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Best Tasting Low-Calorie Beers For 2026

Thomas Short — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:51:49 +0000

As far as drinks go, beer tends to be one of the highest-calorie options you can choose. But it doesn’t have to be that way, since many breweries have made a bigger effort to create low-calorie beers that are both big in flavor and better for your waistline. Before I continue, keep in mind that all beer has calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, I suggest switching to something with fewer calories. But if you want to make healthier choices without entirely cutting beer from your diet, there are plenty of options available. Here are the best-tasting low-calorie beers (and yes, I’ve tried them all). 10 Best Lo-Cal Beers for 2026 Firestone Walker Flyjack Hazy IPA: 96 Calories The folks at Firestone Walker have done it again! Previous iterations of this list have included brews from Firestone Walker, but Flyjack Hazy IPA makes the list this year. At just 96 calories, this sessionable hazy is a cool 4% ABV, making it a nice balance of drinkability and flavor with under 100 calories per can. Best for: Any type of water activity Heineken Silver: 95 Calories Heineken Silver is one of the only big-name brands that ranks in my favorite low-calorie beers (and best light beers). It only has 95 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs. It’s so light that it basically doesn’t count, and it manages to do so without being devoid of all beer flavor. Of all the light (or lite) beers you find, this is my go-to. Best for: Golfing Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner: 99 Calories Doubling as an effort to help people correctly pronounce the brewery name, Da Shootz! from Deschutes Brewing is the perfect sunny day beer. While Da Shootz! comes in at just 4% ABV, drinkers can rejoice that they’re sipping on a beer under 100 calories. Oh, and the artwork is phenomenal, A+ work. Best for: Enjoying indoors Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA: 95 Calories Slightly Mighty is the best description for this low-cal beer from Dogfish Head. Heck, Lo-Cal is even in the name! I’m pretty sure this is basically a Session IPA, making it one of several on this list. But it’s 4% ABV and has just 3.6 grams of carbs, making it worth drinking if you want a low-calorie option. Best for: Taproom drinking (where available) Shiner Light Blonde: 99 Calories Just sneaking in under 100 calories, Shiner Light Blonde is 4.2% ABV with just 3.4g of carbs per bottle. This is a super light blonde ale that almost drinks like a lager. If you love Shiner Bock and want to cut down on calories, this is an easy beer to sub in. Best for: Daytime social gatherings Guinness: 125 Calories You didn’t think you’d see Guinness on this list, did you? With only 125 calories, Guinness is a surprisingly low-cal beer, and it’s easily accessible, pretty much everywhere you can buy beer. While stouts aren’t the best in the sun, they sure do taste good in a pub at night! Best for: Pubs Lagunitas DayTime IPA: 98 Calories Not only is the Lagunitas Day Time IPA a nice low-cal option, but it actually tastes pretty good. The 4% ABV is well below most of Lagunitas’ normal beers (for reference, they have a 6% ABV pils), and it’s honestly a nice change of pace. Best for: Watching baseball Ballast Point Even Keel IPA: 114 Calories Ballast Point beer is routinely good, though most people probably only recognize the Sculpin IPA. Well, Even Keel is a bit different. It’s got plenty of mango flavor, especially as it warms up a little bit after opening. At 3.8% ABV, this low-calorie beer is perfect for a nice, summery day. If you’re ever visiting San Diego, I highly recommend making a visit to Ballast Point and trying this out. Best for: Drinking while grilling food Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA: 90 Calories Many beer drinkers are privy to non-alcoholic beers, and some might have even tried Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA. What this 90-calorie beer lacks in alcohol (it is 0% ABV), it makes up for in pure quality. Seriously, you would never know you’re not drinking an alcoholic IPA with this beer. It’s 100% worth trying, and easily the healthiest option on this list. Best for: Post-workout relaxation Michelob Ultra I don’t have to push Michelob Ultra on anyone since it’s the best-selling beer in the country. But it sells so well for good reason. At just 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs, Michelob Ultra does a good job of balancing flavor and lightness, something that most light beers struggle with (or ignore trying to do entirely). Michelob markets itself as a beer for athletes, and that’s honeslty what it’s best for. Best for: Athletic things Other Low-Calorie Beer Questions

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Can You Put Ice in Beer?

Thomas Short — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:58:53 +0000

For some beer drinkers, putting ice in beer is sacrilegious and an unforgivable offense. For others, it’s the go-to way to enjoy a beer on a hot afternoon. So, can you put ice in your beer? Sure, but it should depend entirely on the beer you’re drinking. Let’s take a look at beers that work well with ice and those that should never under any circumstances be mixed with ice. Why Ice Works for Some Beers and Ruins Others It’s scientifically proven that cold beer tastes better than warm beer, even if it doesn’t actually improve the quality of what you’re drinking. So, it’s fair to assume that putting ice in beer would make it taste better by keeping it cold. However, any seasoned whisky drinkers already know the main problem with adding ice to alcohol: dilution. The ice chills the beer as it melts, but it also waters it down, thinning out the brew. For light beers, this isn’t a big issue since the flavor is already…well, light. But for more complex beers, like an IPA or stout, ice can ruin the flavor that the brewer intended. Beers That Actually Hold Up on Ice If you’ve ever enjoyed a beer with ice and liked it, then you probably already know what works well: light beers with subtle flavors. Mexican lagers can be fine when paired with ice. I know this because I always put ice in my Micheladas, and they’re delicious. If you do mix Mexican lagers and ice, you’ll want to stick with the lightest options like Pacifico, Corona, or Modelo. I’ve also seen people pour American light lagers over ice, which should affect the quality of cheaper beers. I personally don’t love cheaper light lagers over ice, but it’s mostly because I don’t like a lot of those cheaper light lagers on their own. Beers You Should Never Put Ice In Most beers should never have ice added. Anything hoppy, hazy, bitter, sour, malty, and so on will only suffer if you add ice. Diluting the beer is only going to weaken the flavors, and the end result is rarely going to be better than the original brew. With thicker beers like stouts and porters, dilution can thin the mouthfeel, which completely ruins the experience. So, if you’re paying craft beer prices for something, don’t add ice. Ice in Beer Around the World A lot of people are surprised to learn that places around the world regularly serve beer with ice. It’s most common in hot and humid places in the United States and Southeast Asia, though you can find people doing this anywhere there’s beer. If you’re traveling and you’re offered beer with ice, give it a try. Odds are that it’s a lighter lager, and that extra ice could be pretty refreshing on an incredibly hot day. In any other instance, I think you should avoid putting ice in beer. FAQ

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What Is a DIPA?

Thomas Short — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:36:03 +0000

There are a lot of acronyms in beer, ranging from common terms like IPA and ABV to less well-known ones like IBU and DDH. DIPA (sometimes stylized as IIPA) falls somewhere in the middle, since most people visiting a brewery can surmise that it’s a type of IPA, which is correct. DIPA stands for Double IPA, but if you already knew that, then you’re probably wondering what makes a DIPA different from an IPA. A DIPA is essentially just a bigger, stronger version of a standard IPA, with more hops, more flavor, and more alcohol. You can expect a DIPA to hit around 8-9% ABV, whereas a standard IPA is usually closer to 6-7% ABV. A Double IPA is more or less just “double.” How Is a DIPA Different from an IPA? While a DIPA is essentially just an IPA with more everything, there is a little more nuance to what makes it unique. I actually wrote a full breakdown of IPA vs DIPA if you want to check it out, but here’s the short version. An IPA is a hop-forward beer. DIPAs leverage that same hop intensity and push it further, but that also means that more malt is needed to reach higher ABVs while keeping the beer balanced. As a result, a DIPA is often thicker, chewier, and more complex than a regular IPA. The best DIPAs are great at hiding just how boozy they are, since the balance of hops and malt should dominate the flavor. The worst DIPAs taste like a hot, hoppy soup with a boozy burn. Balance is at the center of everything a DIPA is trying to do. IPA DIPA ABV 5–7% 7.5–10% IBU 40–70 60–100+ Hop intensity Moderate to high High to aggressive Malt presence Low to moderate Moderate (to support higher ABV) Body Medium Medium to full Best for Session drinking, nice hop flavor Slow sipping, strong hop flavor West Coast DIPA vs Hazy DIPA The IPA has famous substyles, and so does the DIPA. Here are some of the main differences between the classic West Coast and Hazy/East Coast DIPA. West Coast DIPA People tend to associate DIPA with the West Coast style, likely because the first mainstream DIPAs were produced on the West Coast. A WC DIPA is clear in color, bitter, and leans into the piney, citrusy flavors of hops. While there’s plenty of malt in a WC DIPA, it’s just there to support the ABV and hop flavor. Pliny the Elder is the textbook example of a West Coast DIPA done well: balanced, crisp, and 8% ABV. If you know and love West Coast IPAs, think of a West Coast DIPA as the same thing, just dialed up a bit. Hazy / New England DIPA A hazy DIPA, sometimes called a New England DIPA, NE DIPA, or East Coast DIPA, is completely different from its West Coast kin. Where West Coast DIPAs are bitter and dry, hazy DIPAs are soft, juicy, and creamy. You’d be forgiven for mistaking a DIPA for orange juice, both in the way it looks and its mouthfeel. The NE DIPA style has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and a well-made hazy DIPA from somewhere like Tree House or Other Half is one of the best drinking experiences in craft beer. The trade-off is that they’re best when they’re fresh, since the hop aromatics fade quickly. This means that finding a high-quality NE DIPA can be tricky, especially if you don’t live on the East Coast. If you’ve been loving East Coast IPAs, hazy DIPAs are the next step up in intensity. Imperial IPA vs DIPA: Is There a Difference? Another beer style you might see is Imperial IPA. Just to be clear, Imperial IPA, DIPA, Double IPA, and IIPA all refer to the same style. One reason the same style of beer can have so many names is that breweries, beer apps, style guides, and blogs like this all use different terms. BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) lists the style as “Double IPA,” while plenty of breweries call them “Imperial.” So, while you could make an argument that there’s an official term for the style, breweries will continue to name beers how they please. What Does a DIPA Taste Like? The flavors you can expect from a DIPA depend entirely on the substyle you drink, but in general, expect: DIPAs Worth Trying If you’re looking for a DIPA to try, the only real recommendation I can make is Pliny the Elder. The original DIPA, Pliny the Elder is perfectly balanced, complex, and deceptively smooth for 8% ABV. If you can find it, buy it. Outside of Pliny, the best DIPA you can try is whatever your local craft brewery is offering. Remember that DIPAs rely on strong hop flavor, and that hop flavor starts to vanish pretty quickly. Freshness is everything with a good DIPA, and your local crat brewery will serve it freshest. DIPA FAQs

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Does Beer Age Like Wine?

Thomas Short — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:21:34 +0000

Yes, beer can age like wine, but only some of it can, depending on the style. Most beer, from your lagers to your IPAs, is brewed to be enjoyed fresh, or as close to fresh as possible. Many flavors in beer break down over time, so older beer loses its balance of flavor and carbonation. But a few styles, mostly the boozy and funky ones, can actually improve in quality over several years, assuming they’re kept in the right conditions. Quick Reference: Beers that Age Like Wine (and Beers that Don’t) Style Ages Well? Why? Ideal Drinking Window Barleywines Yes High ABV and residual sugars keep it going 2–10 years Imperial Stouts Yes Alcohol and malt preserve the beer, while oxidation adds sherry and toffee notes 1–5 years Belgian Strong Ales and Quads Yes Malt-forward, low hop bitterness, so it holds up well 1–5 years Sours and Lambics Yes Brett and Lacto yeasts keep working in the bottle 1–10+ years IPAs and Hazy IPAs No Hop aroma fades within weeks Drink fresh Pilsners and Light Lagers No These are delicate, and they don’t preserve well Drink fresh Wheat Beers No Yeast-driven aromatics fade fast Drink fresh Why Some Beers Age Well Beers age well for different reasons, but the main factor is alcohol and sugar. Alcohol and sugar act as preservatives, and hops don’t. High-ABV beers and those with a lot of residual sugar have more substance for slow oxidation to gradually work with over time. Over the years, something with a bready, malty character can transform into something nuttier, then toffee-like, then eventually sherry-like. This is due to a slow chemical process that requires alcohol and sugar to work. Beers with active Brettanomyces or Lactobacillus (found in most sours and lambics) also age well, but for a different reason. Brett and Lacto are still active in the bottle after packaging, and they continue to change, and often improve, the flavor of the beer. Hops don’t work that way. The aromatic compounds found in hops are volatile and break down over a few weeks or months. If you want the most flavorful IPA, you should pick the freshest option. Beer Styles Worth Cellaring If you want to sit on a beer for a while, these styles tend to improve the most. I say “tend to” because quality is a huge factor, with lower-quality beers aging the wrong way. How to Cellar Beer If you have bottles that you want to age, here are a few tips: Does Cellaring Beer Actually Work? Yes, cellaring beer actually works. I have anywhere from 10-20 beers cellared at any time, and most of them are great once opened. However, not all beer ages well. If a beer wasn’t bottle-conditioned correctly, or if there was something off with the brew, an aged beer can go from ok to terrible.

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What Exactly Is a Pint of Beer?

Thomas Short — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 02:21:00 +0000

You’re out at a bar or brewery, and you order a pint. But, depending on where you are, you might not get the amount of beer that you were expecting. The bartender may even pour less than you’re used to. Don’t worry, they aren’t skimping on your pint of beer (probably). A pint of beer is a 16-ounce pour in the United States, or 20 ounces in the UK (called an imperial pint). However, not all beers are 16 or 20 ounces when served as a full pour, and your bartender may assume that asking for a pint means a full pour. How Many Ounces Is a Pint of Beer? In the United States, a pint is a 16-oz pour of beer, which is four ounces more than a standard 12-oz bottle or can. It’s pretty much the universal go-to size at any bar or brewery for lagers and ales. Pint Type Size US Pint 16 oz Imperial Pint (UK/Ireland) 20 oz Half Pint 8 oz An imperial pint is a 20oz pour. If you order a pint in the UK or Ireland, expect to get an imperial pint, since over there, a pint is closer to 20 ounces. Some bars in the US offer imperial pints on certain beers, too, so it’s worth knowing the difference before you assume you’re getting a deal. Then there are airport bars, which sell 22-oz beers. That’s not officially a pint, but I would call a 22-oz beer an “airport pint” if given the naming rights. The “Cheater Pint” Problem Just because you order a pint of beer in the US doesn’t mean you’re getting 16 ounces, because some bars use what’s called a “cheater pint.” The cheater pint is a pint glass that’s supposed to look normal-sized but actually holds just 14 ounces of beer. You’ve maybe noticed out at the bar that some pint glasses are bigger than others, and this could be the culprit. If you do get a full-priced beer in a 14-oz glass, I encourage you to stop frequenting the bar that did that. When a Pint Isn’t 16 or 20 Ounces At a craft brewery, you might order a “pint” of beer, but only get a full-poured 12-oz glass. This is because some beers, like triple IPAs or sours, might have a full pour of just 12 ounces. Don’t blame your bartender, though; it’s pretty common to exchange the terms “full pour” and “pint,” the same as we might interchange “half pour” and “half pint.” Types of Pint Glasses (And Why They’re Different) Depending on where you go, your beer might show up in a glass that looks like it belongs at a wine bar. These are probably chalices, goblets, or tulips, which are designed to hold 12–14oz, though some do hold a full 16oz just to keep things interesting. Why use a specialty glass instead of just marking “12oz” on a standard pint? Because glassware actually affects the beer. Depending on the shape, a glass can bring out more aroma, control how fast bubbles rise, affect the size of the foam head, and change how the beer tastes. It’s not just aesthetics. There are even more niche types of glassware out there, with my personal favorite being the Teku glass. Glassware is a rabbit hole worth going down. How Much Beer Do Steins Hold? Everyone knows that a stein is the big beer mug with a handle, the one you picture at Oktoberfest. Steins can hold anywhere from 16–32oz. A full Oktoberfest-size stein holds nearly 34oz, which is exactly 1 liter for anyone keeping metric score. Knowing your glass sizes matters for a couple of reasons. First, you’ll know how much you’re actually drinking, which helps you pace yourself. Second, the glass tells you something about the beer. Nobody’s pouring PBR into a chalice, and you won’t be drinking a Belgian tripel out of an Oktoberfest stein.

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Best Tasting Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2026

Thomas Short — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:17:59 +0000

I’m a big fan of the non-alcoholic beer trend, from making taprooms more accessible to non-drinkers to giving beer fans something healthier to enjoy. As this trend continues, breweries are creating better and better NA beer options, with some passing up the quality of their boozy alternatives (in my opinion). Whether you’re looking to cut back on alcohol, choose a healthier drinking option, or just try something new, here are the best tasting non-alcoholic beers (that I’ve tried this year). Best Non Alcoholic IPAs Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA For those who don’t know about Athletic Brewing, they’re a San Diego brewery that only brews non-alcoholic beer, and the Free Wave Hazy IPA is my personal favorite. It has that juicy flavor you expect from a hazy IPA, which is pretty impressive considering how thin so many NA beers are. Fremont Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA I love Fremont Brewing. It’s one of my favorite breweries in Seattle, and their Non-Alcoholic IPA is so good that I have to recommend it, especially if you live in Seattle or plan on visiting soon. Even if an IPA isn’t to your taste, they regularly carry several non-alcoholic options at their taproom, though I haven’t had the pleasure to visit and try them in a while. Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA Yet another non-alcoholic IPA to make the list, the Trail Pass IPA from Sierra Nevada is full of flavor, giving a tropical and citrusy vibe. As one of the largest craft breweries in the country, Sierra Nevada has a wide reach in distribution, so give Trail Pass a try if you come across any cans. Athletic Run Wild IPA Every beer I’ve tried from Athletic Brewing is good, including their Run Wild IPA. Unlike the Free Wave Hazy, Run Wild is more of a West Coast-style IPA, so it has a more bitter flavor that people often associate with IPAs. However, the bitterness isn’t overpowering, and the finish is neat, so it’s tough to get overwhelmed by the flavor (even if you don’t like IPAs). Best Non Alcoholic Lagers Heineken Zero I have to admit that I’m a sucker for Heineken. Heineken is among my favorite import beers, but Heineken Zero makes my list for a few reasons. First, it’s drinkable, which is fantastic. Second, it’s incredibly accessible and easy to find, whereas other options on this list are not. I could easily only recommend great NA craft beers, but I want to include options that should be available no matter where you live, and for those mass-produced non-alcoholic beers, my pick is Heineken Zero. Shiner Bock Non-Alcoholic It makes perfect sense that brewers looking to expand into non alcoholic beers would simply take a tried-and-true recipe and make it without alcohol. That’s pretty much what Shiner has done with Shiner Bock Non-Alcoholic. If you like Shiner Bock flavor (which I do), the NA version captures the same roasted malty flavors that you’d expect from a Bock. Best Day Kolsch Best Day is another California-based non-alcoholic brewery, but like Athletic, you can find their beer pretty much anywhere. The best beer that Best Day brews is hands-down the Kolsch, a light, crisp lager that’s great for spending time outside. It’s a really accessible option that perfectly toes the line between “regular beer” and “lots of flavor.” Best Non Alcoholic Stout Guinness 0.0 Guinness 0.0 is the only non alcoholic stout that makes this list because, so far, it’s the only non alcoholic stout I’ve tried that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. Guinness itself is already a pretty light beer despite its dark color, so you really don’t lose much flavor with the NA version. It’s also easy to find, which is a big plus. Other Great Non Alcoholic Brews Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Grapefruit The fine folks of Clausthaler sent me a few non-alcoholic beers to try a few years back, and they’re all pretty good. But my favorite of the bunch is the Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Grapefruit beer, which gives a grapefruit raddler sort of flavor and leans more into the juicy notes of fruit. The runner-up is the Clausthaler Holiday Brew, which tastes akin to a non-alcoholic mulled wine (in a good way). Hop Water Ok, hop water isn’t a specific type of brew, but it’s a great drink you can find at some craft breweries. Hop water is essentially a non-alcoholic seltzer, so a bubbly water, but with the addition of hop flavor. It’s a great non alcoholic option if you’re out at a brewery and see it on the menu, and genuinely worth trying if you’re into seltzer waters. Non-Alcoholic Beer Questions

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What Are Fresh Hop Beers?

Thomas Short — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:14:35 +0000

Fresh hop beers are brewed with the freshest hops brewers can get their hands on, and they’re only available during late summer when hops ripen and are first ready for harvesting. The resulting brew is a hop-loaded delight with flavors that you can only get once a year. Fresh hop season is one of my favorite times of year for beer, since brewers have the chance to make their most popular beers with the best hops available. It’s crazy how much the freshness of one beer ingredient can completely change the flavor of a brew. So, let’s explore fresh hop beers and what makes them so special. What Are Fresh Hops? Fresh hops are hops that are harvested and delivered to the brewer in less than 24 hours. Typically, harvesters reap hop cones from the vines, process them, and prepare them for shipping. To give the hops longevity, brewers dry the hops and form them into pellets, which are then stored in a freezer. While this process helps keep hops fresher for longer, we lose a lot of the natural hop flavor along the way. When hop growers take brand-new hops fresh off the vine and then immediately ship them for brewing, we essentially get the “freshest” hop flavor. Related: Mosaic Hops, Citra Hops, and Simcoe Hops Fresh Hop vs Wet Hop vs Dry Hop: What’s the Difference? Brewery frequenters might notice that some breweries have fresh hops while others have wet hops or dry hops. Here’s a breakdown of what those terms mean. Fresh hops are hops that are as fresh from the vine as possible, harvested when hops mature during fresh hop season. Wet hops are the exact same thing as fresh hops, just with another name. The only reason brewers use the term wet hop is that the hop hasn’t been dried out in preparation for a longer life. Dry hopping is a technique used in brewing where hops are added after the boil to introduce more hop flavor. Dry hops aren’t a type of hop, so a dry-hopped beer could feasibly use fresh hops (though this is not recommended). Some brewers also use the term “green hop” interchangeably with fresh hop and wet hop, so that’s another term to look out for during the season. What Do Fresh Hop Beers Taste Like? Fresh hop beers should taste pretty similar to the original brew, but with a much stronger hop presence. One combination of flavor you’ll get with fresh hops and not other hops is a green, earthy flavor. The literal freshness of the plant comes through in the final brew, which also adds to the heaviness of the beer. Fresh hops can also accentuate the regular flavors you’d get from a hop. For example, a fresh-hopped beer with Citra might have stronger citrus and juicy flavors than a more traditional single-hopped Citra ale. I will say that not all fresh hop flavor is an improvement. Anecdotally, I’ve had a fresh hop Italian Pilsner which was so vegetal and hoppy that it made me sick. Aside from that beer, I’ve always experienced great fresh hop flavors in pale ales and IPAs. When Is Fresh Hop Season? Fresh hop season begins when hop vines ripen, so there’s no set date every year. However, hop vines tend to start ripening in mid to late August, with fresh hop season ending in late September. But fresh hop beers can last on taps for much longer, since they take time to brew and sometimes even longer to sell. So, you should be able to find fresh hop beers going into October. Where Do You Find Fresh Hop Beers? The closer you are to hop vines, the easier it is to find fresh hop beers. If you’re looking for a full-on fresh hop experience, consider visiting the Pacific Northwest. Over 90% of craft beer hops are grown in Central Washington, with major breweries in Washington and Oregon becoming the primary beneficiaries of the fresh hop season. Regarldess of where you live, your best bet for finding a fresh hop beer is a local craft brewer. Large breweries won’t waste the effort and energy to get fresh hops and use them (most of them brew lighter lagers anyway). Some fresh hop beers might get canned and distributed, so be on the lookout for that as well.

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Best Mexican Beers (That Aren’t Corona)

Thomas Short — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:04:23 +0000

With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner, that means we’re getting more and more days where we can enjoy a nice cold beer in the sun. And on those hot days, nothing hits quite like a great Mexican lager. Mexican lagers are a type of lager known for their light bodies, crisp flavor, and small hint of sweetness. This is a unique style, since most Mexican lagers are brewed with flaked maize, though brewers can put their own spin on the brew. Let’s break down the best Mexican lagers that aren’t Corona. 10 Best Mexican Lagers that Aren’t Corona Here are my favorite Mexican lagers that aren’t Corona, and you should be able to find these just about anywhere you live. 1. Pacifco Pacifico is my all-time favorite Mexican lager. Brewed in Mazatlan, Pacifico nails everything that Mexican lagers embody: crisp flavor, light body, refreshing flavor, and easy-drinking ABV (4.4-4.5%). Whenever I imagine eating tacos on the beach in Mexico, I have a Pacifico in my hand. It’s about the same cost as Corona, maybe slightly more depending on where you live, but it’s much, much better. 2. Bohemia Clásica I rarely come across Bohemia Clasica, a 4.7% Pilsner-esque Mexican lager, but it’s a treat when I do see it. Bohemia is closer to a Vienna lager than other Mexican lagers on this list, which makes sense given its name, so expect more bitterness and less sweet maltiness. If you do find this beer and haven’t had it before, give it a try. 3. Dos Equis Amber Lager I normally don’t drink Dos Equis, but when I do, I drink the Amber Lager. Dos Equis Amber Lager is technically the original style (with Especial, the Corona competitor, getting released later). As with any amber beer, expect a reddish color, solid malt flavor, and a little bit more body than you’d get with Pacifico or Tecate. 4. Modelo Especial Modelo Especial has been around for over 100 years, which is a testament to its quality. At just 4.4%, it’s another light-drinking Mexican lager with nice malty flavor and sweetness. My only gripe is that the foil on the bottles can get flaky and make a mess. Outside of that, Modelo is a solid choice, as is the delicious Modelo Negra. 5. Victoria Victoria is one of the lightest Mexican lagers you can get (without explicitly getting a “light” lager). Brewed since 1865, Victoria is one of the oldest Mexican beer brands. Leaning more Vienna lager in style, it has a nice amber color and malty flavor. It drinks lighter than the color would make you think, and it skews a little lighter than the Dos Equis Amber lager. 6. Negra Modelo At 5.4% ABV, the Negra Modelo doesn’t have much in common with other Mexican beers since it drinks more like a Vienna lager or dunkel. Regardless, this beer has a delicious toasted malt flavor and is incredibly smooth and easy to drink despite what its dark color would make you think. 7. Dos Equis Lager Especial My second-favorite Dos Equis beer, the Lager Especial is supposed to drink more like a Pilsner than some of the other lagers in this list. Because it’s an incredibly accessible beer to drink, it’s more popular than the Amber Lager. It’s a good beer to drink, though I still prefer the Amber. 8. Estrella Jalisco Originally from Guadalajara, Estrella Jalisco is light, crisp, and really affordable for the quality. It’s another 4.5% ABV option that provides the balance you would expect from a Mexican lager. Estrella Jalisco seems to be making a bigger push in the United States market, so it’s probably only going to become easier to find near you. 9. Sol Originally brewed in 1899, Sol is a 4.5% ABV beer that’s about as dead-on the Mexican lager style as possible. It’s light, crisp, and has a more corny sweet flavor. This is basically a nicer version of Corona, from the light balance to the clear bottle (so yes, skunking can be an issue). 10. Tecate If you’re looking for an affordable Mexican lager, go with Tecate. Based out of Tecate in the Baja California region, Tecate has a fuller flavor than Corona and Pacifico, boasting stronger malt flavors and sweetness. It’s pretty low ABV as well (4.6%), though a bit higher than other options. Comparing Mexican Lagers at a Glance Here’s a quick comparison of these Mexican lagers (including Corona). Beer Flavor Profile Corona Especial Light-bodied, crisp, subtle sweetness Pacifico Bright, clean, crisp Modelo Especial Slightly fuller than most light lagers Negra Modelo Rich, toasty malt with caramel notes Dos Equis Amber Rich caramel and toasted malt Dos Equis Lager Especial Light, smooth, mild hop bitterness Bohemia Fuller-bodied, leans Vienna lager Tecate Light, straightforward, clean finish Victoria Malty, slightly sweet, Vienna lager style Sol Ultra-light, clean, easy-drinking Estrella Jalisco Light, crisp, mild sweetness Other Great Mexican Lagers If you’re looking for a different Mexican lager with tons of character, check out your local craft breweries! This style is a classic and immensely popular in the United States, so odds are a craft brewer near you brews Mexi lagers. What’s best is that craft Mexican lagers tend to have really tasty malt flavors that just don’t come through in mass-produced beers like Modelo or Pacifico. One trend that some brewers follow is adding salt and lime flavors to the beer, which…I don’t enjoy. But, if that’s something you’re interested in, I highly suggest trying a beer like Stone Brewing’s Buenaveza. Why Did You Exclude Corona from this List? If you like Corona, that’s totally fine. But I don’t like it, especially when there are so many great alternatives at the same price point. Without getting too deep into why I don’t like Corona, the main reasons are: And if you do like Corona, please give other Mexican lagers a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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Best Breweries In Seattle

Thomas Short — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:22:50 +0000

When you think of Seattle, you might be tempted to make some awful joke about being sleepless. I know I am, and I’ve never even seen the movie. But I’m also tempted to think about the Seattle beer scene because it is POPPING! Yes, Seattle is home to plenty of things. A football team, a baseball team, the Space Needle, some other landmarks, blah blah blah. When you’re a self-anointed beer snob like I am, you’re looking for one thing: a brewery you can sit in for hours on end, crying tears of joy into the complimentary pretzels while you finish your eighth saison. For locals, visitors, and beer snobs alike, here’s a quick spotlight on the Emerald City. 10 Best Breweries In Seattle 1. Fremont Brewing Fremont Brewing has long been my top recommendation for Seattle beer. Odds are that if you’re visiting, you might have flown Alaska Airlines in and had a chance to try some special brews by Fremont. The taproom is right across the street from Lake Washington and has my favorite brewery vibes in the city. Lush IPA and the Golden Pilsner are both safe picks, but try their barrel-aged beer or rotating taps for something new and interesting. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Short Brews Beer Blog (@shortbrews) 2. Cloudburst Brewing With locations in the popular Ballard neighborhood and touristy Pike Place Market area, Cloudburst Brewing should be easy to find if you’re visiting. The head brewer came from Elysian Brewing, so their specialty is definitely IPAs. However, don’t expect something super bitter like Elysian’s Space Dust IPA. If you’re looking for a juicy hazy IPA, you should add Cloudburst to your list. 3. Holy Mountain Brewing One of the most popular breweries among locals, Holy Mountain Brewing is best known for its incredible barrel-aged beers. If you want something more traditional, their saisons and ales are worth ordering. The original Interbay location isn’t super easy to get to, but there’s another newer spot in Phinney Ridge which is much more accessible. 4. Stoup Brewing My personal favorite in Ballard, Stoup Brewing has an awesome location and great assortment of well-done beers. The IPAs are good, but I recommend going with whatever rotating lager they have on draft. If you find Mixtape Romeo, be sure to order that first! Stoup recently opened another location in Capitol Hill which I haven’t had a chance to check out, but it’s good to see more breweries entering that neighborhood. 5. Georgetown Brewing There was a time when visiting Georgetown Brewing was nearly pointless, since the taproom didn’t actually sell pints to drink on site. However, this storied Seattle staple has since opened a legitimate taproom that’s modern and thoughtfully designed. Outside of the space, Seattleites will tell you that Georgetown has long been one of the best breweries in the city. You can find Manny’s pale ale pretty much everywhere, but my favorite is Johnny Utah pale ale. 6. Seapine Brewing If you’re planning on going to a Mariners, Sounders, or Seahawks game in Seattle, make sure to stop by Seapine Brewing. Hands down the best spot in SoDo, Seapine’s taproom is unassuming but large enough to enjoy with a big group. They brew a little bit of everything, but I always get the Seapine IPA or Pilsner, both of which you can probably find on tap in bars around the city. 7. Urban Family Brewing I’ve loved Urban Family since they were in Magnolia, and their Ballard spot is bound to be a destination if you’re planning on brewery hopping in that neighborhood. Urban Family makes exceptional sours, with Guava Dawn being a long-time favorite. They make good IPAs, but I recommend getting one of their lighter beers, like a saison or lager, if you aren’t into sours. 8. Ravenna Brewing If your trip to Seattle takes you near the University of Washington, go a little bit north of U Village and check out Ravenna Brewing. Ravenna Brewing’s taproom has such a classic brewery atmosphere, with great indoor and outdoor seating. They don’t brew tons of options, but I’ve never had a beer from Ravenna Brewing that I didn’t enjoy. 9. Reuben’s Brews Another local favorite, Reuben’s Brews essentially started what is now the Ballard Brewing District and have since expanded to add a location in Downtown Seattle. Crikey! IPA and Hazalicious have been mainstays on the menu for years and are both excellent. However, if you need a break from beer, order one of Reuben’s hard seltzers. They’re the best in the city, and you can buy cans from most local grocery stores. 10. Elysian Brewing It’s impossible to pick the best breweries in Seattle without mentioning Elysian Brewing. From the Space Dust IPA to the Men’s Room Red, Elysian has served quality craft beer to the Seattle community for decades. I know that selling out ot AB InBev rubbed a lot of locals the wrong way, but Elysian’s quality hasn’t dropped off since the sale. The Capitol Hill location was the first Seattle Brewery I ever visited, so I do have good memories there and may be a little biased. But odds are that you’ve had Elysian before, so if you want to try it at the source, stop by for a pint. Where to Brewery Hop in Seattle One of my favorite parts about Seattle is how each neighborhood has its own vibe, which the local breweries match. Most neighborhoods are also very walkable, making brewery hopping really easy! Here are neighborhoods to check out. Ballard. The Ballard brewery scene is quickly becoming a tourist destination, and for good reason. You can walk to half a dozen breweries in just a few minutes, and each has its own identity and signature style. I even covered the best breweries in Ballard to help visitors find the best fit! Fremont. I’ve already mentioned Fremont Brewing, but Gasworks Brewing and El Suenito Brewing Company are nearby. If you want a change

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Best Beers for Golf, Ranked for 2026

Thomas Short — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:50:40 +0000

Some things in life are always worth appreciating. A good beer. A nice round of golf. Of course, any golfer knows that you can’t just drink any beer on the course. Aside from the fact that you can’t bring your own beer (you would never do that, right?), some beers might have a more negative impact on your game and day. So, picking the right beers for golf is key. Here are the best beers for golf that you should be able to find on your course. Best Golf Beers, Ranked 1. Firestone Walker 805 There’s a lot to love about the 805. This beer is perfectly light, has good flavor, is 4.7% ABV, and doesn’t sit too heavily in your stomach. There are plenty of good occasions to grab an 805 outside of golf, but the course is a great place to enjoy this beer. 2. Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA I know that adding an IPA is a bold call since IPAs, sunshine, and physical activity don’t mix very well. However, I think the Grapefruit Sculpin IPA gets a pass because the grapefruit flavor is just too perfect. It’s a 7% IPA that leans juicy and crisp, making it perfect to sip. Start your round with a Grapefruit Sculpin, or have one at the turn. Or have one after your round. If your golf course (or area) doesn’t carry this delicious beer, look for the regular Sculpin IPA or a Hazy Sculpin IPA. 3. Heineken Silver I don’t want to crowd this list with the “light lager” types (think Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, etc), but I’m going to highlight Heineken Silver. Why? Because it’s low-calorie and I legitimately like the flavor. It’s pretty close to the regular Heineken flavor while still being light and low-calorie, which is a great combination. 4. Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale The Mirror Pond is a nice pale ale with real flavor, which I love. This beer does lean a little bitter and hoppy, but it’s just 5% ABV, meaning it packs a lot of flavor into a relatively light beer. It’s also available in most areas of the country, so it’s a safe pick if you see it on the beverage cart. 5. Local Lager Okay, this pick is a bit of a cop-out since it’s not a specific beer, but seriously consider buying a can of a local lager next time you’re golfing. Lagers are the perfect beer for sunshine, and you might find a local brewery that you enjoy! As an example, the Bandon Dunes Sheep Ranch Lager was the perfect pairing for Sheep Ranch, and I’m glad I gave it a try. 6. Athletic IPA The Athletic IPA, a great non-alcoholic beer, is legitimately one of the best beers to have on the links. Athletic does an incredible job of nailing beer flavor without any of the booze, perfect for someone who is taking their round seriously and doesn’t want alcohol affecting their swing. 7. Michelob Ultra I couldn’t honestly create a “best golf beers” list without including Michelob Ultra. Michelob Ultra is one of the best light beers and brings just enough flavor for you to notice without feeling heavy, which is perfect for a hot day on the golf course. I haven’t had a Michelob Ultra in any other setting, and I don’t think I will, but it’s great for golf. Golf Beers FAQs

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Best Beer for Pizza: An Easy Pairing Guide

Thomas Short — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:31:55 +0000

Pizza and beer are a match made in heaven. Truthfully, you could pair nearly any type of pizza with any beer and get a winning combo. However, the right beer will make your slice of pizza taste even better, and vice versa. The main reason the pizza and beer pairing works so well is that the carbonation, bitterness, and clean finish of beer help the pizza flavors come through stronger while resetting your palate. Once you get to know how each of these elements affects what you eat, the pairings should start to make more sense. Quick Notes on Pairing Beer and Pizza Before getting into specific pairings for styles, let’s go over some high-level notes to keep in mind when pairing pizza and beer. Best Beer Pairing for Pizza Here are the best beers to pair with specific types of pizza. Margherita Pizza: Pilsner or Pale Ale Margherita pizza is about as simple as it gets: fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella. You don’t want to pick a beer that overpowers the simple yet delicious pizza. A crisp, clean pilsner is a great pairing for Margherita. It’s light enough to work with the pizza without drowning out any flavor. A lighter pale ale should also work, as long as the hop profile is subtle and not overbearing. Beer to try: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Firestone Pivo Pils Pepperoni Pizza: West Coast IPA Pepperoni is salty, fatty, and a little bit spicy. A good West Coast IPA is an excellent match, so long as you don’t get anything too bitter. Look for a balanced IPA to help complement the spice and grease of the pepperoni. Beer to try: Stone IPA, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Ballast Point Sculpin White Pizza: Hazy IPA White pizza usually is a combination of garlic, olive oil, ricotta, mushrooms, and spinach. Beer won’t be competing with tomato sauce, so a hazy IPA should do the trick. A hazy brings lots of hop flavor while leaning on the juicy side, which should work really well with most white pizzas. Beer to try: New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing BBQ Chicken Pizza: Amber Ale or Märzen BBQ chicken pizza is smoky, sweet, savory, and underrated. The best pairing is something with good malt flavor, like an amber ale or a particularly malty lager like a Märzen. Malt brings a caramel flavor that works really well with the sweetness of barbecue sauce and chicken, and these beers are light enough to match well with thin crust BBQ pizza. Beer to try: Fat Tire Amber Ale, Paulaner Märzen Meat Lovers Pizza: Crisp Lager It might seem counterintuitive, but meat lovers and combo pizzas can be really heavy, and pairing it with a heavy beer can make you feel a little too full. Instead, try a crisp lager to elevate the individual ingredients of the pizza. Beer to try: Brooklyn Lager, Pacifico Veggie Pizza: Kölsch or Wheat Beer Vegetables, and by extension veggie pizzas, are light and delicate, so a heavy beer is not going to be the best choice. Instead, a nice kölsch works well with veggies without being too strong. A wheat beer can also be a nice choice, since these beers have a naturally bright and fruity flavor to them. If you want to get wild, a saison could also work really well with veggie pizza. Beer to try: Founders Solid Gold, Allagash White, Saison Dupont Hawaiian Pizza: Amber Ale No matter how you feel about pineapple on pizza, Hawaiian is popular for being sweet and salty all at once. Caramel malt sweetness is a natural fit for Hawaiian pizza, since it balances with the pineapple and works well with the ham. Fittingly, some good Hawaiian breweries make great amber ales! Beer to try: Kona Lavaman Red Ale The One Beer That Works With All Pizza If you don’t know what to get for your pizza, get a pilsner. Pilsners are incredibly well balanced, and they should pair excellently with just about every type of pizza. There are tons of pilsners out there, including some from local craft breweries that are definitely worth a try. Quick Reference: Best Beer for Pizza by Style Pizza Style Best Beer Match Margherita Pilsner or Pale Ale Pepperoni West Coast IPA White Pizza Hazy IPA BBQ Chicken Amber Ale or Märzen Meat Lovers Crisp Lager Veggie Kölsch or Wheat Beer Mushroom Pale Ale or Saison Hawaiian Amber Ale Spicy Hazy IPA or Wheat Beer

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Best Beer for Micheladas

Thomas Short — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0000

There aren’t many beer cocktails that people can name outside of the michelada. Micheladas are the perfect fusion of spice and beer, adding salty, spicy, and sometimes briny goodness to your glass. But the secret to making the perfect michelada all comes down to picking the right beer. Any michelada fan knows that you should start by picking a Mexican lager, but not just any Mexican beer will do. Choosing the right beer is the difference between a thin, flat drink and a crisp, citrussy delight. If you want to get funky, you can even craft a delicious michelada without a Mexican lager. Let’s explore the best beer for micheladas, along with some other tips to take your drink to the next level. Best Beers for Micheladas, Ranked I’ve broken this list into two sections. First, we’ll explore the best Mexican beers for a michelada. Second, we’ll take a look at some fun craft options that bring new flavors to the michelada. Best Mexican Lagers for Micheladas 1. Pacifico Clara Pacifico is a phenomenal standalone beer, so there should be no surprise that it works perfectly with a michelada. Pacifico has a lighter body than other beers on this list, but it brings an element of coastal marine crispness that other beers don’t offer. This should be your go-to pick if you favor lime and citrus flavors in your michelada. 2. Modelo Especial Modelo Especial is an incredibly well-balanced beer, with just enough malt sweetness to come through when mixed. When you add Modelo to your michelada, you retain the full-bodied beer flavor. This makes it great for micheladas that are thick with tomato or Clamato, since the beer will shine through regardless. 3. Tecate Tecate is a sleeper pick for micheladas, but it’s a great complement for spicy styles. You’ll get a strong malt flavor from Tecate that pairs really well with heavy spices and sauces. If you’re planning on making your michelada a spicy one, Tecate should be your go-to beer. 4. Modelo Negra Modelo Negra brings way different flavors to a michelada than the Especial does. Negra is an amber lager, which means it has a roasty flavor that pairs excellently with smokiness. If you favor Chipotle seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, or any smokier hot sauces, Modelo Negra will be the perfect pairing. 5. Bohemia Clásica Bohemia Clásica harkens back to the classic Vienna lager days, and it’s a tremendous beer on its own. In a michelada, it adds depth and complexity through its malt flavor. This is a step up in quality and perfect for shaking up a stale michelada recipe. Best Craft Beer for Micheladas Craft breweries have been making Mexican lagers for years, and some even serve micheladas in-house using their craft beer. If you want to break the mold and get funky, here are craft beers to include in your michelada. 1. Buenaveza by Stone Brewing I’ve picked the Buenaveza because I think it’s pretty accessible nationwide. The Buenaveza is a Mexican lager that adds the salt and lime flavor directly into the beer, making it perfect for sipping in the sun. In a michelada, this can help you skip the step of adding lime and salt, so you can focus on spicing it up how you like! 2. 805 by Firestone Walker Now we’re getting weird! The 805 is a crisp, clean ale that drinks way closer to a lager than a pale ale. What’s great about the 805 is that it’s really well balanced, so it essentially becomes the canvas upon which you can paint a michelada masterpiece. Try building up the spice level until it meets your taste. 3. Your Local Mexican Lager If you’ve made it this far down the list, this is me encouraging you to create something unique and create a michelada using a Mexican lager from a local craft beer. Most craft Mexican lagers should be fairly similar to at least one beer we’ve mentioned, so try to mix your michelada accordingly. Other Tips for Making a Great Michelada The beer you choose has the biggest impact on your michelada’s quality, but everything else is what makes it a michelada. Here are some ways you can take your michelada to the next level. The Rim Any good michelada needs to have the right rim. Tajin has become the go-to for micheladas almost everywhere you go since it blands that chili, lime, and salt flavor that most people associate with the cocktail. If you want to get more traditional, you can always go with a classic salt rim and add the lime and spices into the actual michelada. Or, you could find an interesting chili salt that makes the michelada even more unique. Pro tip: Use a lime wedge to wet the rim before adding your salt or spice, it adds in just a little more lime flavor that comes through loud and clear. The Sauce The hot sauce you choose can make or break your michelada. Tobasco is a classic option since it has sharp flavor without becoming overwhelming. In addition to Tabasco, consider adding a thicker sauce to increase the spice while making the michelada less watery. Consider the type of beer you’re adding before jumping too deep into strong spices. Pro tip: You can alwasy add more heat! Start light, give it a taste, then build from there. The Juice: Tomato vs Clamato When it comes to the juice, there really are no better options than tomato and Clamato. Here’s a nice breakdown of the two: Also, you will have local versions of tomato juice and Clamato that you should explore, so try both and see what fits your tastes best. Pro tip: Most bartenders make their micheladas with a roughly 3:1 ratio of juice to beer. Michelada FAQs

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