Heineken is the international pale lager you find in almost every country on earth, and that consistency is a big part of the appeal. It is an all-malt euro lager, crisp and balanced, with a signature fruity hop character that you either love or find a little skunky. Either way, it is a dependable, drinkable beer.
Heineken Original Lager at a glance
| Style | Euro pale lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | 142 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Heineken, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $13.68 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.28 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Heineken lands in the balanced middle, a touch more hop presence than the American macros but still crisp and easy.
The full review
It pours clear gold with steady bubbles and a clean white head. The aroma has light malt and that unmistakable Heineken hop note, a slightly fruity, faintly skunky character that comes from its yeast strain and the green bottle. In cans and on draught it is cleaner.
The taste is crisp and balanced: light bready malt, a clean mild bitterness that is a shade more than a Budweiser, and a quick, refreshing finish. There is nothing challenging here, just a well-made lager that goes down easily and tastes the same wherever you are in the world.
It is at its best ice cold and fresh. Warm or stale, that hop note tips over into the skunky side and the balance goes with it. Kept cold it is a solid, no-surprises lager. For similar options see our best lager beers guide.
The definition of dependable: the same decent pint in Dublin, Dubai or Denver.
- Crisp, balanced and easy to drink
- A little more hop character than the American macros
- Consistent quality almost anywhere in the world
- Great with burgers, fried food and spicy dishes
- The green-bottle skunk note is divisive
- Not much malt depth or complexity
- Needs to be cold and fresh to show its best
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a reliable, familiar lager with a touch more hop presence than a Bud. Good for parties and pizza nights. If the skunky note bothers you, buy it in cans or reach for a Stella.
Heineken Original Lager FAQs
What does Heineken taste like?
Crisp and balanced, with light malt, a clean bitterness and a signature fruity, slightly skunky hop note from its yeast and green bottle. Cans and draught taste cleaner than the bottle.
Why does Heineken taste skunky?
The green bottle lets in more light than a brown one, which reacts with the hops to create that skunky note. Buy cans or draught if you want the cleaner version.
How many calories are in Heineken?
About 142 calories per 12 fl oz, standard for a 5% lager.
Is Heineken gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
What is the alcohol content of Heineken?
5.0% ABV. Check any beer’s strength with our ABV calculator.
Is Heineken vegan?
Yes, Heineken is listed as vegan-friendly.
What kind of beer is Heineken?
A European pale lager: an all-malt lager made with just water, barley malt, hops and yeast.
Where is Heineken made?
It originates in the Netherlands and is brewed there, but it is also produced in breweries around the world to the same recipe.
Where can I buy Heineken?
Just about everywhere: supermarkets, liquor stores, bars and online delivery services.
What are the best Heineken alternatives?
For other crisp euro lagers try Amstel, Beck’s, Grolsch, Carlsberg or Stella Artois.
Where to buy Heineken Original Lager
Heineken is sold just about everywhere, in bottles, cans and on draught, and you can have it delivered. Use the button above to check the price and buy.
The verdict
A dependable international lager that rarely lets you down when it is cold and fresh. Balanced and drinkable with its own signature note, held back only by the green-bottle skunk and a lack of depth. A fair three and a half out of five. See our other beer reviews for more.
Heineken is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best pale lager guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Heineken?
Heineken is an Euro pale lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Heineken?
Heineken has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Heineken?
Heineken has 142 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Heineken gluten free?
Heineken: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Heineken have carbs?
Yes, Heineken has 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Heineken 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.
How much does Heineken cost?
Heineken typically runs About $13.68 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.28 per 12oz. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Heineken 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 Heineken?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an Euro pale lager like Heineken. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
