If, like me, you like the clean, crisp taste of Coors Banquet, then you probably want to know what kind of beer it is so you can try similar beers. Well, that’s what this article is all about. So, what kind of beer is Coors Banquet?

Coors Banquet is a standard American lager with a pale straw color and moderate bitterness, boasting an International Bitterness Units (IBU) rating of 15. Brewed using corn as an adjunct to lighten its body, it features a high level of carbonation and an alcohol content of 5%. As a bottom-fermented beer, Coors Banquet offers a clean, crisp taste, making it a classic and easy-to-drink choice within the American beer landscape.

Obviously, that is the short answer, and there is more to learn about this American lager. In the rest of this article, we will explain what type of beer Coors Banquet is, how it tastes, its alcohol and calorie content, and give you a list of beers like Coors Banquet you should try.

Coors Banquet: Taste And Mouthfeel

Coors Banquet offers a clean and mild flavor profile that is characteristic of standard American lagers. The beer is lightly malty with a subtle sweetness, which comes from the corn adjunct used in the brewing process. Its hop bitterness is moderate, falling at an IBU of 15, which is less assertive compared to some international lagers that can be more hop-forward. Overall, the taste is balanced and unobtrusive, making it highly approachable and easy to pair with a variety of foods.

A can of Coors Banquet

When it comes to mouthfeel, Coors Banquet is light-bodied and highly carbonated, delivering a crisp, refreshing sensation on the palate. This effervescence is fairly standard for American lagers, and it contributes to the beer’s drinkability. The high carbonation level makes it similar to other beers in its category, accentuating its clean finish and leaving little to no aftertaste. This is in contrast to some European lagers, which may offer a fuller body and more complex mouthfeel.

Coors Banquet: Alcohol Content

Coors Banquet has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%, positioning it squarely within the standard range for American lagers, which typically fall between 4% and 6% ABV. This moderate alcohol content makes it comparable to many other domestic lagers, providing enough kick to be satisfying without overwhelming the drinker.

Unlike stronger lagers that might be found in European traditions, where ABVs can climb higher, Coors Banquet’s 5% ABV contributes to its reputation as a balanced, easy-to-drink option suitable for various occasions.

Coors Banquet: Calories

A 12 oz serving of Coors Banquet contains 147 calories, which is relatively standard when compared to other beers in the American lager category. While some light lagers like Coors Light have around 100 calories, and some craft lagers can exceed 200, Coors Banquet’s caloric content sits comfortably in the middle. This makes it a middle-of-the-road option for those concerned about calorie intake but still desiring a fuller-flavored lager instead of a light beer.

Beers Like Coors Banquet

For those who enjoy the crisp, balanced flavors of Coors Banquet, there are several other beers that offer a similar drinking experience. Here are 7 of our favorite beers like Coors Banquet you should try.

Budweiser

Budweiser is another classic American lager with a similar history and profile to Coors Banquet. It features a light, crisp taste with subtle sweetness and an ABV of 5%. Much like Coors Banquet, Budweiser is highly carbonated and offers a clean, easy-drinking experience. Learn more about Budweiser.

Miller High Life

Known as “The Champagne of Beers,” Miller High Life is another American lager that shares Coors Banquet’s approachability. It has a slightly lower ABV of 4.6% and a comparable caloric content. With its balanced malt and hop flavors, it serves as a solid alternative to Coors Banquet. Learn more about Miller High Life.

Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR)

Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR, has gained a cult following but is fundamentally a straightforward American lager. With an ABV of 4.74%, it’s slightly lighter in alcohol but shares a similar flavor profile and carbonation level to Coors Banquet. Learn more about PBR.

Yuengling Traditional Lager

Yuengling’s offering is a bit of a departure, as it leans more toward an amber lager in color. However, its taste profile is clean, balanced, and highly drinkable like Coors Banquet. With an ABV of 4.5%, it’s slightly less potent but remains a popular choice for those looking for something easy to drink. Learn more about Yuengling Traditional Lager.

Narragansett Lager

This New England classic is an all-American lager with a history dating back to 1890. It offers a balanced flavor profile with a slightly higher ABV of 5.1%. If you appreciate the straightforward simplicity of Coors Banquet, Narragansett is worth a try.

Labatt Blue

Labatt Blue is a Canadian Pilsener, but its light body, moderate ABV of 5%, and similar corn adjunct make it comparable to Coors Banquet. It’s a crisp, easy-drinking beer that aligns well with what American lager fans are looking for.

Old Style

Old Style is another American lager with Midwestern roots. With an ABV of 4.6% and a straightforward, no-frills approach to beer-making, it sits comfortably in the same category as Coors Banquet. It offers a crisp, refreshing taste ideal for casual drinking.

Wrapping Up

Coors Banquet is a standard American lager known for its clean, easy-drinking quality. With a pale straw color, moderate bitterness, and an IBU rating of 15, it’s a balanced offering that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms the palate. The use of corn as an adjunct adds a light sweetness and contributes to its light body, while a 5% ABV and 147 calories per 12 oz serving position it as a middle-of-the-road option among American lagers in terms of strength and caloric content.

Coors Banquet: FAQ

Is Coors Banquet A Lager Or Ale?

Coors Banquet is a lager, specifically a standard American lager. Unlike ales, which are top-fermented at warmer temperatures, lagers like Coors Banquet are bottom-fermented at cooler temperatures, resulting in a cleaner, crisper taste.

What Is The Alcohol Content Of Coors Banquet?

Coors Banquet has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%. This places it squarely within the typical ABV range for American lagers, which generally falls between 4% and 6%.

What Makes Coors Banquet Different From Coors Light?

While both are products of the Coors Brewing Company, Coors Banquet and Coors Light differ in several ways. Coors Light is a light lager with fewer calories (around 100 per 12 oz serving) and a lower ABV (4.2%). Coors Banquet, on the other hand, offers a fuller flavor and higher caloric and alcohol content.

Is Coors Banquet Available Outside The United States?

Yes, Coors Banquet is available in various countries, though its primary market is the United States. The beer’s popularity has led to international distribution, so you may find it in select stores and pubs around the world.

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