwide. Apologies in advance if one of your favorites was left off!
Bud Light
According to Beer Advocate, Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hop varieties, both American-grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts and rice. Its superior drinkability and refreshing flavor makes it the world’s favorite light beer. This beer is brewed by Anheuser-Busch and has an ABV of 4.2%. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Bud Light is 110 calories.
Miller Lite
According to Miller Lite's website, "Back in 1975 we didn’t just brew any light beer—we brewed Miller Lite, a true American Pilsner. It tasted great. It was less filling. It was the original light beer. And that was no accident." This beer is brewed by Miller Brewing and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.2%. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Miller Lite is 96 calories.
Pabst Blue Ribbon
According to Beer Advocate, Pabst Blue Ribbon is brewed in the finest traditions of an American Premium Lager dating back to 1844. Brewed with a combination of 2 & 6-row malted barley, select cereal grains and American and European hops, Pabst Blue Ribbon is fermented with a proprietary lager yeast. Our unique fermentation and maturation process results in a smooth, full bodied beer with a clean, crisp finish with a fine noble hop aroma. This beer is brewed by Pabst Brewing Company and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.74%. One twelve ounce can or bottle of PBR is 142 calories.
Busch Light
According to Beer Advocate, Busch and Busch Light are both brewed with a blend of premium American-grown and imported hops and a combination of malt and corn to provide a pleasant balanced flavor. Additionally, Busch Light undergoes a longer brewing process that produces a lighter body and fewer calories. This beer is brewed by Anheuser-Busch and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.1%. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Busch "Latte" is 95 calories. It's especially popular with Iowans...
Keystone Light
According to the Keystone Light website, "introduced in 1989, Keystone Light is a light-bodied, crisp beer that is always smooth." Beer Advocate says, Keystone Light is a triple-filtered American-style light lager. Or as we like to say, it’s the smoothest of smooth. Keystone Light has a clean, crisp taste and smooth finish. This beer is brewed by Coors Brewing Company and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.1%. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Keystone Light is 104 calories.
Coors Light
When the mountains turn blue, it's as cold as the rockies... or so they say. According to the Coors Light website, the beer is "a two-row lager malt made from 100% American-grown high country Moravian barley. It’s what gives our beer a brilliant, golden color." According to Drizly, Coors Light is brisk and satisfying with a subtle sweetness and malty refreshment. This beer is brewed by Coors Brewing Company and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.2%. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Coors Light is 102 calories.
Old Milwaukee Light
According to Total Wine, Old Mil Light is a crisp, balanced beer that's similar in malt ratio to Old Milwaukee but differs in its mashing profile shifting the balance of extract and alcohol to a light beer. The hopping protocol remains similar to the full calorie version so that taste character and aroma is retained. This beer is brewed by Pabst Brewing Company and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 3.88% - noticeably lower than many options on this list. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Old Milwaukee Light is 114 calories.
Natural Light
According to Natural Light's website, Natty Light is a wonderfully blended and balanced American-style light lager. Fewer calories, lighter body, and always fueling your epic stories. It's longer brewing process produces a lighter body, fewer calories and an easy drinking character that's welcome in any story. This beer is also known for its 'Naturday' alternatives with distinct, boldly colored cans. This beer is brewed by Anheuser-Busch and has an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.2%.One twelve ounce can or bottle of Natural Light is 95 calories.
Michelob Ultra
According to the Michelob Ultra website, it's the Superior Light Beer brewed for those who understand that it's only worth it if you enjoy it. Containing only 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, Michelob ULTRA is a light lager brewed with the perfect balance of Herkules hops and wholesome grains, producing a light citrus aroma and a crisp, refreshing finish. Despite being marketed as a low calorie brew (it's really not), this beer maintains an ABV (alcohol content) of 4.2% and is brewed by Anheuser-Busch. Ultra cans are distinct in their slight frame, symbolic of the low calorie reputation. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Michelob Ultra is 95 calories.
Hamm's Special Light
According to the Hamm's website, it's a delicious light brew, brewed with pristine water plus high quality barley malt, grain and hops. Known for the tagline "Brewed in the Land of Sky Blue Waters", this retro-labeled beer is produced by Hamm's Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Only available in select states, Hamm's Special Light has an ABV (alcohol content) of 3.8% - making it another lower alcohol option. One twelve ounce can or bottle of Hamm's Special Light is 110 calories.
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