Micolob Beer's Hoppy Secret: What's Inside?

Michelob is a brand of beer that was founded by German-American brewer Adolphus Busch in 1896. The original Michelob was brewed using imported European ingredients, such as Czech Saaz hops, and had a complex, yet crisp, flavour. It was marketed as a draught beer for connoisseurs and was to be served only on draught in the finest retail establishments. In 2002, the formula for Michelob was changed and the name was changed to Michelob Ultra. This new light lager was significantly lower in calories and carbohydrates than the original Michelob. So, does Michelob beer have hops in it?

Michelob's history and origin

Michelob is a beer owned by Anheuser-Busch, which also owns several other brands. It was first produced in 1896 as a draught beer for wealthy people. It was originally a 4.7% ABV pale lager developed by Adolphus Busch, who is considered one of the most influential brewers of his time. The name Michelob comes from Měcholupy, now in the Czech Republic, where a famous brewer, Anton Dreher, had a brewery.

Michelob was initially an expensive lager retailing at $8 per barrel. It struggled to become popular during the early to mid-1900s due to its availability only on draught, making it less accessible to the general public. The Second World War and Prohibition also hurt sales, as there was a shortage of materials to brew the beer. It wasn't until 1961 that Anheuser-Busch created a pasteurized version that could be sold in the US.

In 1978, Michelob introduced a light version, which didn't sell well. In 2002, Michelob Ultra was launched as a low-carb beer, and it became one of the fastest-growing beer brands in the US. Michelob Ultra has only 95 calories, 2.6 carbs, and no artificial flavours or colours. It is brewed with barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure-cultured yeast strain.

Over the years, Michelob has introduced various sub-beers that branch off from tradition, testing new flavours and methods. Today, its catalogue includes "Pure Gold", an organic beer, "Amber Max", a gluten-free beer, and "Infusions", featuring different flavours.

Ingredients and brewing process

Michelob is a light lager with an ABV of 4.2%. It is made from a blend of pale malts and rice, which gives it a refreshing and subtle flavor, along with a light golden color. The use of pale malts gives it a delicate "grainy" sweetness, while the rice ensures a clean, crisp finish.

Michelob was first brewed in 1896 by Adolphus Busch of Anheuser-Busch. The beer was inspired by the high-quality all-malt Pale Lagers of Bohemia, which Busch had tasted during his travels to the region. He aimed to replicate this style, and even 'borrowed' the town's name, Michelob, for his new product.

Michelob was an all-malt beer, in contrast to Budweiser, another Anheuser-Busch product, which used adjuncts like rice. The predominant barley grown in the US at the time was six-row barley, which resulted in hazy beer due to its high protein content. To produce a clear, all-malt pale beer, two-row barley with a lower protein content was needed. This could be imported from Europe, or grown in the US, particularly in western states.

The hops used in Michelob were likely imported from Bohemia, specifically Czech Saaz hops, as this was in keeping with the beer's inspiration. The dominant hop grown in the US at the time was Cluster hops, but as Michelob was a super-premium beer, it is unlikely that these were used. Advertising for Michelob at the time stated that it contained "absolutely nothing but the very best imported Saazer (Bohemia) hops".

The yeast used in the original Michelob beer came from the brewery in Michelob, Bohemia, and was introduced to the brewing process in 1905.

A reconstruction of the original Michelob recipe includes the following ingredients:

• Weyermann Pilsner Malt
• Sterling hops
• Lubelski hops (Polish-grown Saaz hops)
• Wyeast 2007 (reportedly the Anheuser-Busch lager yeast strain)
• Gypsum
• Brewtan-B
• Lactic acid
• Irish Moss
• Wyeast yeast nutrient

Nutritional value and taste

Michelob Ultra is a light lager with a blend of pale malts and rice, which gives it a refreshing and subtle flavour, along with a light golden colour. It has a unique blend of pale malts and rice, a subtle and refreshing taste, and a surprisingly low calorie and carbohydrate count. The use of pale malts gives it a delicate "grainy" sweetness, while the rice ensures the beer retains a clean, crisp finish.

Michelob Ultra has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 4.2%, which is lower than a standard lager, which typically has an ABV of around 5%. It also has just 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, making it a popular choice for health-conscious drinkers.

The taste of Michelob Ultra is often described as light and "easy to drink", but some have criticised it as tasting "watered down" or lacking in flavour. However, its continued success suggests that it meets the preferences of many beer drinkers.

The original Michelob Lager, on the other hand, has been described as having a smooth, light initial taste, followed by an intense, sour, and bitter aftertaste. It has a typical lager colour of pale yellow and is filled with bubbles. The smell has been described as rounded, with a pleasant barley and hops aroma.

Michelob Ultra has expanded its product line to include variations such as Michelob Ultra Pure Gold, an organic version of the light lager; Michelob Ultra Infusions, with added fruit flavours; and Michelob Ultra Amber Max, a gluten-reduced version.

Brand evolution and marketing

Michelob, an Anheuser-Busch product, was first introduced in 1896 as a super-premium, all-malt lager. It was only available on draught in high-end theatres, restaurants, and hotels. The brand and brew have evolved over the years, with variations of Michelob circulating the market for forty years.

In 1978, Michelob was introduced as the country's first super-premium light beer, with a high percentage of two-row barley malt. This was distinguished by its golden colour, classic hop aroma, and slightly sweet taste.

In 2002, Michelob Ultra was born, with a specific aim in mind: to target health-conscious beer drinkers. This new product had a blend of pale malts and rice, giving it a refreshing and subtle flavour, along with a light golden colour. Michelob Ultra also had fewer calories and carbohydrates, catering to the health-conscious demographic. It quickly became the second most popular beer in America, taking less than two decades to enter the Top 5 beer brands in the country.

Michelob Ultra's success led to the launch of several variations, including Michelob Ultra Pure Gold, an organic innovation, and Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus. The brand also sponsored major sports leagues like the PGA, LPGA, NBA, and WNBA, and advertised during the Super Bowl.

Michelob's evolution continued with the introduction of Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzers, which offered refreshing, flavorful blends of coconut water and real fruit juice, with no added sugar. The brand also introduced Amber Max, a rich-tasting light lager, showcasing their commitment to innovation and catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Comparison with other beers

Michelob is a light lager, with a lower alcohol content than other beers. It is made from a blend of pale malts and rice, which gives it a subtle and refreshing taste and a light golden colour. Its mild flavour and low bitterness make it a good choice for those wanting a less "robust" taste.

Michelob's closest relatives are other light lagers, which are known for their milder flavour, lighter colour, and lower alcohol content compared to other beer types. However, Michelob Ultra stands out from other light lagers due to its unique blend of pale malts and rice, as well as its noticeable carbonation.

Michelob's use of pale malts gives it a delicate "grainy" sweetness, while the rice ensures a clean, crisp finish. This makes it a good choice for those who want a less intense beer experience. In comparison, other light lagers may have a more watered-down taste.

Michelob also has a surprisingly low calorie and carbohydrate count, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers. This sets it apart from other beers that may have higher calorie counts.

When compared to ales, Michelob has a lower alcohol content. Ales are brewed at warmer temperatures, resulting in a faster fermentation process and a more complex flavour profile. They can range from fruity and spicy to bitter and hoppy, with IPAs being known for their bold hop flavours.

Michelob also differs from stouts, which are dark beers with robust flavours and a creamy mouthfeel. Stouts often have mid-to-high alcohol levels and can have notes of coffee and chocolate.

Additionally, Michelob is distinct from porters, which are also dark in colour but tend to have a less intense coffee taste than stouts. Porters use malted unroasted barley, giving them a complex flavour profile that includes notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit.

Michelob also differs from wheat beers, which have a light and tangy profile and are often combined with seasonal fruits. Wheat beers are known for their refreshing and crisp taste, making them perfect for summer drinking.

In summary, Michelob Ultra is a unique light lager that stands out from other beers due to its blend of pale malts and rice, subtle and refreshing taste, low calorie count, and mild flavour. It offers a less intense beer experience compared to ales, stouts, and porters, and differs from wheat beers with its lack of tangy notes.

Frequently asked questions