Carling Black Label is a mainstream pale lager with a long history on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, Carling is one of the biggest-selling lagers; in North America, Black Label is a familiar budget brand. Either way, it is an unfussy, light and clean everyday beer built for easy drinking and a low price rather than flavor. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Carling Black Label at a glance
| Style | Pale lager |
| ABV | Around 4.7% |
| Calories | Around 140 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Molson Coors (Carling / Black Label) |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $8 to $12 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Carling Black Label is a light, clean everyday lager with a mild flavor and a gentle finish, built for refreshment and value over character.
The full review
It pours pale gold and clear with a quick white head. The aroma is light and clean, faintly grainy with a touch of sweetness and very little hop presence. It is mild and unassuming.
On the palate it is crisp and light with a soft malt base, a clean grain flavor and a gentle finish with just a hint of bitterness. It is smooth and easy, an inoffensive everyday lager with no rough edges and no real character to speak of.
It does the job it is built for: cold, crisp, cheap refreshment for a casual session. It goes down easily and pairs fine with pub food, but there is nothing here to slow down for. It is a beer you drink for the occasion rather than for the beer itself.
Value is where it makes its case. It is one of the more affordable lagers on the shelf, and for easy-drinking quantity over quality it earns its keep, even if the flavor never rises above ordinary.
A cheap, clean everyday lager that knows exactly what it is.
- Crisp, clean and easy-drinking
- Light and smooth
- One of the more affordable lagers
- Reliable for casual sessions
- Very light on flavor and character
- Nothing to set it apart
- Not one for slow sipping
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, clean, no-frills lager for easy drinking. If you like this, a Busch or a Natural Light are natural comparisons.
Carling Black Label FAQs
What does Carling Black Label taste like?
Crisp and light with a soft malt base, a clean grain flavor and a gentle finish. A mild, easy-drinking everyday lager.
How strong is Carling Black Label?
It is around 4.7% ABV, a full-strength pale lager, though exact strength can vary slightly by market.
How many calories are in Carling Black Label?
Around 140 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11g of carbs.
Is Carling the same as Black Label?
They share the Carling name and heritage under Molson Coors. In the UK it is sold as Carling; in North America the related brand is Carling Black Label.
Is Carling Black Label vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Carling Black Label gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Is Carling a lager?
Yes, it is a pale lager.
Is Carling Black Label a budget beer?
Yes. It is positioned as an affordable, everyday lager rather than a premium beer.
Where to buy Carling Black Label
Carling Black Label is sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Carling Black Label is a light, clean, no-frills everyday lager that does the basics well: cold, crisp refreshment at a friendly price. It has almost no character and nothing to set it apart, but for cheap, easy-drinking quantity it earns its place. A fair three out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
If you are still deciding what to drink, our best lager beers guide ranks every one we have reviewed.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Carling Black Label?
Carling Black Label is a Pale lager, at Around 4.7% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Carling Black Label?
Carling Black Label has an ABV of Around 4.7%.
How many calories are in Carling Black Label?
Carling Black Label has Around 140 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Carling Black Label gluten free?
Carling Black Label: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Carling Black Label have carbs?
Yes, Carling Black Label has Around 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Carling Black Label 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 Carling Black Label?
If you can’t find Carling Black Label, Moosehead Lager is a close alternative in the same Pale lager category.
How much does Carling Black Label cost?
Carling Black Label typically runs Around $8 to $12 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 Carling Black Label 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 Carling Black Label?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Pale lager like Carling Black Label. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
