Medalla Light has been brewed by Cervecera de Puerto Rico in Mayaguez since the 1950s and dominates the island’s beer market almost completely. It is a fixture at beaches, backyard parties and family gatherings across Puerto Rico, and has spread to the mainland US wherever there is a large Puerto Rican community.
At a Glance
| Style | Pale lager |
| ABV | 4.2% |
| Calories | About 95 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | About 3g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Cervecera de Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $15 to $18 for a 12-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Medalla Light is built for hot weather drinking: light body, low carbonation bite and barely any hop bitterness.
The full review
Medalla Light pours very pale gold with a thin, quick head. The aroma is light and clean, mostly grain with a faint sweetness and almost no hop presence.
On the palate it is extremely light-bodied and only mildly sweet, with a crisp, slightly effervescent finish. There is very little going on in terms of complexity, and that is exactly the point: it is designed to disappear fast on a hot day at the beach.
Compared to mainland light lagers like Bud Light or Coors Light, Medalla Light is a touch lighter still, with fewer calories and carbs, and a slightly sweeter, less metallic finish.
“Puerto Rico’s default beach beer, light enough to drink all afternoon without noticing.”, Beer Is My Life
- Very low calorie and carb count for a full-strength beer
- Crisp, refreshing and built for hot weather
- Cultural staple with genuine local pride in Puerto Rico
- Widely stocked wherever there is a large Puerto Rican community in the US
- Very little flavor complexity
- Harder to find outside Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities on the mainland
- Not much hop character for drinkers who like a bitter finish
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a very light, crisp lager for hot weather sessions, especially fans of other light lagers looking for something new. See our roundup of best summer beers for more in this style.
Where to buy Medalla Light
Medalla Light is sold throughout Puerto Rico and at select grocery and liquor stores on the US mainland, particularly in areas with large Puerto Rican communities. Use the button above to check availability and pricing near you.
FAQs
What does Medalla Light taste like?
Very light and crisp with mild grain sweetness, low bitterness and a clean, quick finish. It is one of the lightest full-strength lagers you can buy.
How much alcohol is in Medalla Light?
Medalla Light has an ABV of 4.2%.
Who makes Medalla Light?
It is brewed by Cervecera de Puerto Rico in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and has been the island’s top-selling beer for decades.
Is Medalla Light gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley malt and contains gluten.
Can you buy Medalla Light in the US mainland?
Yes, it is stocked at many grocery and liquor stores in areas with large Puerto Rican populations, and is available through some beer delivery services.
How many calories are in Medalla Light?
About 95 calories per 12 fl oz.
Browse our other beer reviews and guides for more light lagers and international brands.
