In the sprawling tapestry of American culture, beer holds a distinctive thread, vibrant and vital. Beer is more than just a beverage; it’s a narrative of tradition and community.
As a nod to our neighbours, this Londoner is embarking on a frothy journey through the American heartland of hops and barley, exploring the most beloved beers that have quenched the nation’s thirst.
Whether on a fishing trip, out on the town, or at a family BBQ, these popular American beers stand tall in the vast world of beer brewing excellence.
- Most Popular American Beers
- 1. Budweiser Lager Beer
- 2. Coors Lager
- 3. Miller Lite Pilsner
- 4. Bud Light
- 5. Brooklyn Pilsner Lager
- 6. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer
- 7. Yuengling Traditional Lager
- 8. Samuel Adams Boston Lager
- 9. Natural Light Lager
- 10. Busch Light Beer
- 11. Keystone Light Beer
- 12. Rolling Rock Pale Lager
- 13. Blue Moon Ale
- 14. New Belgium Mountain Time Lager
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- Conclusion
- Bonus: American Beer Food Pairing Ideas
- Further Reading
Most Popular American Beers
From the robust taste of Sam Adams to the ultra-coldness of Coors, here are the most popular American beers you need to experience.
1. Budweiser Lager Beer
Overview
- Brewery: Anheuser-Busch
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Budweiser, the “King of Beers,” is a lager deeply rooted in American brewing history. This beer’s creation involves a mix of American and European hop varieties, malted barley, and rice, culminating in a smooth finish.
On The Nose
Subtle, with hints of malt and grains
On The Palate
A balanced taste with a clean, crisp edge and a slightly sweet finish that I find light and easygoing on a hot day.
Carbonation/Head
Moderate carbonation with a light, frothy head
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Coors Lager
Overview
- Brewery: Coors Brewing Company
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Light Gold
Review
Coors Lager, celebrated for its Rocky Mountain heritage, is brewed with pure water and high-quality barley. The cold lagering process ensures a crisp, refreshing taste.
On The Nose
Clean aroma with a slight floral hop presence.
On The Palate
Crisp and refreshing with a light body. The finish is smooth, embodying the simplicity of a classic lager. It’s a staple in my fridge for its easy-drinking nature. A beer that works well with Indian dishes.
Carbonation/Head
Light carbonation with a thin, consistent head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Miller Lite Pilsner
Overview
- Brewery: Miller Brewing Company
- ABV: 4.2% (8.4 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
Miller Lite, a trailblazer in the light beer category, combines a unique blend of hops with a special brewing process to maintain a rich taste and a light body. Reminds me of Canadian beers.
On The Nose
Subtle hints of malt and fresh hops.
On The Palate
Light, with a gentle hop bitterness and a clean finish. It’s a go-to for those seeking flavour without the heaviness.
Carbonation/Head
Light to medium carbonation with a delicate head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Bud Light
Overview
- Brewery: Anheuser-Busch
- ABV: 4.2% (8.4 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Bud Light prides itself on its four simple ingredients: barley, rice, water, and hops. This light beer is brewed for a clean, crisp taste.
On The Nose
Very light, with a touch of malt sweetness
On The Palate
Smooth and refreshing with a slightly sweet profile, minimal bitterness, and a light finish.
Carbonation/Head
Light carbonation, producing a minimal head
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Brooklyn Pilsner Lager
Overview
- Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
- ABV: 5.1% (10.2 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Golden
Review
Brooklyn Pilsner pays homage to the American pre-Prohibition era, using old-world malt and all-American hops. This lager is a crisp nod to history. Love this? Try Italian beers, too.
On The Nose
Bright, floral hop aroma with a clean malt background
On The Palate
Refreshing with a balanced malt flavour, slight hops bitterness, and a dry finish.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation with a robust, lasting head
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer
Overview
- Brewery: Pabst Brewing Company
- ABV: 4.7% (9.4 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Light Gold
Review
An icon of American culture, PBR is brewed with a combination of 2-row malted barley, corn, and hops, offering a classic lager taste. Also, consider Beavertown beers.
On The Nose
Grainy with a slight sweetness
On The Palate
Light-bodied with a balanced maltiness and a smooth finish. PBR’s resurgence as a cultural staple is as intriguing as its flavour.
Carbonation/Head
Moderate carbonation with a light, airy head
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Yuengling Traditional Lager
Overview
- Brewery: Yuengling Brewery
- ABV: 4.5% (9 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Amber
Review
America’s oldest brewery presents this rich amber lager, crafted with roasted caramel malt for a subtle sweetness and a blend of cluster and cascade hops. It’s like a Trappist-style beer.
On The Nose
Roasted malts with a hint of caramel
On The Palate
Medium-bodied with a nice balance of sweet maltiness and discreet hops bitterness. Yuengling’s depth of flavour makes it a standout in the larger category.
Carbonation/Head
Balanced carbonation with a medium head
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Overview
- Brewery: Boston Beer Company
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Deep Gold
Review
This lager features a complex blend of hops and malt, offering a rich, full-bodied taste. Samuel Adams uses traditional brewing methods for its signature beer.
On The Nose
Floral hops with a touch of citrus.
On The Palate
A bold taste with a malty backbone and a hoppy finish, it’s ideal for those wanting a more robust beer taste profile.
Carbonation/Head
Medium to high carbonation with a full head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Natural Light Lager
Overview
- Brewery: Anheuser-Busch
- ABV: 4.2% (8.4 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
Natural Light is a light beer brewed with premium hops and a mix of malt and corn, aiming for a smooth, affordable American lager-drinking experience.
On The Nose
Very light, almost neutral, with a hint of malt.
On The Palate
I find it quite watery on the opening with a slight malt flavour mid-palate; it’s the epitome of a budget-friendly beer. While not my first choice, its popularity at college parties is undeniable.
Carbonation/Head
Low carbonation with a minimal head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
10. Busch Light Beer
Overview
- Brewery: Anheuser-Busch
- ABV: 4.1% (8.2 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
Busch Light offers a light, crisp flavour with a blend of American-grown grains. It’s designed for those who appreciate an easygoing beer on the palate.
On The Nose
Slightly sweet, grainy aroma.
On The Palate
Light and refreshing with a mild taste. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and drinkability, especially for BBQs and outdoor parties.
Carbonation/Head
Light carbonation with a thin head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
11. Keystone Light Beer
Overview
- Brewery: Coors Brewing Company
- ABV: 4.1% (8.2 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Keystone Light is known for its smooth, easy-drinking style, brewed with a combination of hops and malts to produce a light-bodied beer.
On The Nose
Mild with a hint of grains and hops.
On The Palate
Very light, with minimal hop bitterness and a clean finish. It’s a budget-friendly option that serves its purpose at large gatherings and has some flavour, too!
Carbonation/Head
Low to moderate carbonation with a light head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
12. Rolling Rock Pale Lager
Overview
- Brewery: Latrobe Brewing Co.
- ABV: 4.4% (8.8 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Pale Yellow
Review
Rolling Rock was my first American beer experience back in the 1980s! It’s brewed with a mix of malted barley, corn, and hops, offering a unique flavour profile with its distinctive green bottle.
On The Nose
Light and grassy with a touch of malt.
On The Palate
Crisp and smooth with a slight bitter hoppy note mid-palate and a light finish. Its lightness (and standout packaging) has made it a cult favourite.
Carbonation/Head
Moderate carbonation with a clean, white head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
13. Blue Moon Ale
Overview
- Brewery: Blue Moon Brewing Co.
- ABV: 5.4% (10.8 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Amber
Review
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with orange peel and coriander, offering a unique, flavorful twist on the traditional ale.
On The Nose
Citrusy with notes of orange and spice.
On The Palate
Rich and smooth with a sweet citrus flavour and a creamy body. Blue Moon stands out for its fresh and approachable flavour profile.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation with a creamy head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
14. New Belgium Mountain Time Lager
Overview
- Brewery: New Belgium Brewing
- ABV: 4.4% (8.8 Proof)
- Country: United States
- Colour: Light Gold
Review
Mountain Time Lager is a celebration of leisure, brewed with a selection of malts and hops to create a clean, refreshing beer taste. Similar to the Mexican beers I recently reviewed.
On The Nose
Clean with a slight hoppy freshness
On The Palate
Light and crisp with a smooth malt flavour and a refreshing finish. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to kick back and relax.
Carbonation/Head
Moderate carbonation with a soft head
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Coors Lager
My top pick is Coors lager due to its crisp and refreshing taste without too much hop bitterness, which delivers an American beer-drinking experience worth discovering.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this Londoner’s journey through America’s beer landscape, it’s clear that each brew tells a story, a narrative of heritage, innovation, and collective joy.
From the bustling streets of New York to the serene Rockies, and family BBQs to simply propping up the bar, these beers offer a taste of America in every sip.
From fun family BBQs to propping up the bar in your local joint,
Finally, let’s not forget the rich tapestry of brewing, especially the Canadian beer I recently reviewed, a celebration of flavour, tradition, and camaraderie.
Also Read: 9 Best Mexican Beers For Your BBQ or Fiesta
Bonus: American Beer Food Pairing Ideas
| No. | Beer Name | Food Painting Idea |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Budweiser Lager Beer | Classic American BBQ scene with burgers and hot dogs |
| 2 | Coors Lager | Mountain picnic with cold cuts and artisanal cheeses |
| 3 | Miller Lite Pilsner | Beach party with seafood grill, including shrimp and fish |
| 4 | Bud Light | Baseball game snacks, featuring peanuts and pretzels |
| 5 | Brooklyn Pilsner Lager | New York-style pizza slices with a variety of toppings |
| 6 | Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer | Dive bar setting with a basket of crispy chicken wings |
| 7 | Yuengling Traditional Lager | Thanksgiving dinner table with turkey and all the fixings |
| 8 | Sam Adams Boston Lager | New England clam bake with lobsters, clams, and corn |
| 9 | Natural Light Lager | College tailgate with burgers, chips, and dip |
| 10 | Busch Light Beer | Camping scene with grilled sausages and marshmallows by the fire |
| 11 | Keystone Light Beer | Backyard pool party with light snacks, including fruit and cheese |
| 12 | Rolling Rock Pale Lager | Fishing trip with a cooler of sandwiches and cold beers |
| 13 | Blue Moon Ale | Elegant brunch with Belgian waffles, berries, and orange slices |
| 14 | New Belgium Mountain Time Lager | Hiking adventure with trail mix, sandwiches, and a scenic mountain backdrop |
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
