The general consensus amongst beer drinkers is that light beer, by its very definition is a watered down version of a standard beer. Though that assumption is relatively true, several beer drinkers opt for light beers to cut their calorie consumption or simply because they like the less intense taste offered by light beers. Though true beer drinkers may scoff at the idea of light beers, the market for this type of beer seems to be steadily rising. Several beer producers make many different types of light beers, each catering to a different beer drinker.
Domestic light beers are numerous and your choices are no longer limited to just Bud Light or Miller Lite. There are light beer offerings from companies such as Samuel Adams and Yuengling, just to name a few outside of the reaches of the mega breweries.
Typically, light beers all fit into the lager category of beers. There are very few light offering in the ale style and as such, this article will focus on the top five domestic light lagers available. Though none of the offering in this category stand out to beer aficionados, they are great choices for those who like light beers.
The top choice in this category is Samuel Adams Light Beer. This beer is made by the Boston Beer Company and is truly the only standout in this category. Beer Advocate, a leading beer publication, rates this beer with a B-, a remarkable number for a light beer. It has a slightly watered down flavor and thinner mouth-feel than the original, but still overs a hoppy taste and a great amber color with strong malty flavors.
Next is Yuengling Light Lager. Yuengling is brewed by Yuengling Brewery, one of the oldest commercial breweries in the U.S. This light beer is readily available throughout the country and is characterized by a foamy head and a distinct sweet, floral aroma. Beer Advocate gives this beer a C rating overall.
The next three choices quickly begin to fall off. Each scores in the D category by Beer Advocate and their rankings are merely average for light beers.
At number three is Michelob Ultra Amber. This amber beer is slightly unique to the light beer category in that it offers an amber color and strong flavor in the light class. It scores a D+ from Beer Advocate.
In fourth is Michelob Light. Michelob Light is your typical light beer. Qualities include a watered down flavor, easy drink-ability, and low calorie count. It too scores a D+ from Beer Advocate.
Taking up the tail end of the list is Miller Lite. Surprisingly, Miller Lite outshines Bud Light in this category. It is more flavorful than Bud Light and is characterized by less off flavors and a hoppier taste. Miller Lite scores a D+ from Beer Advocate.
Though light beer choices are numerous, few of the choices stand out as great beer. In fact, only Samuel Adams Light holds its own with regular beers by offering a strong flavor, thick head, good mouthful and hoppy aroma and flavor. So if you choose a light beer for your next beer, use this list to guide your selection.
References: BeerAdvocate.com , Best Light Beers By Rating
