Short Brews

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, so you should be able to enjoy a few without losing focus on the game. 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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Bourbon vs Scotch: What’s the Difference?

Thomas Short — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:00:45 +0000

Bourbon and Scotch are both types of whiskey, but they come from different places, are made with different grains, and age in different barrels. Bourbon is an American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak. Scotch is a Scottish whisky made from malted barley or grain and aged in used barrels. You might have also noticed that bourbon is a “whiskey” and Scotch is a “whisky.” The difference in spelling just comes down to regional preference; at the end of the day, they’re both types of whiskey (or whisky). What Makes Bourbon Bourbon To legally be a bourbon, a whiskey needs to be: There are plenty of misconceptions about bourbon. For starters, bourbon does not need to be produced in Kentucky to be called a bourbon. Also, any bourbon made outside the US or made with less than 51% corn might be called “bourbon-style,” but it isn’t technically a bourbon. There’s no minimum age requirement to be classified as a bourbon, though it does need to age in a barrel for two years to be called a “straight bourbon.” With bourbon, you can expect a sweet profile with caramel and vanilla notes. This is thanks to the corn in the grain bill and the freshly-charred wooden barrels. Whiskey tends to take on a lot of flavor from the barrel, and the unused oak transfers plenty into the bourbon. What Makes Scotch Scotch Scotch has its own set of rules. To legally be a Scotch, the whisky needs to be: Most Scotches are aged in used sherry or bourbon barrels. The barrel’s flavor expresses in the final Scotch product, which gives Scotch a wide range of flavors. If you’ve had Scotch, you might have noticed it was light and fruity, or peaty and smoky, or somewhere in between. The broader variety of barrels and grains used gives Scotch a ton of range. It’s also pretty common for Scotches from a specific region to be more uniform with others from that region. For example, Islay is known for peat flavor while Speyside tends to be lighter. Bourbon vs Scotch at a Glance Bourbon Scotch Country of origin United States Scotland Primary grain Corn (51%+) Malted barley or mixed grain Minimum age None (2 years for “straight bourbon”) 3 years Barrel type New, charred oak Used barrels (often from bourbon or sherry) Typical flavor profile Sweeter, caramel, vanilla Wide range, can be smoky/peaty or light and fruity Bourbon vs Scotch: Which Should You Choose? Bourbon and Scotch are different enough from each other that you might prefer one style over the other. If you like sweet flavor and you’re newer to whiskey, bourbon can be an easy entry to enjoy. If you want more range or you’re looking for a specific flavor, Scotch has plenty to offer. Both styles can be exceptional, and it’s worth giving a few versions of both a try to see which you like more. FAQ

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11 Best IPAs Available at Stores Near You

Thomas Short — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:13:44 +0000

IPAs continue to be one of the most popular beer styles available, currently making up half of all craft beer sales. This means that beer drinkers have plenty of options available, from local microbreweries to widely available IPAs from giant brewers. I love accessibility, so this list will look at the best IPAs that I’m almost 100% positive are available at a store near you. How I Picked the Beers I’ve tried every beer on this list (more than once, to be honest). Specifically, I wanted to pick: Keep in mind that if you have a favorite IPA that’s not on this list, that means it didn’t meet one of the criteria above. But if you like it, then keep on drinking it! 11 Best Grocery Store IPAs Ballast Point Sculpin ABV: 7% | Price: ~$11–13 per 6-packSculpin IPA is brewed by one of my favorite San Diego breweries. It’s a classic West Coast IPA that strikes a nice balance between citrus and pine while bringing just enough bitterness on the finish. If you can, also give one of the variants, like the Hazy Sculpin or Grapefruit Sculpin, a try. Elysian Space Dust ABV: 8.2% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-packI used to drink Space Dust back when Elysian was just a small(ish) Seattle brewery. Nowadays, you can find Space Dust on pretty much any shelf. It’s a strong IPA (8.2% ABV) that packs a lot of flavor, but it’s still enjoyable to drink. This is a great pick if you want something stronger than a standard American IPA. Firestone Walker Union Jack ABV: 7.5% | Price: ~$11–13 per 6-pack I’m a huge fan of Firestone Walker, and Union Jack is just another great beer they brew that’s available nationwide. Union Jack is a malt-forward IPA, so you won’t get crazy bitter or juicy notes. It’s really well balanced and approachable, perfect for anyone who likes beer but isn’t super into strong IPAs. Lagunitas IPA ABV: 6.2% | Price: ~$9–11 per 6-pack Lagunitas IPA has the simplest packaging and name, but everyone knows the exact beer and logo. This is an easy-drinking IPA that’s pretty affordable, especially compared to other beers on this list. If you’re going to a party and bring Lagunitas IPA, I doubt anyone will complain. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing ABV: 6.7% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack One of the earlier widely distributed hazy IPAs, Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing is soft and juicy, exactly what you expect from a New England style IPA. If you’re getting into craft beer, Hazy Little Thing is probably the most approachable beer on this list, and still a personal favorite of mine to drink at ballgames. Bear Republic Racer 5 ABV: 7.5% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack Racer 5 is that kind of old-school West Coast IPA that smacks you in the face with hop flavor. It’s sort of a relic, since many more modern IPAs aim to be more balanced and accessible. Nope, not Racer 5. Expect bitter flavor (without being too bitter) and a little bit of malt flavor. Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA ABV: 7.2% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack Torpedo Extra IPA by Sierra Nevada is dry-hopped, meaning more hops are added later in the brew to boost the hop flavor without pumping up the ABV. Sierra Nevada has been brewing hop-forward IPAs for a long time, and Torpedo is full of pine and citrus flavors. Athletic Run Wild IPA ABV: 0.5% | Price: ~$12–15 per 6-pack Yes, Athletic Run Wild IPA is a non-alcoholic beer (and one of the best non-alcoholic beers at that), but the flavor is undeniable. Athletic Brewing nailed the IPA flavor with this beer, with the only difference between this and a West Coast IPA being the thinner finish. It’s a great beer for anyone wanting to cut calories or alcohol from their diet. New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA ABV: 7% | Price: ~$9–11 per 6-pack I think this beer was a meme a few years back, but New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA is a pretty good beer. It’s essentially replaced Fat Tire on the shelves, and instead of malt, it brings a nice hop balance. It’s pretty much designed to appeal to as many beer drinkers as possible, which it achieves. Founders All Day IPA ABV: 4.7% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack Founders All Day IPA doesn’t bring the flavor that other IPAs on this list do, but that’s because it’s a Session IPA, so it’s brewed to have a lower ABV. It’s light-bodied without surrendering all the hop flavor you’d expect from an IPA, making it a perfect change of pace from most of the options on this list. Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA ABV: 6.4% | Price: ~$10–12 per 6-pack You can never go wrong with Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. I served this beer at my wedding! Fresh Squeezed has a juicy flavor, and (true to its name) it gets the most out of its hops. It’s crushable, delicious, and an all-around fantastic beer. Are These Really the Best IPAs? If you’re at your grocery store and looking for an IPA, any of these picks will be great. No, this list doesn’t include obvious picks like Pliny the Elder, but last time I checked, I can’t get Pliny at Total Wine. My goal was to pick solid beers that anyone can buy, and if you think I missed any, let me know.

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Best Breweries in San Francisco

Thomas Short — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:54:22 +0000

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s also foggy, chaotic, expensive, touristy…and full of great beer! There’s a reason that people love living there, and that people like me love visiting. I first wrote about the beer scene in San Francisco back in 2018, and a lot has changed since then. Anchor Brewing closed, and 21st Amendment has undergone some big changes. There are also new spots, spots that have grown, and spots that make much better beer than they did eight years ago. Before you plan a big brewery trip to SF, keep in mind that there are many more brewery-dense cities to visit, like San Diego or Seattle. But what San Francisco lacks in brewery quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Also, some of the greatest breweries in the world are just outside the City. If you’re in San Francisco and need a place to get a great beer, here’s where to go. Best Breweries in San Francisco Cellarmaker Brewing Co. Cellarmaker has been my favorite brewery in the City since I first stumbled in eight years back, and nothing has changed after a few more visits over the years. What started as a small SoMa operation in 2013 has since grown across the Bay Area, but the Mission Street taproom is still the spot to go. Instead of creating a few flagships to stock their menu, Cellarmaker constantly rotates small batches, which means the tap list could be entirely different between visits. If you’re into IPAs and pizza, make sure to stop by. Fort Point Beer Company If IPAs aren’t your thing, Fort Point should be your first stop. Founded in the Presidio in 2014, Fort Point’s specialties are lagers, including their Kolsch and Italian Pilsner. They have a few locations now, but the beer garden at the Ferry Building is where I visited. Everything about that location just feels like San Francisco in the best way. Odds are that anyone visiting San Francisco will be near this location during their visit. Standard Deviant Brewing Standard Deviant has a few SF locations, and both are worth a visit. Personally, I prefer the Pier 70 location since it’s not too far from Oracle Park, since my ideal day in San Francisco includes going to a Giants game. The beer at Standard Deviant is pretty eclectic, which I appreciate, even though I got a Kolsch multiple times during my last visit. Southern Pacific Brewing Southern Pacific is named for the rail line that used to run down Harrison Street, so you already know the vibe before you walk in. It’s a huge location that does craft beer, cocktails, and food, so it’s perfect for a group with varying tastes. Woods Beer & Wine Co Both a craft brewer and winemaker, Woods Beer & Wine Co brews on Treasure Island but has locations throughout the City. My personal favorite was the Woods Outbound location, perfect if you’re planning on visiting the coast or Golden Gate Park. The beer quality is there, and they won a few bonus points for serving their pours in Teku glasses. Beers to Try in San Francisco Not trying to tell you what to drink, but if you need a starting point: Almanac sours — any of them, they’re all great. Cellarmaker — whatever’s on tap. Seriously, just trust the list, especially if it’s an IPA. Fort Point KSA — excellent Kolsch that’s available year-round. 21st Amendment Brew Free! Or Die IPA — you can probably find this somewhere in the City. Beyond SF: NorCal Beer Country While breweries may be hard to come by in San Francisco, great beer is not. San Francisco is close to brewing juggernauts Russian River Brewing and Lagunitas. They’re a little far for a day trip from San Francisco, but you should be able to find their beer all over the city. So, they aren’t technically SF breweries, but they’re definitely local options. Honorable Mentions 21st Amendment Brewery 21st Amendment is a long favorite of mine, in large part because they’ve been distributing quality craft beer for well over a decade. Their South Park location was the first place I went when I did my original San Francisco brewery tour. As of right now, the location is closed, but I’m leaving it on this list in the hopes that it will open back up one day. Almanac Beer Company Okay, Almanac is technically based in nearby Alameda, but they used to have a spot in San Francisco, and their beer is truly excellent. You can probably find their beer all around the City, so give it a try.

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Märzen vs Festbier: Differences Between Oktoberfest Beers

Thomas Short — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:38:59 +0000

Every fall the beer aisle fills up with seasonal cans sporting the Bavarian flag and Gothic fonts. This is how you know it’s time for Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest, the annual fall festival held in Munich, is famous worldwide for its lederhosen, giant tents, and beer. Well, mostly the beer. For Oktoberfest fans in the United States, this is the time when we start seeing Märzens and Festbiers line the shelves and fill taproom lists. So, what’s the difference between the Märzen and Festbier? For starters, Märzen hasn’t been served at the Munich Oktoberfest since the 1970s, and the official beer today is the Festbier. The Festbier is a light, pale lager that you may have never tried, even if you’ve been drinking Oktoberfest beers for years. But both options fall under Reinheitsgebot, the 500-year-old German beer purity law, meaning they’re both brewed with just water, barley, hops, and yeast. Here’s how the Märzen and Festbier differ, how to tell them apart, and which to drink. What Is a Märzen? Märzen is what a lot of people think of as the “classic” German beer. Amber in color, malty with a little bit of sweetness in flavor, the Märzen is a tasty lager that’s usually around 5.5-6.5% ABV. The name comes from März, the German word for March, which is when the beer is brewed. By starting in March, brewers can make sure the perfect Märzen is ready for fall drinking, which lines up perfectly with Oktoberfest. I love a good Märzen, and they’re pretty easy to find across the US in September and October. I’ll share some of my favorite Märzen picks in a bit, but you can expect a lot of local craft breweries to riff off this style starting in mid-September. What Is a Festbier? If you’re going to Oktoberfest in Munich, you’ll almost certainly be drinking Festbier. Festbier (literally “fest” and “beer”) is gold in color, lighter than a Märzen, but still malty enough to carry a nice flavor. While the ABV range is similar to Märzens (usually 5.5%-6% ABV), they’re more sessionable than their amber-colored brethren. Back in the 1970s, the Big Six breweries of Munich (Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten) switched from the Märzen to Festbier as the official beer of Oktoberfest. Fortunately, these same breweries distribute their Festbier every year, so you can get an authentic taste of Oktoberfest beer without traveling all the way to Munich. Best US Märzen and Festbiers to Try As always, I recommend checking out your favorite craft brewery to see what Oktoberfest beers they’re brewing. But if you want some direction on beers that have great flavor, here are my recommendations: Märzen Picks Samuel Adams OctoberFest: This is probably the most widely distributed Oktoberfest beer brewed in the US, so it’s easy to find and the flavor is pretty good. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest: You’ve probably seen this at your grocery store before. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest beer is traditional Märzen, though I don’t think it matches the flavor of the Munich beers as well as Sam Adams does. Wallenpaupack Oktoberfest: This is a regional pick that you should try if you live in or near Pennsylvania. Wallenpaupack’s Oktoberfest is a German-style Märzen with a decoction mash and prominent toasted malt character, and I think it fits the bill really well. Festbier Picks There aren’t many great Festbiers brewed in the United States, but you can often find Festbiers from breweries like Hofbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, and the like at beer halls and taphouses. However, I would still recommend: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest: Sierra Nevada partners with a different German brewery every year, and recent versions have leaned into Festbier rather than the old-school amber Märzen. This year’s partner is Hoppebräu, and the brew is billed as a modern Festbier. Märzen vs Festbier: Which Is Best? Style Color Malt Character Typical ABV Märzen Amber to copper Toasted bread, caramel, richer body 5.5-6.5% Festbier Pale gold Bready, lighter, cleaner finish 5.5-6% If you’re looking for an authentic Oktoberfest experience, Festbier is the best option. If you’re looking for the best Bavarian beer to drink, it comes down to the brewer more than the style. Both options are built off hundreds of years of brewing history, and both taste great out of a 1L stein. If you can’t find anything from the Big Six of Munich, you should trust whatever’s being served at your favorite watering hold.

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What Is an Italian Pilsner?

Thomas Short — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:18:24 +0000

Craft beer trends ebb and flow, with breweries trying popular styles just to see what sticks. In recent years, these trends have given rise to rice lagers, American light beers, and the Cold IPA. Another beer trend that’s been gaining steam is the Italian pilsner. An Italian pilsner is a dry-hopped German-style pilsner that gets added flavor and aroma from European Noble hops. It’s the same crispy pilsner you’d expect, but with a little more hop expression. How Italy Reinvented the German Pils The modern Italian pilsner was created in 1996 by Agostino Arioli of Birrificio Italiano in Como. Arioli wanted to create a proper northern German pilsner, and the result was Tipopils, the first Italian pilsner. Tipopils, and by extension the Italian pilsner, differ from a more traditional pilsner in a few ways. For starters, it’s brewed in just 4-5 weeks (pretty quick for a pilsner) and is unfiltered, giving it less of a malty backbone and more hop character. Tipopils was (and still is) a hit, and the style spread across Italy over the coming years. American craft brewers began adopting the same techniques in the 2010s, notably when Firestone Walker brewed the Pivo Pils in 2013. Pivo Pils paved the way in the USA, and craft brewers have been concocting Italian pilsners ever since. What Makes an Italian Pilsner Different? The main thing that sets the Italian pilsner apart from other beers is the dry-hopping with Noble hops. Unlike aggressive dry-hopping that you’d find in American IPAs, the Noble hops add just enough to balance with the malt in the pilsner. Noble hops add an herbal and grassy flavor, as opposed to hops like Citra or Simcoe, which have citrus and tropical flavors. Other hops that are used in Italian pilsners include Saphir, Perle, and Hallertau Mittelfruh. All this to say that the result is a stronger aroma than a standard pilsner while still being crisp and crushable. Italian Pilsner vs German Pilsner An Italian pilsner starts the same way a German pilsner does: light malt backbone, clean fermentation, and dry finish. The Noble hop dry-hopping is what makes the Italian pilsner unique. The best way to tell the difference is by trying the two side-by-side. A German pilsner will be bready, while an Italian pilsner will have a more herbal aroma and taste. Both are fantastic styles, so I don’t think that one is inherently better than the other. Italian Pilsner vs American-Style Hopped Pilsners Italian pilsners and American hopped pilsners both use dry-hopping to boost the flavor and aroma of the beer, but the hops used create very different final products. While Italian pilsners are herbal, American hopped pilsners use the same hops as IPAs, which pushes citrus, pine, and tropical flavors. The problem with this type of American-style hopped pilsner is that it almost becomes indistinguishable from an ale, which I think defeats the purpose of brewing a pilsner entirely. Five Italian Pilsners Worth Trying If you want to know what an Italian pilsner done right tastes like, here are a few examples that I think hit the nail on the head:

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Best Breweries in San Diego

Thomas Short — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:12:02 +0000

San Diego may be most well known for its fair weather, golf, and beaches, but it’s also one of the best cities in the world for craft beer. I moved here from Seattle and was happy to continue to be surrounded by incredible beer. The craft beer scene in SD is dense, creative, and celebrated by locals. If you’re in San Diego for a weekend or have lived here for years, these are the breweries to visit. 10 Best Breweries in San Diego 1. AleSmith Brewing Company AleSmith is a local institution, and there are plenty of reasons to try their beer. The main location for AleSmith (aptly located on AleSmith Court) is a must-visit for anyone brewery hopping in Miramar. The .394 Pale Ale (regular and hazy variety) is one of the best go-to beers in the city, and they serve micheladas, which is a bonus. Out-of-towners might know AleSmith best for the Speedway Stout, which regularly gets a barrel-aged treatment. They also make the official beer of SDSU, the San Diego State Ale. Everything on the menu is great, and you can find their beer all over the city. 2. Pure Project Pure Project is the kind of brewery that makes you want to become a regular. Aside from the sustainability practices, community efforts, and giving back through donations (all very cool), Pure Project consistently brews great beer. From clean farmhouse brews to the Pub Ale, there’s plenty to choose from for all types of beer fans. It’s worth noting that Pure Project specializes in unfiltered beers, so don’t be surprised to see a little bit of cloudiness in most of what they produce. I prefer the Miramar location, but there’s a great spot next to Balboa Park if you’re planning a day at the zoo or museums. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Short Brews Beer Blog (@shortbrews) 3. Ballast Point Brewing Company One of the most recognizable SD beer brands, Ballast Point is an absolute slugger. The Sculpin IPA is one of the best examples of a West Coast IPA you’ll find, along with all the other variants they produce, from hazy to grapefruit. If you want the full San Diego experience, I recommend getting the Swingin’ Friar Ale, the official beer of the San Diego Padres. Their spot in Little Italy is a lot of fun and close to other great bars and restaurants. 4. North Park Beer Company When you do something right, keep doing it. That has to be the mantra at North Park Beer Company since they routinely brew award-winning West Coast IPAs. The Hop Fu! IPA is the go-to option for IPA lovers, but ask the bartender what other awesome creations they have on tap. If you are a big fan of IPAs, this should be the first stop on your list. 5. Societe Brewing I probably rank Societe Brewing higher than other locals, but every time I’ve visited one of their spots, I’ve had a great time. I’m partial to their Old Town location, which is just far enough away from the tourist area to not be overrun, but close enough for a quick walk over if you’re seeing the sights. The Pupil IPA is widely available across the city and is hands-down their best beer. 6. Fall Brewing Company View this post on Instagram A post shared by Short Brews Beer Blog (@shortbrews) Another local brewery with a few locations, Fall Brewing is easy to love. Their Plenty for All Pilsner is always my go-to beer, which is the perfect change of pace from some of the IPA-heavy breweries on this list. Their Miramar location is the main spot, and it’s a quick drive from some of the other breweries on this list. It’s definitely worth stopping by if you want a crisp lager over a hoppy IPA. 7. Coronado Brewing Company Technically, Coronado Brewing Company is in Coronado, not San Diego, but it’s in the county, and their beer is fantastic! Coronado Brewing is well known in San Diego, and their Salty Crew Blonde Ale encapsulates everything great about the beach, boats, and sunshine; truly, it’s the perfect summertime beer. You can find Coronado’s brews all over the city, but a quick stopover to their taproom in Coronado will also come with some of the best views of San Diego! 8. Modern Times Beer Modern Times is one of those brands that I always saw at the grocery store, but took way too long to realize it’s a San Diego staple. Their Mosaic IPA is one of my favorites to pick up at the store, and I always make a point to stop by their taproom in Encinitas when I’m in the area. If you’re staying in San Diego city limits, they have a spot in North Park that’s near other breweries (and great tacos). 9. Eppig Brewing You can find great beer just about anywhere in San Diego, but if you’re visiting, then you’re here for some good weather and atmosphere. Eppig Brewing’s Waterfront Biergarten in Point Loma is literally right on the water in a harbor near where San Diego Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. They have good IPAs, but I always prefer the Special Lager since it pairs so well with the sunshine. 10. Hopnonymous Brewing Hopnonymous is the type of place that reminds me of the good old days of craft beer, where breweries popped up out of nowhere and made it work. Based in Kearney Mesa (though locals would probably just say “Convoy”), Hopnonymous is a fun spot with a blend of traditional and creative beer styles. I love the Leaving Without Saying Goodbye Irish Red, but there’s always an interesting IPA on the menu worth trying. They also have a spot in Normal Heights, which might appeal more to locals looking for a new watering hole. 11. Seek Beer Co A relatively new brewery in San Diego, Seek Beer Co seems to be doing everything right, which is

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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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