Busch has been a low-key staple of the Anheuser-Busch lineup since 1955, the plain blue can with the snowy mountains that quietly sells by the truckload. It is a full-strength American lager built to a budget: light, clean and inoffensive, with a touch more body than its light-beer sibling. Nobody talks about Busch much, which is sort of the point. Here is an honest look at what is in the can.
Busch at a glance
| Style | American lager |
| ABV | 4.3% |
| Calories | 133 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 6.9g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, corn, yeast, hops |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $7 to $10 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Busch sits just above the light lagers, with a little more malt body but the same clean, crisp finish.
The full review
It pours pale gold and fizzy with a thin white head. The aroma is light and grainy with a faint corn sweetness, clean and mild in the standard macro-lager way.
On the palate it is smooth and easy with a soft grainy-sweet malt note and very little bitterness. At 4.3% it has a touch more body than a light lager, but only a touch. The finish is clean, crisp and quick.
It is a plain, unfussy beer and it does not aim for anything more. What it offers is a cold, easy, slightly fuller macro lager for not much money. From an ice-cold can it is perfectly pleasant, if entirely forgettable.
Value is the main draw. Busch is cheap, consistent and full-strength, which makes it a sensible cooler beer for anyone who wants a bit more than a light lager without paying more.
The quiet, cheap, full-strength option that just gets on with it.
- Full-strength lager for budget money
- A little more body than the light macros
- Clean, crisp and easy to drink cold
- Cheap and consistent
- Very mild, forgettable flavor
- Little aroma or hop character
- Nothing to reward a slow sip
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, full-strength macro lager with slightly more body than a light beer. If you like this, a Busch Light is the lighter version and a Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller High Life are close comparisons.
Busch FAQs
What does Busch beer taste like?
Light, clean and grainy with a soft corn-sweet malt note and very little bitterness. A mild, easy full-strength macro lager.
How strong is Busch beer?
It is 4.3% ABV, standard-strength for an American lager and stronger than most light beers.
How many calories are in Busch beer?
About 133 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 6.9g of carbs.
What is the difference between Busch and Busch Light?
Busch is the full-strength 4.3% lager with a little more body and calories. Busch Light is the lighter, lower-calorie version at 4.1%.
Is Busch beer vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, corn, yeast and hops with no animal products.
Is Busch beer gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Is Busch a lager or an ale?
It is a lager, a full-strength American lager.
How old is Busch beer?
It was first introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 1955, originally as Busch Bavarian Beer.
Where to buy Busch
Busch is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Busch is a no-frills, full-strength American lager that quietly does its job for cheap. It is mild and forgettable, but it has a touch more body than the light macros and it is easy to drink cold, which is all it ever set out to be. Fair value and a fair two point eight out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Busch Beer is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our best lager beer brands guide.
Busch Beer is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best American-style lagers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Busch Beer?
Busch Beer is an American lager, at 4.3% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Busch Beer?
Busch Beer has an ABV of 4.3%.
How many calories are in Busch Beer?
Busch Beer has 133 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Busch Beer gluten free?
Busch Beer: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Busch Beer have carbs?
Yes, Busch Beer has 6.9g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Busch Beer 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 Beer?
If you can’t find Busch Beer, Coors Banquet is a close alternative in the same American lager category.
How much does Busch Beer cost?
Busch Beer typically runs Around $7 to $10 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Busch Beer 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 Beer?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American lager like Busch Beer. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
