Getting a cheap beer that you can enjoy every weekend is a dream come true, right? But according to experts which is the cheap beer that tastes good? I have sold and tasted all types of beer, wines, and liquors at Hopsters Brewing Company- let’s learn from my experience consolidated with tips from a long list of beverage directors, bar owners, other craft beer brewers, and other experts.
In this article, we will go through the 20 cheap beers that taste good. We will compare the taste profile of each beer and inform you if it is part of the cheap beers with high alcohol content. We will also help you know the average price and where to get the beer. Finally, we will also guide you on the best-tasting beer even if not cheap.
Let’s dive in straight away!
What is the Cheap beer that tastes good?
The best-tasting cheap beers from all the experts listed above are Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) (4.7% ABV) premium lager from Pabst Brewing Company, Coors Banquet (5% ABV) lager from MillerCoors brewery, and Modelo Negra (5.4% ABV) lager from Grupo Modelo.
In fact, way back in 1893, Pabst was awarded the title of America’s finest beer. The cheap beer is consistent and comes at around $9 for a 12-pack- making it cheap. Most of the experts including myself will tell you that the beer is wonderfully drinkable due to its ability to go down smoothly making you refreshed.
In the PBR, you will love the carefully balanced carbs profile emanating from corn syrup giving you a great taste by combining it with a hefty infusion of 6-row barley and Pacific domestic hops blended with an imported Yugoslavian hops variety.
Coors Banquet gives everyone a desire to come back for more at a very affordable price. The American lager gives you a sweet flavor profile with more bright fruity notes than others of the style. These are mixed with grain, corn, and banana bread notes. You can take this beer every day at a price of about $10 for a 12-pack (12 fl oz. cans).
Finally, of our top three beers which have great taste and that come at a good price is the Munich-type beer Modelo Negra lager from Grupo Modelo. The beer is also better known as the “cream of the beer”. Even with high alcohol content (5.3% ABV) the beer has a balanced flavor and delicate aroma.
Of course, Modela Negra is excellent for food pairings due to the malt-driven and nutty flavor notes with hints of caramel. The taste welcomes you smoothly into the world of darker beer but at an affordable price of about $11 for a 12-pack (12 oz. bottles).
Top 20 cheap beers that taste good
We all have our taste preferences. For example, some people love spicy food while others do not. We therefore took views from all sets of customers and experts to ensure we come up with a list that suits all beer enthusiasts.
Below is the list of the top 20 cheap beers that taste good:
| Beer | ABV (%) | Taste | Description | Price (12 pack) |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) | 4.7% ABV | Wonderfully drinkable | Best overall | $9 |
| Coors Banquet | 5.0% ABV | Sweet flavor profile | Best American | $10 |
| Modelo Negra | 5.3% ABV | Balanced malt-driven | Best high ABV | $11 |
| Kirin Ichiban | 5.0% ABV | Consistent light | Best Japanese | $12 |
| Yuengling Light Lager | 4.0% | Light, malty and a little sweet, & somewhat floral | Best Light | $11 |
| Corona Extra | 4.6% ABV | Refreshing, smooth & balanced | Best Mexican | $13 |
| Schlitz Beer | 4.6% ABV | Bolder and more flavorful | Best historical American-Style lager | $10 |
| Hamm’s | 4.6% ABV | Clean tasting with mild sweetness | Best regular | $9 |
| Iron City | 4.5% ABV | Smooth crisp pale malt | Best Pittsburgh style | $10 |
| Coors Light | 4.2% ABV | Crisp, refreshing and light | Best low ABV | $10 |
| Tuborg Green | 4.6% ABV | Clean, light palate & fresh | Best European | $15 |
| Heineken | 5.0% ABV | Balanced, refreshing biscuit and malt | Best strong/ heavier | $16 |
| Miller High Life | 4.6% ABV | Crisp, easy-drinking & slightly sweet | Best lager | $9 |
| Polar Beer | 4.5% ABV | Sharp, sweet malts, & floral | Best pale lager | $14 |
| Presidente | 5.0% ABV | Crisp & refreshing with very little grainy sweetness | Best Pilsner | $14 |
| Yuengling | 4.5% ABV | Medium-bodied, crisp with present malty and hoppy | Best international amber lager | $13.5 |
| Pacifico clara | 4.4% ABV | Complex, light, crisp with grass-citrus and ocean mist | Best Mexican Pilsner style | $15 |
| Bud Lite | 4.2% ABV | Light, refreshing and citrusy | Best popular light | $11 |
| Michelob Ultra | 4.2% ABV | Refreshing and thirst-quenching | Best low calorie | $12.5 |
| Hite Extra Cold | 4.5% ABV | Unmatched freshness and an authentic lager | Best American Adjunct Lager | $13 |
| Budweiser | 5.0% ABV | Crisp and clean with a wonderful finish | Best brand | $11 |
As seen above, most of the beers will cost you from $9 for a 12-pack with most of the cheap beer that tastes good price ranging from $9 to $15 for a 12-pack. You have a choice in the taste as shown above thus like us, you can explore different beers to check which one excites your taste buds and palate.
Best cheap lagers
Lagers are among the most popular beers worldwide, known for their crisp, refreshing taste and easy drinkability. While craft beers and microbreweries have gained a lot of attention in recent years, cheap lagers remain a staple for many beer drinkers. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best cheap lagers on the market today.
Miller High Life – The Best Lager
When it comes to cheap lagers, Miller High Life is a classic that has stood the test of time. Known as the “Champagne of Beers,” or the “epitome of the American lager category” Miller High Life is a smooth, easy-drinking beer that has been around since 1903.
It has an alcohol content of 4.6%, which is average for a lager. Miller High Life has a clean, crisp taste with a slight hint of sweetness and a light hoppy aroma.
It’s available in bottles, cans, and even 40-ounce bottles, making it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings.
Polar Beer – The Best Pale Lager
Polar Beer is a popular pale lager from Venezuela that has gained a following in the United States. With an alcohol content of 5%, Polar Beer has a light, refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness and a crisp finish.
It has a mild aroma with a hint of corn and is packaged in 12-ounce cans. Polar Beer is a great choice for warm weather and pairs well with spicy foods and grilled meats.
Yuengling – The Best International Amber Lager
Yuengling is a Pennsylvania-based brewery that has been producing beer since 1829. Its flagship beer, Yuengling Traditional Lager, is an international amber lager with an alcohol content of 4.5%.
It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a caramel-like sweetness and a mild hoppy finish.
Yuengling Traditional Lager is available in bottles and cans, making it easy to find at most liquor stores and supermarkets. It pairs well with pizza, burgers, and barbecued foods.
Hite Extra Cold – The Best American Adjunct Lager
Hite Extra Cold is a Korean beer that has become popular in the United States in recent years. It is an American adjunct lager with an alcohol content of 4.5%.
Hite Extra Cold has a light, crisp taste with a slightly sweet finish and a subtle aroma of grains and hops.
It is available in cans and bottles and is a great choice for casual drinking or pairing with light foods like salads and seafood.
Other best cheap lagers
In addition to the four cheap lagers mentioned earlier, there are several other affordable beers that offer great taste and quality. Let’s go through the five cheap beers that offer great taste and quality without breaking the bank. Here are some of the other best cheap beers and what makes them stand out:
- Pabst Blue Ribbon – Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR for short, is a classic American beer that has gained a cult following in recent years. With an alcohol content of 4.7%, PBR has a light, refreshing taste with a mild hoppy finish. It has a clean, crisp taste and a hint of sweetness, making it a popular choice for parties and casual drinking. PBR is available in cans and bottles and is known for its distinctive blue ribbon logo.
- Busch – Busch is a popular American beer that has been around since 1955. With an alcohol content of 4.3%, Busch has a light, crisp taste with a mild hoppy finish. It has a refreshing, clean taste and is often served ice-cold. Busch is available in cans and bottles and is a great choice for outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
- Genesee – Genesee is a brewery based in New York that has been producing beer since 1878. With an alcohol content of 4.5%, Genesee has a light, refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness and a subtle hoppy finish. It has a smooth, easy-drinking flavor and is available in cans and bottles. Genesee is a great choice for casual drinking and pairs well with pizza and barbecued foods.
- Rolling Rock – Rolling Rock is a popular American beer that has been around since 1939. With an alcohol content of 4.4%, Rolling Rock has a light, crisp taste with a mild hoppy finish. It has a clean, refreshing taste and is often served with a lime wedge. Rolling Rock is available in bottles and cans and is a great choice for outdoor activities like picnics and barbecues.
- Hamm’s – Hamm’s is a classic American beer that has been around since 1865. With an alcohol content of 4.7%, Hamm’s has a light, crisp taste with a subtle sweetness and a mild hoppy finish. It has a smooth, refreshing flavor and is often served ice-cold. Hamm’s is available in cans and bottles and is a great choice for casual drinking and outdoor activities.
- Samuel Adams Boston Lager – Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a well-known American lager that has been around since 1984. It is brewed by Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams) in Jamaica Plain, MA as a Vienna Lager style beer. With an alcohol content of 4.9%, Samuel Adams Boston Lager has a balanced flavor profile with a slightly sweet, malty taste and a crisp, clean finish. It has a smooth, easy-drinking flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for casual drinking and entertaining. Samuel Adams Boston Lager is available in bottles and cans and is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality ale at an affordable price.
- Anchor Steam Beer – Anchor Steam Beer is a modern craft-brewed lager that has been around since 1896 but was trademarked as Steam Beer in 1981. With an alcohol content of 4.9%, Anchor Steam Beer has a unique flavor profile with a slightly sweet, caramel-like taste and a crisp, clean finish. It has a smooth, refreshing flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for casual drinking and entertaining. Anchor Steam Beer is available in bottles and cans and is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality ale with a distinctive flavor profile.
- Coronita beer: Coronita beer is a popular Mexican pale lager that has an alcohol content of 4.5%. This puts it in the lower end of the alcohol content spectrum for beers, making it a lighter and more refreshing option for those who prefer milder drinks. The beer is brewed using water, barley, hops, and yeast, and is known for its light and crisp flavor profile with a subtle sweetness and a touch of bitterness. While Coronita is often served with a slice of lime, this is primarily done for presentation purposes and does not significantly alter the taste or alcohol content of the beer.
Best cheap ales
There are several cheap ales that offer a range of flavors and styles, from the bold hoppiness of Alchemist Heady Topper to the balanced flavor of Hill Farmstead Brewery’s Edward. Whether you prefer a clear or hazy beer, a bitter or balanced flavor, there is an ale out there for every taste.
When it comes to cheap ales, there are several options that offer great flavor and quality without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best cheap ales and what makes them stand out:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic American ale that has been around since 1980. With an alcohol content of 5.6%, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has a full-bodied, hoppy flavor with a slightly bitter finish. It has a rich, complex flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for beer enthusiasts. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is available in cans and bottles and is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality ale at an affordable price.
- Newcastle Brown Ale – Newcastle Brown Ale is an English ale that has been around since 1927. With an alcohol content of 4.7%, Newcastle Brown Ale has a rich, nutty flavor with a slightly sweet finish. It has a smooth, easy-drinking flavor that pairs well with hearty, savory foods, making it a popular choice for pub fare. Newcastle Brown Ale is available in bottles and cans and is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality ale with a distinctive flavor profile.
- Alchemist Heady Topper – Alchemist Heady Topper is a highly sought-after double India Pale Ale (DIPA) from Vermont. With an alcohol content of 8%, it is known for its bold, hoppy flavor and aroma. Heady Topper is a hazy beer with a smooth mouthfeel, and its flavor is characterized by notes of tropical fruit, pine, and citrus. It is typically sold in cans and is best enjoyed fresh.
- Brouwerij West Picnic Lightning IPA – Brouwerij West Picnic Lightning IPA is a West Coast-style IPA from California. With an alcohol content of 6.8%, it is known for its bold, bitter flavor and aroma. Picnic Lightning is a clear, golden beer with a crisp, dry finish, and its flavor is characterized by notes of grapefruit, pine, and resin. It is typically sold in cans and bottles and pairs well with spicy foods.
- Edward – Hill Farmstead Brewery – Edward is an American Pale Ale from Hill Farmstead Brewery in Vermont. With an alcohol content of 5.2%, it is known for its balanced, hoppy flavor and aroma. Edward is a hazy beer with a smooth mouthfeel, and its flavor is characterized by notes of citrus, pine, and floral hops. It is typically sold in bottles and cans and pairs well with a variety of foods.
- Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing – Zombie Dust is an American Pale Ale from 3 Floyds Brewing in Indiana. With an alcohol content of 6.2%, it is known for its hoppy, citrusy flavor and aroma. Zombie Dust is a clear, golden beer with a dry finish, and its flavor is characterized by notes of grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruit. It is typically sold in bottles and cans and pairs well with spicy and savory foods.
Conclusion
Cheap lagers are a great option for those who want a refreshing, easy-drinking beer without breaking the bank. Miller High Life, Polar Beer, Yuengling, and Hite Extra Cold are all excellent choices that offer different taste profiles and aromas. Whether you’re grilling with friends or just enjoying a casual drink, these cheap lagers are sure to hit the spot.
Moreover, there are cheap ales that offer great flavor and quality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a hoppy American ale or a nutty English ale, there is a cheap ale out there that will suit your taste. So grab a cold one, sit back, and enjoy the rich, complex flavors of these affordable ales.
Sources
https://www.heb.com/product-detail/corona-extra-coronita-mexican-lager-beer-7-oz-bottle/208697
