Pabst Blue Ribbon has been brewed since 1844 and somehow reinvented itself from a working-class staple into a hipster icon without changing the beer much at all. Underneath the branding and the nostalgia it is a straightforward full-strength American lager: clean, crisp and a little sweet, sold for not much money. Here is an honest look at what is actually in the can.
Pabst Blue Ribbon at a glance
| Style | American lager |
| ABV | 4.7% |
| Calories | 144 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Pabst Brewing Company, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, corn syrup, yeast, hops |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $8 to $11 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
PBR sits solidly in full-strength lager territory, with a touch more malt sweetness than the light macros and a clean, crisp finish.
The full review
It pours clear pale gold with a fizzy white head that fades quickly. The aroma is grainy and lightly sweet with a faint corn note, clean and unremarkable in the honest way a macro lager should be.
On the palate it is smooth and easy with a soft, slightly sweet malt body and a clean grain flavor. There is just enough bitterness on the finish to balance it, and at 4.7% it carries a bit more weight than a light lager. It goes down without a fight.
It is not a beer that rewards analysis, and that has always been the point. What it delivers is a cold, crisp, mildly sweet lager that is easy to drink and easy to afford. From an ice-cold can it does exactly what a session lager is supposed to do.
Value is the real story. PBR is cheap, it is consistent, and it gives you a full-strength beer for light-beer money. Ignore the culture wars around it and it is a perfectly good, honest lager.
Strip away the branding and you are left with a genuinely decent, cheap lager.
- Full-strength lager with a bit of malt body
- Clean, crisp and easy to drink cold
- Very good value
- Widely available in cans and bottles
- Simple and a little sweet, not for slow sipping
- Corn character is not for everyone
- Flavor thins as it warms
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, honest, full-strength American lager with none of the pretension. If you like this, a Miller High Life or a Coors Banquet are natural next pours.
In the news: about 50,000 cans of PBR just went missing from a California distribution center, and nobody, including the cops, can figure out where it went.
Pabst Blue Ribbon FAQs
What does Pabst Blue Ribbon taste like?
Clean and smooth with a soft, slightly sweet malt body, a light corn-and-grain note and a crisp finish. A straightforward full-strength American lager.
How strong is Pabst Blue Ribbon?
It is 4.7% ABV, standard-strength for an American lager and stronger than most light beers.
How many calories are in Pabst Blue Ribbon?
About 144 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
Why is it called Blue Ribbon?
The story goes that the beer was tied with blue ribbons in the late 1800s to mark its quality, and the name stuck. It was never an official contest award, despite the old claims.
Is Pabst Blue Ribbon vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, corn syrup, yeast and hops with no animal products.
Is Pabst Blue Ribbon gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Is PBR a lager or an ale?
It is a lager, specifically a full-strength American lager.
How old is Pabst Blue Ribbon?
The brand traces back to 1844, making it one of the oldest continuously sold beers in America.
Where to buy Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pabst Blue Ribbon is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Pabst Blue Ribbon is a better beer than either its fans or its critics tend to admit. It is a clean, crisp, mildly sweet full-strength lager sold for light-beer money, and on a hot day from a cold can it is genuinely satisfying. Nothing fancy, just honest value. A fair three point four out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Want to see how Pabst Blue Ribbon stacks up against the rest? See our full best lager beer brands guide.
Pabst Blue Ribbon is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best American-style lagers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Pabst Blue Ribbon?
Pabst Blue Ribbon is an American lager, at 4.7% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Pabst Blue Ribbon?
Pabst Blue Ribbon has an ABV of 4.7%.
How many calories are in Pabst Blue Ribbon?
Pabst Blue Ribbon has 144 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Pabst Blue Ribbon gluten free?
Pabst Blue Ribbon: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Pabst Blue Ribbon have carbs?
Yes, Pabst Blue Ribbon has 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Pabst Blue Ribbon 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 Pabst Blue Ribbon?
If you can’t find Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller Genuine Draft is a close alternative in the same American lager category.
How much does Pabst Blue Ribbon cost?
Pabst Blue Ribbon typically runs Around $8 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 Pabst Blue Ribbon 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 Pabst Blue Ribbon?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American lager like Pabst Blue Ribbon. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
