Since I started this taste test, a few more beers came along, so this blog will cover some additional econo beers. Remember to visit my other three beer tasting blogs. I will move to imported beers next.
Kona Big Wave
“Liquid Aloha” Kona Brewing was founded in 1994 by father and son Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa who wanted to brew local craft beers. In 2020, Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi opened a new, state-of-the-art, sustainable brewery where they brew beers exclusively for Hawaiʻi and employ over 200 residents.
I found the beer incredibly light, maybe the lightest-tasting beer I’ve ever had. There’s really no big taste effect, which certainly allows it to go with most foods. There’s taste is clean and there’s only a very small hint of citrus.
4.4% ABV
Big Wave’s lighter body and bright hop aroma and taste make it a natural choice to enjoy with seafood, poultry, salads, and light pasta dishes. – website
MALTS: Pale 2 Row Premium, Caramel 20. HOPS: Galaxy, Citra
Kona Brewing is now part of the Anheuser-Busch after a 2019-2020 deal. Only some Kona beer is brewed in Hawaii, other beer is brewed on the mainland. Known for its sustainability efforts on the Big Island, including solar power, water recycling, and using spent grains for food.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
First brewed in 1984 in founder Jim Koch’s kitchen. The Boston Beer Company now has three breweries: the original Boston brewery along with one in Cincinnati, Ohio, and another in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania.
A smooth, German-style lager with slightly sweet roasted malts, notes of caramel, toffee, and a distinct noble hop character with subtle piney citrus. Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Tettnang Tettnanger Noble Hops, Samuel Adams Two-Row Pale Malt Blend and Caramel 60, Samuel Adams Lager yeast. – Samuel Adams website
I’m not new to Samuel Adams Boston Lager, though I purchased a six pack for this taste test. A pinch of sweetness is detected by my tastebuds, it might be the carmel or toffee, it’s not distinct enough for me to tell. The color is a bit darker and that is represented by a fuller taste, but not an aftertaste. If I want a taste that is a bit heavier and fuller going down, this beer would be a good choice.
ABV 5.0%
The Boston Beer Company is the fourth largest brewer in the United States, with products available throughout the United States and internationally. The official beer of the Boston Red Sox.
Fat Tire
Fat Tire was born on a bike. When our co-founder pedaled his way through Europe, sampling beer along the way, the tires on his mountain bike garnered glances and comments that inspired the name of a craft beer icon. Fat Tire delivers drinkers everywhere a flavorful, balanced beer with a fresh herbal hop profile, fine malt presence and a touch of fruity yeast, making it a timeless beer with broad appeal. – website
Brewed by the New Belgium Brewing Company in Colorado.
5.2% ABV
In 2022, Fat Tire rolled out a new taste for their beer. “It is more in line with the palate and preferences of current 21-to-29-year-olds,” they announced. The original or classic recipe, first introduced in 1991, was retired. The recipe was changed from an Amber Ale to a crisper American Blond Ale. It’s now marketed as carbon-neutral.
After the recipe change, some traditionalists complained about the taste. “Watered- down”, “less sweet”, “ a lighter version” are frequent comments. I never had one, so I can’t comment. I picked up a six pack and have been enjoying it. Is it a great beer? Honestly, it’s enjoyable, but not better than many others I’ve tasted. While I can understand its popularity, it a beer I would enjoy with bar food, but wouldn’t pick it over more familiar lagers.
Outlaw Light
Outlaw Beer isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. Born from a rebellious spirit and a commitment to bold flavor, we craft brews for those who refuse to follow the rules. – website
I had never heard of this beer until I saw it in the corner of the cooler at the moment & pop liquor store.
Outlaw is a Kölsch-style light beer — fermented cold with a hybrid German ale yeast and built with Magnum hops and pilsner malt. It lands at 4.2% ABV and 105 calories.
In less than two years, Outlaw has gone from a Colorado startup to a near-national brand. It’s now sold in 45 states and will be available nationwide by the end of 2025.
I was expecting a harsh tasting beer, although there was something different, but I can’t put my finger on it. In a blind taste test I’d not know what it was, not unpleasant, but puzzling. That’s not really an endorsement.
I couldn’t find any TV ads.
Yuengling Traditional Lager
Described as a rich, medium-bodied taste, roasted caramel malt sweetness, and balanced, accessible flavor. Considered more flavorful than, standard light lagers. I agree with that, it’s fuller bodied than other beers, but without an aftertaste. It’s quite enjoyable to drink.
4.5% ABV., Approximately 141 calories.
The story of America’s Oldest Brewery began when David G. Yuengling arrived from Wuerttemberg Germany to settle in the sleepy, coal-mining town of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The brewery opened in 1829.
The Yuengling Company was established as a joint venture between Yuengling and Molson Coors. This JV will oversee any new market expansion beyond the 191 year old brewer’s existing 22 state footprint. In the past couple of years, the beer has moved into the Midwest including my state.
Yuengling Flight
Flight is one of Yuengling’s light beer products. Like Yuengling Traditional Lager, this beer has a fuller taste than other lagers.
Described as clean, and crisp, with subtle notes that are slightly malty, corny, and wheaty taste. I read many comments online from light beer drinkers who don’t enjoy the strong taste. Promoted by Yuengling as a “Next Generation” light beer. The light beer market is growing and is highly competitive. Browse the light beer section at the liquor store, there are all kinds of flavors and variations. The brewmasters and chemists are hard at work trying to develop the next best thing.
95 calories, 2.6 carbs, 4.2 % ABV
Milwaukee’s Best Ice
Brewed by Miller Brewing Company, part of their economy beer line. It’s been around since the 1890s, but became part of the Miller beer family in 1961.
Low to moderate sweet malt, with low, hop-appropriate bitterness and a crisp, smooth finish. which is achieved through a brewing process that involves freezing to create ice crystals.
A noticed the frothy head, very carbonated. The 5.9% ABV which is important if your goal is to get hammered.
I thought it had a sweet/bitter taste, and it overstayed its welcome. If I was at a backyard party or in a low-rent bar, I’d drink this again, otherwise I’ll steer clear.
Is it an inexpensive beer? I found it at a gas station. When I went to pay for it the cashier handed me a couple of bucks and said thanks.
Genesee Ice
I was unfamiliar with this beer. The Ice line of beers represents the Genesee brand here. Ice was introduced in 1993, a rich, full-flavored beer, our brewmasters begin with only the purest natural ingredients. Then, ice crystals form in the beer during its aging process before it’s filtered for the rich flavor.
It’s a darker golden color, and certainly has a heavier taste. Described as having slightly sweet, or corn-like flavors with minimal hop bitterness. Some reviewers note a clean, almost seltzer-like, or slightly fruity taste.
5.5% ABV
The Genesee Brewing Company was founded in 1878, based in Rochester, New York, is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States. The Brewery makes the Genesee line of beers, including the iconic Genesee, the refreshing Genny Light, and The Original Genesee Cream Ale. In 1974, Genesee sales top 2 million barrels. Four years later, sales top 3 million barrels and Genny Light Beer is introduced. In 2009, KPS Capital Partners, L.P. forms North American Breweries (NAB) and acquires The Genesee Brewing Company, Labatt USA and a perpetual license for Seagram’s Escapes, becoming the largest independently owned beer company in the United States. In 2012, FIFCO purchases NAB, injecting the company.
It’s a nondescript beer if you can get around the sweeter taste. If someone gave me one at a party or outside event, and none of my favorites were available, I’d drink it.
Garage Beer
A light lager, positioned as a simple, “beer-flavored beer” with low calories (95) and carbs (3g) at 4% ABV. Brewed with Pilsner malt and Magnum hops. A slight apple taste.
The Kelce brothers became majority owners in June 2024, joining the existing team that spun the brand off from Braxton Brewing Company in 2023. Began as a popular craft light lager from Braxton Brewing in Covington, Kentucky.
Icehouse Ice
Introduced in 1993, it is produced by the Miller Brewing Company (Molson Coors).
Ice-brewed below freezing, a technique that creates ice crystals during production. Water, Barley Malt, Corn Syrup (Dextrose and Maltose), Yeast, Hop Extract.
The taste is heavy, with a lingering bite. I wouldn’t say it is nasty, but low on my desirability menu.
5.5% ABV
Icehouse is a medium-bodied American-style Ice Lager. Icehouse is brewed for a bold, never watered down taste, with low to moderate bitterness, medium body and a smooth finish.
Labatt Blue
“Labatt Blue is a pale lager. Its taste is crisp, clean taste with subtle fruity notes, Hallertau hops, and a slightly sweet aftertaste.” – Labatt website.
I found the taste had some sweetness, but its flavor had something else, maybe the brand of hops they use. The taste was good, but not unusually distinct. I would enjoy another.
Labatt Breweries was founded by John Kinder Labatt in 1847 in London, Canada West (now Ontario). Kinder had immigrated to Canada from Ireland in the 1830s and initially established himself as a farmer near London. In 1847, he invested in a brewery with a partner, Samuel Eccles, launching “Labatt and Eccles”.[3] When Eccles retired in 1854, Labatt acquired his interest and renamed the firm the “London Brewery”. When John Kinder Labatt died in 1866, his son John assumed control of the company. In 1951, Labatt launched its Pilsener Lager; when it was introduced in Manitoba, the beer was nicknamed “Blue” for the colour of its label and the company’s support of Winnipeg’s Canadian Football League (CFL) franchise, the Blue Bombers. – Wikipedia
Labatt Brewing Company Limited is an Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned brewery headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1847, Labatt is the largest brewer in Canada.
5.0 ABV
Beers I Could Not Locate in My Area That I Wanted to Test
Olympia
This beer was available at one time in this area, but not now. I thought it would be fun to revisit.
Lone Star
Another beer from my past. I’ll search this out when I travel.
Stroh’s
In 2000, Stroh’s and all of its beer brands and recipes were acquired by Pabst Brewing Company, where the brand currently resides. I searched, but Stroh’s was not found.
Schaefer
I used to drink a lot of this beer in college. We purchased a case at a time. Sadly, Schaefer is a tough find in these parts.
Ticket 2 Ride 
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