Coors Light, the Silver Bullet, is one of America’s biggest light lagers and it built its whole identity around cold: cold-activated cans, mountain imagery, the promise of a frosty, refreshing beer. It is a light, clean, easy-drinking lager in the same lane as Bud Light and Miller Lite. This review cuts through the marketing to what it actually tastes like, and whether it is worth reaching for.
Coors Light at a glance
| Style | American light lager |
| ABV | 4.2% |
| Calories | 102 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 5g 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 $8 to $10 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Coors Light is built for lightness and refreshment, so the dials sit low with crispness leading the way.
The full review
It pours very pale straw-gold and highly carbonated, with a white head that drops away fast. The aroma is faint: light grain, a hint of sweet corn, and little else. It is a clean, neutral nose by design.
The taste is light, crisp and smooth, with a mild grainy sweetness and almost no bitterness. There is a slightly sweeter, softer edge than a Bud Light, and the carbonation keeps it lively. The finish is quick, clean and dry.
Coors Light lives or dies on temperature. Served genuinely ice cold it is refreshing and does the job well, which is exactly what the cold-activated can is nudging you toward. Let it warm up and the thinness becomes obvious fast.
It is a light lager doing light lager things: low calorie, low ABV, cheap, everywhere, and easy to drink a few of. It will not surprise you, but it rarely disappoints on a hot day either.
A beer that is all about the chill, and best kept that way.
- Light, crisp and refreshing ice cold
- Low calories and low ABV for sessions
- Cheap and available everywhere
- Slightly softer, smoother edge than some rivals
- Very light on flavor and body
- Falls flat as it warms up
- Nothing to reward a slow sip
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, cold, light lager for a hot day, a game or a long session. If you want a touch more body for the calories, try a Michelob Ultra or step up to a Coors Banquet.
Coors Light FAQs
What does Coors Light taste like?
Light, crisp and smooth with a mild grainy sweetness and almost no bitterness. It is a touch softer than Bud Light and finishes clean and dry.
How many calories are in Coors Light?
About 102 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 5g of carbs.
How strong is Coors Light?
It is 4.2% ABV, on the lighter side for a lager.
What is the difference between Coors Light and Coors Banquet?
Coors Light is the lighter, lower-calorie version at 4.2%. Coors Banquet is the original full-strength lager at 5.0% with more malt and body.
Is Coors Light vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, corn, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Coors Light gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
Why does the Coors Light can change color?
The mountains on the can turn blue when the beer is cold enough to drink, part of Coors Light’s ice-cold refreshment pitch.
Is Coors Light or Bud Light better?
They are very similar light lagers. Coors Light is a touch softer and sweeter, Bud Light a touch drier. It comes down to preference.
Where to buy Coors Light
Coors Light is sold across the US and can be delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Coors Light is a competent light lager that delivers exactly what it promises when it is ice cold: a crisp, clean, refreshing, low-calorie beer. It is thin and forgettable warm, and it will never win on flavor, but for a cheap cold one on a hot day it does fine. A fair three point one out of five. Compare the light lagers in our beer reviews and guides.
Coors Light is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our the best lagers we tasted guide.
Want the wider picture? Our best-tasting light beers guide ranks every one we have tasted.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Coors Light?
Coors Light is an American light lager, at 4.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Coors Light?
Coors Light has an ABV of 4.2%.
How many calories are in Coors Light?
Coors Light has 102 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Coors Light gluten free?
Coors Light: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Coors Light have carbs?
Yes, Coors Light has 5g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Coors 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 Coors Light?
If you can’t find Coors Light, Busch Light is a close alternative in the same American light lager category.
How much does Coors Light cost?
Coors Light typically runs Around $8 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 Coors 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 Coors Light?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American light lager like Coors Light. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
