Yuengling Traditional Lager comes from D.G. Yuengling & Son in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, America’s oldest operating brewery, founded in 1829. It is an amber lager, which means more caramel malt, more color and more flavor than the pale macro crowd, while still being an easy, affordable, everyday beer. On the East Coast it is close to a religion. Here is why it earns that loyalty.
Yuengling Traditional Lager at a glance
| Style | American amber lager |
| ABV | 4.5% |
| Calories | 128 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 8.5g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | D.G. Yuengling & Son, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, corn, caramel malt, 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
Yuengling pushes the malt and color up a level from the pale macros, with a gentle caramel sweetness balancing a light, clean bitterness.
The full review
It pours a lovely amber-copper, noticeably darker than a standard lager, with an off-white head. The aroma brings light caramel and toasted malt with a faint grainy sweetness. Straight away it smells like it has more going on than a pale macro.
The flavor follows through. There is a gentle caramel and lightly toasted malt sweetness up front, a smooth medium-light body, and a clean, mild bitterness that keeps it from being sweet. It is smooth and balanced, with just enough character to keep it interesting sip after sip.
That mix of easy drinking and real malt flavor is the whole appeal. It is still a sessionable, affordable everyday beer, but it tastes like a beer with a recipe behind it rather than a formula. The caramel-malt backbone makes it far more satisfying than the pale light lagers.
Add in the heritage, the price and the fact that it pairs well with everything from wings to burgers, and it is easy to see why Yuengling has such a devoted following. For the money, very little on the shelf beats it.
The everyday beer that punches well above its price.
- Real caramel-malt flavor and amber color
- Smooth, balanced and very drinkable
- Excellent value for the character you get
- Heritage from America’s oldest brewery
- Only sold in part of the US
- Still an everyday lager, not a craft showpiece
- Malt-forward profile is not for pale-lager loyalists
Who it is for
Anyone who wants more malt and flavor than a standard macro without leaving the easy-drinking, affordable lane. If you like it, try a Negra Modelo or a Samuel Adams Boston Lager for more amber-lager character.
Yuengling Traditional Lager FAQs
What does Yuengling taste like?
Smooth and balanced with a gentle caramel and toasted-malt sweetness, a medium-light body and a clean, mild bitterness. It has more flavor and color than a pale macro lager.
What style is Yuengling Traditional Lager?
It is an American amber lager, which uses caramel malt for its amber color and richer malt flavor.
How strong is Yuengling?
It is 4.5% ABV, a comfortable everyday strength.
How many calories are in Yuengling?
About 128 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 8.5g of carbs.
Is Yuengling really America’s oldest brewery?
Yes. D.G. Yuengling & Son in Pottsville, Pennsylvania has been operating since 1829, making it the oldest brewery in the US.
Is Yuengling vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, corn, caramel malt, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Yuengling gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
Why can I not buy Yuengling everywhere?
Yuengling has expanded steadily but is still not distributed in every US state, which is part of its cult appeal.
Where to buy Yuengling Traditional Lager
Yuengling is widely available across the eastern and central US and can be delivered where stocked. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Yuengling Traditional Lager is one of the best value beers in America. It gives you genuine caramel-malt flavor, amber color and a smooth, balanced body while staying an affordable, easy everyday lager, all with the heritage of the country’s oldest brewery behind it. A well-earned four point one out of five. Explore more in our beer reviews and guides.
Want to see how Yuengling Traditional Lager stacks up against the rest? See our full best lager beer rankings guide.
Want the wider picture? Our best American beers guide ranks every one we have tasted.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Yuengling Traditional Lager?
Yuengling Traditional Lager is an American amber lager, at 4.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Yuengling Traditional Lager?
Yuengling Traditional Lager has an ABV of 4.5%.
How many calories are in Yuengling Traditional Lager?
Yuengling Traditional Lager has 128 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Yuengling Traditional Lager gluten free?
Yuengling Traditional Lager: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Yuengling Traditional Lager have carbs?
Yes, Yuengling Traditional Lager has 8.5g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Yuengling Traditional Lager 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 Yuengling Traditional Lager cost?
Yuengling Traditional Lager 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 Yuengling Traditional Lager 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 Yuengling Traditional Lager?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American amber lager like Yuengling Traditional Lager. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
