Budweiser is one of the most recognizable beers on the planet, the self-styled King of Beers. It is a classic American lager brewed with rice alongside the barley, which gives it a lighter, cleaner profile. It is not trying to be complex, it is trying to be the easy, cold beer for a barbecue or a ball game, and at that it delivers.
Budweiser at a glance
| Style | American lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 10.6g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, rice, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $10.19 for a 6-pack, roughly $1.70 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Budweiser is built to be smooth and inoffensive, so most of the dials sit low with the crispness turned up.
The full review
It pours pale gold and fizzy with a thin white head that fades fast. The smell is mild grain with a faint sweetness from the rice. There is not much aroma to dig into, which is by design.
It drinks crisp and smooth: light grainy malt, a whisper of rice sweetness and a soft, low-bitterness finish. Nothing is sharp or challenging anywhere, and that is the whole idea. It is a clean, easy lager you can drink a few of without thinking about it.
Compared to an all-malt lager like Heineken it has less body and hop presence, but it also has that signature clean, slightly sweet American character that a lot of people grew up on. Ice cold on a hot day, it is hard to argue with. See our best lagers for more options.
The definition of a lawnmower beer, and there is no shame in that.
- Clean, smooth and very easy to drink
- Low bitterness makes it widely appealing
- Great value and available everywhere
- A natural fit for barbecues and game day
- Light on flavor, body and aroma
- The rice character will not please malt purists
- Nothing here to reward slow sipping
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, clean, cold lager for a cookout, a game or a long afternoon. If you want more malt and body, step up to a Modelo or Stella.
Budweiser FAQs
What does Budweiser taste like?
Clean and smooth, with light grainy malt, a faint rice sweetness and a soft, low-bitterness finish. It is mild and easy rather than bold.
Why is Budweiser brewed with rice?
Rice lightens the body and gives Budweiser its clean, crisp character. It has been part of the recipe since the 1800s.
How many calories are in Budweiser?
About 145 calories per 12 fl oz, standard for a full-strength American lager. Bud Light is the lower-calorie option in the same family.
Is Budweiser gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
What is the alcohol content of Budweiser?
5.0% ABV. You can check any beer’s strength with our ABV calculator.
Is Budweiser vegan?
Yes, Budweiser is listed as vegan-friendly.
What kind of beer is Budweiser?
An American lager, brewed with barley and rice for a light, clean, smooth profile.
Where is Budweiser made?
It is brewed by Anheuser-Busch in the United States. Note that the European Budweiser Budvar is a separate, unrelated Czech beer.
Where can I buy Budweiser?
Everywhere beer is sold, from supermarkets and liquor stores to bars and delivery services.
What are the best Budweiser alternatives?
For similar clean American lagers try Coors Banquet, Miller Genuine Draft or Pabst Blue Ribbon. For a lighter version, Bud Light.
Where to buy Budweiser
Budweiser is one of the easiest beers to find anywhere, and you can have it delivered too. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
A clean, smooth, no-nonsense American lager that has earned its place at cookouts and ball games for good reason. Light on flavor but easy on the wallet and endlessly drinkable ice cold. A solid three and a half out of five. More in our beer reviews and guides.
For more like this, see our guide to the best American lagers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Budweiser?
Budweiser is an American lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Budweiser?
Budweiser has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Budweiser?
Budweiser has 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Budweiser gluten free?
Budweiser: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Budweiser have carbs?
Yes, Budweiser has 10.6g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Budweiser taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Budweiser?
If you can’t find Budweiser, Miller High Life is a close alternative in the same American lager category.
How much does Budweiser cost?
Budweiser typically runs About $10.19 for a 6-pack, roughly $1.70 per 12oz. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Budweiser without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Budweiser?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American lager like Budweiser. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
