Coors Banquet is the beer Coors built its name on, brewed in Golden, Colorado since 1873 with Rocky Mountain water and a recipe that has barely changed. It is a full-strength American lager, not a light beer, and that extra malt gives it more character than most of the fridge-pack crowd. This is the yellow-and-white stubby your grandfather drank, and it still holds up. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it is worth buying.
Coors Banquet at a glance
| Style | American lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | 147 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 11.7g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Molson Coors, Golden, Colorado, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, corn, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $11 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Banquet sits a notch above the light lagers on almost every dial, with a touch more malt sweetness and body to go with the crisp finish.
The full review
It pours a clear, bright gold with a fizzy white head that settles quickly. The aroma is light and grainy with a faint corn-and-honey sweetness, cleaner and a little fuller than you get from a light lager.
On the palate it is smooth and easy but with real substance behind it. There is a soft, bready malt sweetness up front, a gentle grain note through the middle, and a clean, lightly bitter finish. The 5.0% ABV gives it a bit more weight than a Coors Light or Bud Light, and you can taste the difference.
It is not complex, and it is not meant to be. What it does well is deliver a satisfying, full-flavored macro lager that still drinks fast and cold. Served ice cold from the stubby bottle it is close to the platonic ideal of an American session beer.
Value is strong. It costs about the same as the light versions but gives you more beer for the money in terms of flavor and strength, which is a big part of why it has such a loyal following.
The rare macro lager that tastes like it has something to say.
- More malt, body and flavor than the light macros
- Clean, crisp and very drinkable ice cold
- Iconic recipe brewed the same way since 1873
- Great value for a full-strength lager
- Still a simple beer, not one for slow sipping
- At 5.0% it is not a low-calorie option
- Corn character will not win over malt purists
Who it is for
Anyone who finds light lagers too thin but still wants an easy, cold, sessionable beer. If you like this, a Yuengling Traditional Lager or a Modelo Especial are natural next steps.
Coors Banquet FAQs
What does Coors Banquet taste like?
Clean and smooth with a soft bready-malt sweetness, a light grain note and a crisp finish. It has a touch more body and flavor than light lagers like Coors Light.
Is Coors Banquet the same as Coors Light?
No. Banquet is the original full-strength lager at 5.0% ABV with more malt and body. Coors Light is a lighter, lower-calorie version at 4.2%.
How strong is Coors Banquet?
It is 5.0% ABV, which is standard-strength for an American lager and stronger than most light beers.
How many calories are in Coors Banquet?
About 147 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11.7g of carbs.
Is Coors Banquet vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, corn, hops and yeast with no animal products used in the recipe.
Is Coors Banquet gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Why is it called Banquet?
Miners near Golden nicknamed it the Banquet Beer in the early 1900s, and the name stuck.
Where is Coors Banquet brewed?
In Golden, Colorado, using Rocky Mountain water, the same place it has been made since 1873.
Where to buy Coors Banquet
Coors Banquet is sold almost everywhere in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Coors Banquet is proof that a mainstream American lager does not have to be watery. It brings more malt, body and flavor than the light-beer crowd while staying clean, crisp and endlessly drinkable. Great value and a genuine classic. A strong three point eight out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Want to see how Coors Banquet stacks up against the rest? See our full best lager beer to buy guide.
See where Coors Banquet lands against its rivals in our American lager guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Coors Banquet?
Coors Banquet is an American lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Coors Banquet?
Coors Banquet has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Coors Banquet?
Coors Banquet has 147 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Coors Banquet gluten free?
Coors Banquet: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Coors Banquet have carbs?
Yes, Coors Banquet has 11.7g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Coors Banquet 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 Coors Banquet?
If you can’t find Coors Banquet, Budweiser is a close alternative in the same American lager category.
How much does Coors Banquet cost?
Coors Banquet typically runs Around $9 to $11 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 Coors Banquet 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 Coors Banquet?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American lager like Coors Banquet. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
