Busch Light is Anheuser-Busch’s value light lager, and it has quietly become one of the most popular beers in rural and midwestern America. The pitch is simple: it is cheap, it is light, it has only 95 calories, and you can drink it all day. It is not trying to impress anyone with flavor. This review looks at what you actually get for the low price, and who it is for.
Busch Light at a glance
| Style | American light lager |
| ABV | 4.1% |
| Calories | 95 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 3.2g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, cereal grains, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $7 to $9 for a 6-pack in the US, often cheaper by the case. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Busch Light is about as light as a lager gets, so every dial sits low and the whole thing is built around crisp, easy drinkability.
The full review
It pours very pale straw with a quick, fizzy white head. The aroma is faint, mostly light grain and a slightly sweet, corn-like note. There is not a lot going on, which is what you would expect at this price and calorie count.
On the palate it is thin, clean and lightly sweet, with a soft grainy character and almost no bitterness. The finish is quick and a touch watery. It is smoother and less harsh than some cheap lagers, which is part of its appeal.
At 95 calories and 4.1% ABV it is squarely a session beer, made to be drunk cold and in quantity. Fans like that it goes down easy without filling you up or costing much, and there is a genuine logic to that.
As a flavor experience it is thin and forgettable. But that is not really the job. As a cheap, light, drink-a-lot lager it delivers on exactly what it promises, and the price is hard to argue with.
Bought for the price and the calorie count, not the flavor, and it knows it.
- Very cheap, especially by the case
- Only 95 calories and low carbs
- Light, smooth and easy to drink in quantity
- Consistent and widely available
- Very thin on flavor and body
- Almost no aroma or finish
- Not a beer for savoring
Who it is for
Budget-minded drinkers who want a light, cheap lager for long sessions, lawn work or the cooler at a tailgate. If you want a little more flavor at a similar calorie count, try a Michelob Ultra.
Busch Light” class=”wp-image-14477″/>Busch Light FAQs
What does Busch Light taste like?
Light and clean with a soft grainy, slightly corn-like sweetness and almost no bitterness. It is thin and smooth rather than flavorful.
How many calories are in Busch Light?
About 95 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 3.2g of carbs, making it one of the lighter mainstream lagers.
How strong is Busch Light?
It is 4.1% ABV, on the lighter side for a lager.
Is Busch Light the same as Busch?
No. Regular Busch is a touch fuller and stronger. Busch Light is the lighter, lower-calorie version.
Is Busch Light vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereal grains, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Busch Light gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
Why is Busch Light so popular?
It is cheap, very light, low in calories and easy to drink in quantity, which has made it a favorite for tailgates, farm work and long sessions.
Is Busch Light a good cheap beer?
For the price it is smooth and drinkable, which is why it has a loyal following, though it is very light on flavor.
Where to buy Busch Light
Busch Light is cheap and easy to find across the US, often best value by the case, and you can get it delivered. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Busch Light is a cheap, extremely light lager that does its one job well: it is smooth, low in calories, and made for drinking a lot of over a long day. There is next to no flavor to speak of, but at this price and calorie count that is the trade you are signing up for. A fair two point nine out of five. See lighter and fuller options in our beer reviews and guides.
For the full ranked lineup, head to our guide to the best lagers guide.
See where Busch Light lands against its rivals in our light beer guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Busch Light?
Busch Light is an American light lager, at 4.1% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Busch Light?
Busch Light has an ABV of 4.1%.
How many calories are in Busch Light?
Busch Light has 95 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Busch Light gluten free?
Busch Light: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Busch Light have carbs?
Yes, Busch Light has 3.2g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Busch Light 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 Busch Light?
If you can’t find Busch Light, Miller Lite is a close alternative in the same American light lager category.
How much does Busch Light cost?
Busch Light typically runs Around $7 to $9 for a 6-pack in the US, often cheaper by the case. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Busch Light 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 Busch Light?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American light lager like Busch Light. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
