Short Brews

13 Best Light Beers, Ranked

Thomas Short — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:30:12 +0000

Light lagers are an American institution, with Michelob Ultra recently becoming the best-selling beer by volume. It’s interesting that light lagers sell as well as they do, because so many are objectively terrible. However, some light lagers do pass the taste test, and I’d happily enjoy them pretty much any day of the week. So, here are the 13 best light lagers, ranked from best to worst. Best Light Beers for 2026 1. Kirin Light ABV: 3.2% Calories: 95 Japanese lagers are already light and crisp, but Kirin Light takes it a step further. It’s surprising how much flavor you get out of Kirin Light. You really don’t lose much of the Japanese lager flavor despite the “light” profile, and it unsurprisingly goes great with sushi and ramen. 2. Michelob Ultra ABV: 4.2% Calories: 95 America’s best-selling beer, Michelob Ultra markets itself as an athlete’s go-to alcohol. The only time I ever have Michelob Ultra is on the links, which is part of the reason I ranked it as one of the best golf beers, but I can confirm that it does pair really well with activity. It’s incredibly light but brings just enough real beer flavor to enjoy, though it’s easy to finish these pretty quickly when it’s hot outside. 3. Miller Lite ABV: 4.2% Calories: 96 I’ll always have a soft spot for Miller Lite, which is interesting because I don’t like any of Miller’s other beers. But Miller Lite somehow brings real beer flavor that’s legitimately good to taste. It doesn’t really drink like a light beer the way other beers on this list do, and that’s what sets it apart. 4. Sapporo Light ABV: 3.5% Calories: 99 Another great Japanese lager that thrives as a light beer, Sapporo Light does pretty much everything Kirin Light does, just not as much to my taste. You could easily switch Sapporo Light and Kirin Light on this list and be completely justified; it just comes down to which you prefer more, and Sapporo is my second-favorite light Japanese beer. 5. Heineken Silver ABV: 4% Calories: 95 Heineken Silver appears on a lot of lists of mine for a few reasons. First, Heineken is one of my favorite import beers. Second, Heineken Silver keeps most of that classic Heineken flavor while cutting the calories below 100. While light beer is a distinctly American trend, Heineken Silver is an example of how good European lagers can still be when brewed light. 6. Yuengling Light Lager ABV: 4% Calories: 99 Yuengling Light Lager survives this high on the list in large part because it’s still sort of a novelty to me. Yuengling is not easy to find on the West Coast, but I enjoy getting the Yuengling Light Lager whenever I travel east. If I had unlimited access to Yuengling, then I would maybe rank it lower, but it deserves to live on the top half of this list. 7. Coors Light ABV: 4.2% Calories: 102 This is the final beer that makes the “enjoyable” cut, and sort of just barely. Coors Light doesn’t really have much flavor, and partially by design as it’s marketed to be enjoyed cold, and cold beer tastes better because you can’t taste it at all. But I would consider Coors Light enjoyable because you can’t really taste it, so it’s pretty close to water, and I like drinking water. 8. Corona Light ABV: 4% Calories: 99 I don’t like Corona, but Corona Light gets ranked as highly as it does because it’s better than what follows. Corona Light is essentially a lighter version of Corona Extra, so you’ll still need limes if you want to get any amount of enjoyment from this beer. Without diluting the beer with lime, what little flavor Corona Light offers isn’t enjoyable. 9. Pabst Blue Ribbon Easy ABV: 3.8% Calories: 99 If PBR isn’t light enough for you, the Pabst Blue Ribbon Easy should do the job. And even if PBR is drinkable for you, PBR Easy might not be. The little malty flavor that PBR brings is more or less lost with PBR Easy. Regular PBR is 4.7% ABV and 144 calories. Does saving 50 calories really justify drinking an obviously inferior beer? 10. Bud Light ABV: 4.2% Calories: 110 Trying to find the flavors in Bud Light is a chore. When served cold, Bud Light has a thin beer-adjacent flavor that lingers for way too long. When served warm, Bud Light has a little bit more flavor, but then you’re drinking warm beer that’s still not very good. 11. Keystone Light ABV: 4.1% Calories: 101 What sets Keystone Light apart from other light beers is that it has noticeable flavor, probably a result of the 0.7 grams of protein (!) in each can. You might be able to build muscle drinking Keystone Light! But the flavor from this light beer is thick and unenjoyable, the same way so many protein drinks are. 12. Natural Light ABV: 4.2% Calories: 95 Another high-in-protein light lager, Natural Light has no redeeming qualities. Natty Light drinks more like a light malt liquor than beer, which defeats the purpose entirely since the point of malt liquor is to get a high ABV brew at a low cost. With Natural Light, you get a low ABV at a low cost, but with all the downsides of malt liquor. 13. Busch Light ABV: 4.1% Calories: 95 It was close, but Busch Light wins “Worst Light Lager” from Short Brews. Maybe next year, Natural Light! Busch Light is the least enjoyable of the “light beers marketed to frat bros” category. The beer has no discernible flavor but a very discernible aftertaste that won’t go away. I wish I hadn’t tried it again, but here we are. Final Thoughts: “Best” Light Beer I would only recommend a few of these light beers to friends, because so many of them don’t bring anything to the table. But I like that more breweries are exploring light options, kind of

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What Is Skunked Beer? (And How to Prevent It)

Thomas Short — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:51:57 +0000

Skunked beer is beer that’s been exposed to light, which then chemically changes the beer. Light exposure breaks down hop compounds into MBT, which is similar to the chemical found in a skunk’s spray. Skunking can happen in just a few minutes, and some beers skunk faster than others (specifically Corona). What Causes Skunked Beer? Hops contain alpha acids, which are the main compounds that give beer a bitter flavor. These alpha acids also help protect beer from spoiling, part of the reason why beer can last so long on the shelf, albeit with a big drop-off in flavor and quality. When sunlight hits alpha acids, the UV splits alpha acids (specifically iso-alpha acids) into fragments. These fragments then bond with sulfur to form 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (MBT). So, instead of having a beer full of delicious, bitter alpha acids, you have a beer with skunk-smelling MBT. While sunlight can do the most damage to beer, any UV lighting and blue light can affect alpha acids. So, harsh lighting in a store or your home can also lead to skunking. What Does Skunked Beer Smell and Taste Like? Skunked beer smells and tastes like a worse version of what you were drinking. While UV breaks down the alpha acids, other ingredients in the beer, like the malt or adjuncts, will remain intact. Coming from someone who has had to smell skunk spray in the past, skunked beer isn’t as bad, but it isn’t great, either. Expect notes of sulfur and burnt rubber; basically all the worst smells you can run into while driving in a residential area. If you aren’t sure whether your beer is skunked or not, the best way to tell is by comparing it to a fresh beer that hasn’t been exposed to light. If you don’t have any fresh beer and you think your beer might be skunked, then it’s probably skunked. Lightstruck Beer and Temperature Some people believe that beer can skunk if it’s kept at a cold temperature, then warmed to room temperature, put back in the fridge, brought back out, etc. Temperature change won’t skunk beer; only light can skunk beer, which is why skunked beer is also called “lightstruck” beer. While temperature change won’t skunk your beer, it will ruin it. Heating can speed up oxidation and make your beer go stale faster, even if it’s still in the can or bottle. It’s possible to have a lightstruck and temperature-affected beer, which I can only imagine tastes particularly bad. Comparing Tastes: Skunked vs. Stale vs. Other Off-Flavors If your beer tastes wrong and you don’t know why, here’s an easy comparison table. Off-Flavor Cause Smell/Taste How Fast Safe to Drink? Skunked (lightstruck) Light hitting hop compounds Skunk, sulfur, burnt rubber A few minutes in direct sun Yes Oxidized/stale Oxygen exposure, sped up by heat and age Wet cardboard, paper, sherry Weeks to months Yes Infected Bacteria or wild yeast contamination Sour, vinegar, funky, often overcarbonated Days to weeks Generally yes Diacetyl Fermentation flaw at the brewery Butter, butterscotch Present at packaging Yes Why Are Some Beers Sold in Green or Clear Bottles? The best way to protect beer from UV exposure and skunking is to hide it from light, which is why so many beers are sold in cans or dark brown bottles. So, why are so many beers sold in green or clear bottles? Heineken, Stella, and Corona, some of the best-selling beers in the world, all use less-than-optimal packaging. They do this for marketing, since you instinctively know that a clear bottle is probably Corona, and a green bottle with paper on top is probably Stella or Heineken. Beer brands that ignore skunking do so for one of a few reasons: I think that Corona follows the second point. Because Corona comes in a clear bottle, there’s almost a guarantee that it’s already skunked or will be after you take it out of the box. But it doesn’t matter, because if all the beer is skunked, then every bottle still has the same, uniform flavor. Also, it’s implied that you’re supposed to add a lime which helps hide the beer’s flavor. Which Packaging Protects Beer Best? If you want to avoid skunked beer, cans and kegs are the best choices. If you’re buying bottles, brown glass protects beer from the light best. When shopping for beer, you can always choose beer that’s sitting further back in the cooler. There’s a good chance it hasn’t been exposed to as much lighting in the store, as some beer could already be skunked just from sitting on the shelves. FAQs for Skunked Beer

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Best Mexican Beers (That Aren’t Corona)

Thomas Short — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:54:56 +0000

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a nice cold beer in the sun, while watching football, or pretty much during any great occasion. And on those occasions, nothing hits quite like a great Mexican lager. Mexican lagers are a type of lager known for their light bodies, crisp flavor, and a 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 Clásica, 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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8 Best Beers for People Who Hate Beer

Thomas Short — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:11:46 +0000

Most people either love or hate beer, with few people in between. Beer has a distinct flavor thanks to the main ingredients used in brewing, and the popularity of incredibly hoppy and bitter IPAs can be off-putting for many would-be drinkers. The good news is that there are tons of beers that non-beer drinkers will love, and most of them barely taste anything like what you’d expect beer to taste like! From fresh and fruity to unique and tart, here are some of the best beers for people who don’t like beer. The 8 Best Beers for Beer Haters 1. Mango Cart – Golden Road Brewing I consider Mango Cart to be less of a beer and more of a boozy mango juice. Made with real mango juice, Mango Cart is a fruited wheat ale that’s just 4.0% ABV. It has no hints of beer bitterness, and it’s widely available. If you like mango flavor, then you’ll probably love Mango Cart, regardless of whether you like beer or not. 2. Watermelon Dorado – Ballast Point Brewing Ballast Point is known for making juicy IPAs, and Watermelon Dorado is as juicy as they get. At 10% ABV and 90 IBUs (meaning it is a bitter beer), it’s a classic DIPA, but with a twist. The watermelon flavor is surprisingly strong, considering how watery the flavor of watermelon can be. It’s a seasonal release, so you won’t always find it, but I think it’s one of the most approachable IPAs for non-beer drinkers. 3. Stiegl Radler Radlers are a combination of beer, soda water, and fruit juice, and the Stiegl Radler is one of the most well-known radlers on the market. Stiegl releases the radler in different flavors, with my favorite being the Lemon Radler, but the Grapefruit Radler is probably the most well-known. They serve radlers at Oktoberfest in Munich, so you can count these as legit beers, even if they taste more like light, refreshing alcoholic sodas. 4. Pacifico Pacifico is my favorite Mexican beer. Perfect for enjoying in the sun, at the beach, or at home while relaxing, Pacifico is a 4.4% ABV lager brewed in Mazatlan. Unlike some Mexican lagers that require a lime to be drinkable, Pacifico is perfect on its own. The flavor profile leans more into the sweet corn and malt flavor rather than hops, and it’s great for micheladas. 5. Buenaveza – Stone Brewing Stone Brewing was on to something special when they came up with Buenaveza. Buenaveza is a salt & lime lager that’s 4.7% ABV and widely available. What makes this beer so unique is that it’s brewed with salt and lime flavor, so the final result tastes more like a beer cocktail than a lager. It strikes the perfect balance of flavors, and it helps that the artwork is cool. 6. Cali Creamin’ – Mother Earth Brew Co There aren’t many cream ales around nowadays, but Cali Creamin’ is my favorite that I’ve had in years. A vanilla cream ale with 5% ABV, Cali Creamin’ is made with Madagascar vanilla beans, so it doesn’t have that fake, chemical flavor that cheap wine coolers sometimes have. Cali Creamin’ drinks more like a vanilla cream soda than a beer, so soda fans will probably enjoy it quite a bit. 7. Allagash White – Allagash Brewing Company One of the most classic Belgian-style wheat beers in the United States, Allagash White balances the wheat flavor with a delicious mix of coriander and orange. This is a 5.2% ABV beer that, while hazy in appearance, has the lightness that you’d expect from a lower ABV ale. I think it’s a big step up from something like Blue Moon, and it’s definitely worth a try if you don’t like beer. 8. Modelo Especial Modelo Especial is another fantastic Mexican beer, if that’s something you’re interested in. The Especial is 4.4% ABV, and it goes great with just about anything. I find that Modelo Especial has more Pilsner-like flavor than Pacifico, though the two are similar. The only downside is that the foil on the bottle sometimes flakes everywhere, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the beer. Comparison Table Beer Style Flavor Profile ABV Best For Mango Cart Fruited Wheat Real mango juice, no beer bitterness 4.0% Fruit lovers with zero tolerance for bitterness Ballast Point Watermelon Dorado Fruited Ale Strong watermelon juiciness, 90 IBU bitter backbone 10% Non-beer drinkers ready to try an IPA Stiegl Radler Radler Light, refreshing, tastes like an alcoholic soda 2-2.5% People who hate beer but love soda Pacifico Mexican Lager Sweet corn and malt, minimal hop presence 4.4% Easy drinking or micheladas Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager Built-in salt and lime, tastes like a beer cocktail 4.7% Anyone who likes a burst of flavor Cali Creamin’ Cream Ale Madagascar vanilla, tastes like cream soda 5% Soda fans who hate bitterness Allagash White Belgian Witbier Wheat, coriander, orange 5.2% Citrus lovers who maybe like Blue Moon Modelo Especial Pale Lager Pilsner-like, crisp 4.4% Anyone interested in a good light lager Styles to Look For If You Don’t Like Beer I’ve shared my favorite picks that I think beer haters will enjoy, but I understand that not all of these beers are available where you live. If you can’t find any of these beers, here are styles to look out for: FAQ

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What Is Single Barrel Whiskey?

Thomas Short — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:39:37 +0000

Single barrel whiskey is exactly what it sounds like: a whiskey that came from one single barrel, as opposed to a blend made with whiskey from multiple barrels. While blending whiskey guarantees a more uniform flavor, a single barrel whiskey can taste different from another bottle from the same distillery, but from a different barrel. A lot of whiskey drinkers, myself included, love the variety that single barrel whiskey provides, and it’s the main reason people seek out single barrel releases. How Single Barrel Whiskey Is Made Single barrel whiskey is made the same way all other whiskey is, from distilling to barrel aging. The difference comes once the whiskey is aged to the distiller’s taste. Rather than blending the different barrels to create a uniform flavor across every bottle, single barrel whiskey is bottled straight from one barrel. While all the barrels in a batch of whiskey could be the same (for example, new, charred oak barrels for a bourbon), there are bound to be small differences in each barrel. This uniqueness also makes the flavor of the single barrel whiskey unique. Master distillers know what to look for in barrels, and they hand-pick which barrels will be used for single barrel whiskey. It’s common for stores, bars, or restaurants to pick their own barrel, known as a private barrel pick, to have it bottled just for them. Private barrel whiskeys tend to be rarer than single barrel, though you can often find private barrel picks at places like Total Wine. Single Barrel vs Small Batch Single barrel and small batch whiskey may seem similar, but there’s a noticeable difference. Small batch whiskey is made with a blend of barrels, which gives the master distiller more control over creating a consistent flavor. But small batch, as the name implies, is still going to be a higher quality than a large-scale release. I think that Four Roses bourbon is a good example: There are more levels beyond that, including small batch select, single barrel select, private barrel, etc. But for anyone getting into whiskey, understanding the difference between the main types you’ll find is the perfect starting point. What to Expect From Single Barrel Releases Because no blending occurs, single barrel whiskeys can vary noticeably from bottle to bottle, even if they’re the same whiskey. Single barrel releases often mark the barrel number on the label, and higher-quality whiskeys may even provide a guide on the flavor profile of different bottles. Of course, the downside is that if you have a particular taste and want to enjoy the same whiskey, then the variety of single barrel whiskey might not be best. Instead, a small batch whiskey could be what you’re looking for. Why People Seek Out Single Barrel Whiskey The main reason people seek out single barrel whiskey is the uniqueness. No two barrels are alike, so you’re guaranteed a unique whiskey experience every time you buy the bottle. This makes single barrel whiskeys a sort of collector’s item. I know people who will buy 5-10 of the same bourbon but from different barrels, just to enjoy the slight differences between them. Private label whiskey takes it a step further, since the barrel is reserved from the start. This just adds to the rarity of the whiskey. Other whiskey drinkers may seek out single barrel whiskey that’s been overseen by a specific master distiller or distillery. Whiskey makers tend to gain a reputation, and high-quality distilleries drive more demand for their bottles. In my experience, single barrel whiskey is well worth trying, especially if you know what to compare the flavor against. For anyone starting, I’ll go back to my Four Roses example; it’s a decent bourbon, and it’s fairly affordable compared to other options. Single Barrel Whiskey FAQ

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Best Tasting Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2026

Thomas Short — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:59:15 +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 try something new, here are the best-tasting non-alcoholic beers (that I’ve tried this year). 8 Best Non Alcoholic Beers 1. 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. 2. 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 of visiting and trying them in a while. 3. Best Day Kolsch Best Day is another California-based non-alcoholic brewery, but like Athletic, you can find their beer pretty much anywhere. Best Day’s best beer 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.” 4. 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). 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 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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Mango Cart Review: The Best Alcoholic Mango Juice

Thomas Short — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:52:30 +0000

The first time I visited Golden Road Brewing, I distinctly remember drinking the Wolf Pup Session IPA. It’s since been discontinued, but that was made during a time when all people wanted to drink at craft breweries were IPAs, Hazy IPAs, Session IPAs, DIPAs, and so on. How the times have changed. Mango Cart is emblematic of where the craft alcohol industry is today. The times are changing, and there just isn’t as much demand for another Average Joe IPA. Bursting with all the flavor you’d never really expect to find in a beer, Mango Cart packs real juice flavor with a modest ABV (as long as you aren’t drinking Mango Cart Mas). Here’s what I thought of Mango Cart. Mango Cart: A Closer Look Mango Cart is a wheat ale that leans heavily on fruit flavor. Unlike Blue Moon or a citrusy shandy, Mango Cart goes full-on California and uses real mangoes to round out the ale. It’s incredibly easy drinking at just 4.0% ABV, though you can barely taste that there’s any alcohol. Every sip tastes closer to mango juice than anything else, which is a testament to the freshness of their ingredients and just how little beer flavor there really is in this wheat ale. If you’ve spent any time around the Los Angeles area, then you’ve probably seen Mango Cart pretty much everywhere, but it feels like Golden Road is starting to send their I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-juice drink further from SoCal. Don’t be surprised if you see Mango Cart more and more often, no matter where in the United States you are. And if not Mango Cart, look out for Mas. Mango Cart Mas: An Even Closer Look At some point, someone looked at Mango Cart and said, “Double it.” I assume that’s exactly the thought process behind Mango Cart Mas. Mango Cart Mas is billed as a fruited ale, completely shedding any wheat remnants found in its lighter kin. Mas comes in at 8.0% ABV, so yes, it is more alcoholic than the regular Mango Cart, and yes, you can taste the alcohol. It still has that strong mango juice flavor, but with the punch that you would expect from a canned alcoholic drink. I think this is why I like the Mas version so much more than the main Mango Cart. Fruited seltzers, canned cocktails, and wine coolers tend to be a little stronger than 4% ABV, and I think I’ve grown accustomed to enjoying a little more kick in my fruited beverage. If you haven’t seen Mango Cart Mas, you might want to look for it at your nearest stadium; as far as I can tell, this is only available in 19.2oz cans, the same kind you’d find at Dodger Stadium. Final Thoughts: Mango Cart and Mango Cart Mas Mango Cart is such a safe option for almost any occasion, which is part of the reason I consider it one of my favorite beers for watching football. That said, I much prefer the higher ABV Mas version. I’m curious how the NA Mango Cart tastes, and I’ll have to make a point of buying it next time I see it, but I’m guessing it’s just high-quality mango juice with a slight wheat flavor. I think that sounds pretty good. All in all, both options are solid and should be considered in the “average” to “above average” range. If you like mango juice, you’ll love Mango Cart. If you prefer beer flavor, something else might be a better pick. Mango Cart Rating: 2.5/5 Mango Cart Mas Rating: 3/5

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Beer vs Seltzer: Which Is Healthier?

Thomas Short — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:38:29 +0000

Neither beer nor seltzer is healthy, but if you’re trying to make a healthier decision, it’s worth knowing what specifically makes beer and seltzer different. Seltzer tends to be viewed as the “healthy” option, but it’s really not that simple. Just because seltzers might be marketed as lower in calories and sugar doesn’t mean that it’s healthy, or healthier than beer. What Beer and Seltzer Are Made From The reason why beer and seltzer are unhealthy (and how they differ from each other) comes down to how they’re made. What Is Beer Made From? Beer is made from five main ingredients: But anyone who has had beer knows that there’s a wide range of styles, with some being healthier than others. Low-calorie beers tend to use a mix of ingredients that lead to lighter beers, while other beers avoid malted barley to be gluten-free or gluten-reduced. However, most beer is going to be well over 100 calories a can, and you’d be hard-pressed to find actual gluten-free beer. What Is Seltzer Made From? The process of making seltzer isn’t so far off from beer. Like beer, seltzer needs yeast to break sugars down to create alcohol. But while beer gets its sugars from the malt, seltzers just use lots and lots of sugar. For most seltzers, the ingredients look like this: Because seltzers don’t use malt, you won’t find any gluten in a hard seltzer. Also, most seltzers tend to be around 100 calories, so that’s an improvement over most beer, along with fewer carbs. But seltzers do have residual sugar from the fermenting process, so if you want to go as sugar-free as possible, beer might be a better option; again, it depends on the seltzer and the beer. Regardless, seltzer isn’t a healthy drink by any stretch, but it can be a healthier option than beer. Beer vs Seltzer: Calories, Carbs, and Sugar Because the health of beer and seltzer depends entirely on the type of beer and seltzer, here are a few common styles compared to each other, with average ranges based on some of the more widely available options for that style. Calories (12 oz) Carbs (g) Sugar (g) ABV Light Beer 90–110 3–6 0–1 3.5–4.5% Standard Beer 140–170 10–15 0–2 4.5–5.5% Craft/IPA 180–250+ 15–25 0–3 6–8%+ Standard Seltzer 90–110 1–2 0–1 4.5–5% Higher-ABV Seltzer 140–170 2–4 0–2 7–8% So, pretty much any IPA you drink will be high in calories, and any beer you choose will have more carbs than hard seltzer. Again, these are just ranges, so check the calories, carbs, and sugar content of your beer or seltzer before jumping to conclusions. Beer vs Seltzer: Which Should You Drink? If you’re comparing the general health benefits of beer and seltzer, then seltzer is definitely the “healthier” choice, though it’s worth repeating that neither option is healthy. That being said, you should… Honestly, if you’re just having one or two drinks, you’re not making a huge difference by choosing seltzer over beer (unless your goal is to avoid gluten). Light beers and seltzers have similar calories, but beer will have more carbs while seltzer has more sugar. FAQ: Beer vs Seltzer Health

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Best Beer for Football: What to Drink While Watching the Game

Thomas Short — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:41:22 +0000

Football might make you think about Coors Light, Bud Light, or any other light beer that has no has little to no flavor and is best served ice-cold so you can’t taste anything. Fortunately, there are plenty of beers that are sessionable, tasty, and easy to drink, perfect for watching football on Sunday or sipping during a Saturday tailgate. Here are some of the best beers to drink for football. 11 Best Football Beers 1. Pacifico Clara Pacifico is my favorite Mexican beer, since it strikes the perfect balance of light, drinkable beer (it’s just 4.4% ABV) while also having enough flavor that it can easily be enjoyed without a lime. It also comes in both cans and bottles, so you can avoid glass if you are tailgating for the game. Pacifico is the perfect beer to enjoy in the sun or with chips and salsa. The beer was practically made to drink for football. 2. Golden Road Mango Cart Kind of a sleeper pick, Golden Road’s Mango Cart is flavorful without feeling heavy. Made with real mangos, Mango Cart is a 4% ABV wheat beer, and it drinks a lot closer to a boozy mango juice than anything else. This is the only fruit-forward beer I chose for this list, and it’s a great change-of-pace from more generic lagers and IPAs. 3. Firestone Walker Pivo Pils Firestone Walker consistently brews great beer, and the Pivo Pils is one of the best lagers you can buy nationwide. It’s 5.3% ABV and pulls inspiration from both German and Italian pilsners, so it’s crisp, just a little bready, and has nice citrus notes. Firestone also dry-hops the Pivo Pils, so it has just a little more hop flavor than you might expect from a pilsner, but it gives this beer the perfect balance of hops and malt. 4. Elysian Space Dust IPA IPAs never go out of style, and Elysian Space Dust IPA is a classic. It’s an 8.2% ABV West Coast IPA, which means yes, it’s very hoppy and yes, it is bitter. I don’t expect that you’ll be opening this during the morning window of NFL games (West Coaster here), but on a colder day when you’re watching some afternoon football with friends, something about Space Dust just hits the spot. 5. Michelob Ultra Normally, I only like Michelob Ultra when it’s paired with something “athletic” (like hiking or golf). But when it comes to tailgating, you need something that you can sip on over a few hours while preparing to then watch a game for three hours. This requires pacing, and Michelob Ultra is the perfect pacing beer. Make sure somebody at the tailgate has this beer, and you can thank me later. 6. Fat Tire Fat Tire Ale is brewed by New Belgium and, after a recipe change in 2023, it switched from amber ale to blonde ale, which I think makes it more approachable for warm weather. This is a 5.2% ale that’s bright and balanced, making it pretty easy to drink. This beer has been around for over 30 years, so you’ve probably tried the amber version, and I encourage you to give the newer ale a try. 7. Miller High Life Not all of my picks for best football beers are craft beers. Miller High Life is the ultimate late-night lager, post-work lager, and watching-football-with-your-friends lager. It’s just 4.6% ABV and probably the cheapest option on this list, and it does a surprisingly good job of being light and accessible while still retaining actual beer flavor. It’s always worth having a six-pack on hand in case someone is coming over to watch the game. 8. Athletic Run Wild IPA If you’re looking to avoid alcohol but still enjoy beer, Athletic’s Run Wild IPA is my personal favorite NA beer. It’s really incredible how Athletic Brewing was able to completely nail the flavor of an IPA while still keeping the brew non-alcoholic. NA beers have been exploding in popularity, and I’m expecting to see a few non-alcoholic beer commercials during football this year. So, my pick for best non-alcoholic football beer goes to Run Wild IPA. 9. Modelo Especial Maybe it’s the marketing getting to me (I swear these commercials come up during every game), but Modelo Especial is another great Mexican beer that pairs perfectly with football. Modelo is fresh and balanced, and it comes in those iconic bottles with the foil on top. Commercials will tell you to add a lime, but I like Modelo Especial on its own, or added into a michelada. 10. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Hazy IPAs continue to be popular, mostly because they have a tasty, juicy flavor and are easy to drink. Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing feels like the best sports-related hazy IPA to me (probably because they serve it in stadiums across the West Coast). This is a 6.7% ABV IPA that hits all the juicy notes. I recommend avoiding the stadium prices and buying a six-pack to enjoy with friends while watching college football all day Saturday. 11. Modern Times Orderville I’m not sure how accessible this beer is nationwide, but Modern Times Orderville became my go-to beer late during the football season last year. Orderville is a 7.2% hazy IPA, which kind of feels like the opposite of what goes well with football. But as the leaves fall and the weather cools, a stiffer beer starts to sound better and better. Give Orderville, or any local IPA from a brewery you trust, a try come October or November. How I Chose These Beers This list might feel a little bit all over the place, but that’s by design. When picking the best beer for football, I took into consideration: FAQ

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Crowler vs Growler: Which One Should You Take Home?

Thomas Short — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:59:16 +0000

Some brewery menus offer their beers in pours of 16oz (a pint), but also 32oz or 64oz. These larger options are for crowlers and growlers. A crowler a 32oz aluminum can that’s filled and sealed at the bar. A growler is a 32oz or 64oz reusable container, usually made of glass or stainless steel. Both are great options for taking beer home, but they come with distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on what your plans are. What Is a Crowler? A crowler is basically a giant can of beer. When you order a crowler, the bartender takes an empty 32oz can of beer, purges the oxygen, and fills it straight from the tap. Next, they seal it with a tabletop machine, and now you have a giant beer that’s ready to go! Ordering crowlers is pretty quick, and the beer is ready to drink immediately. What Is a Growler? A growler is basically a giant beer jug, with most growlers holding 64oz of beer (though smaller 32oz are available). You can find glass and stainless steel growlers, but I would recommend using a stainless steel container to block out light and help keep the beer fresher for longer. Unlike crowlers, growlers are reusable, so once you’re done with your beer, you can bring it back into your favorite brewery for a refill. Most breweries will clean your growler for you, too. Crowler vs Growler: Quick Comparison Crowler Growler Sizes available 32oz 32oz or 64oz Freshness once sealed Weeks, if properly stored A few days Freshness once opened Best finished same day Can be recapped to last another day or two Reusability Single-use, but recyclable Reusable Cost per fill Flat price for each fill Pay for the growler once, then pay for the beer Where you can take it Beaches, parks, trails, most places glass is banned (but alcohol is permitted) Pretty much just your home or a friend’s home Freshness & Shelf Life After Getting Sealed Crowlers keep beer fresher for longer than growlers. The crowler canning process removes oxygen, which slows the degradation of the beer. Also, crowlers are aluminum cans, so all light is blocked, which prevents skunking. A growler, even when well-sealed, starts losing its carbonation and flavor after just a few days. In my experience, stainless steel growlers kept in the fridge tend to keep beer freshest, but the best time to enjoy a growler is the same day it’s filled. After Getting Opened As with a 12oz can of beer, opening a crowler means that the beer will be enjoyed best within a few hours. There’s really no good way to reseal a crowler, so plan on finishing the entire thing in one sitting. A growler can be resealed, whether that be with a swing-top or screw cap, and you can put it back in the fridge and enjoy it again later. However, you’ll still want to finish the growler within the next few days. Taste If you’re looking for the best beer flavor, I find that crowlers are the best option. Crowlers capture that fresh-out-the-tap flavor way better than growlers do, and they last longer in the fridge (assuming you haven’t opened the can). However, the difference in flavor between a fresh crowler and growler is really subtle, and you might not notice a smaller difference with stouts than you would with IPAs. Value and Cost Per Fill In terms of value, growlers are consistently a better deal. Breweries tend to lower the cost per volume as you order more volume. For example, a half pour might cost $5 while a full pour costs $8. It’s half the beer, but not half the price. Filling a growler will consistently come with a better value on the beer. Of course, there are a few caveats to note: So, if you frequent the same brewery and enjoy getting four pints of the same beer, getting and using a growler is no-brainer. Practicality and Where You Can Bring Them It’s no surprise that most public places don’t allow alcohol, but the few that do rarely allow glass containers. So, crowlers are more practical in this sense. Also, crowlers are smaller than growlers, meaning they’re easier to bring places. Of course, you’ll probably be bringing the crowler or growler to your home or a friend’s home, in which case they’re both equally practical. Sustainability Reusing is more sustainable than recycling, so growlers are a more sustainable option than crowlers. When to Choose a Crowler vs a Growler If you need help picking between a growler and crowler, here’s how I approach it: Choose a Crowler If… Choose a Growler If… Crowler vs Growler FAQ

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