The Hunt For The Best Bargain Beer

When it comes to shitty beer, there are a plethora of options available, and it seems that everyone has a story about at least one of them. These beers are typically mass-produced by large national brands and are often affordable, easy to drink, and lack flavour. While some people enjoy them for what they are, others find them truly repulsive. So, if you're looking for a shitty beer to buy, you're certainly spoilt for choice. Here are some of the most popular options:

- Bud Light

- Coors Light

- Keystone

- Busch Light

- Miller High Life

- Budweiser Select 55

- Miller Genuine Draft 64

- Rolling Rock

- Schlitz

- Stroh's

- Pabst Blue Ribbon

- Rainier

- Tecate

- Miller Lite

Characteristics of Shitty Beers

Worst beers in the world

There are many contenders for the title of the worst beers in the world. Here is a list of some of the most commonly cited terrible beers, with a focus on those that are widely available:

Budweiser Select 55

Budweiser Select 55 is often mentioned as one of the worst beers available. It is an Anheuser-Busch light lager with a low ABV of 2.40%. It is marketed as having fewer calories and carbs than regular Budweiser, but reviewers describe it as "thin, flavourless, and odd-smelling", with a "sour" taste that can be "queasy-making".

Keystone Ice

Keystone Ice, a Molson Coors Canada product, is another beer that is often derided. It is brewed at below freezing to create a smooth flavour at a higher alcohol level of 5.5% ABV. One reviewer described the taste as "bready generic cereal malt, fake fruity grape candy, and a slightly phenolic alcohol note". However, it seems that Keystone Ice has been discontinued as of 2021, so beer enthusiasts will no longer have to endure it.

Sleeman Clear

Sleeman Clear is a Canadian low-carb beer from Sleeman Breweries Ltd. While some may find its low-carbohydrate content appealing, it is considered by many to be one of the worst beers available. It is described as having little to no flavour, with one reviewer noting that it "tastes like light water, with a slight lagery additive".

Red Dog

Red Dog, a Miller Brewing Co. beer, is often mentioned as a cheap option for college students. It is described as "awful in almost every way, shape, and form", with the only redeeming feature being that it "actually tastes somewhat like beer".

Coors Light

Coors Light, a ubiquitous light beer from the Coors Brewing Company, is not well-regarded among beer enthusiasts. It is described as a "light and fleeting malt flavour with a metallic hop bite". Its best qualities are said to be its carbonation and ability to be drunk cold on a hot day.

O'Doul's

O'Doul's, an Anheuser-Busch non-alcoholic beer, is considered the original in its category. While it is not hated, there are now many better non-alcoholic options available. It is described as having a "balanced" taste with a "simple and straightforward" feel.

Miller High Life Ice

Miller High Life Ice, a product of Miller Brewing Co., is another beer that is often mentioned as one of the worst available. It is described as "bland", with "nothing much to taste at all". It is said to have low drinkability, with one reviewer stating that "there are worse beers out there, but this certainly isn't anything special".

Corona Light

Corona Light, a light beer from Grupo Modelo, is often mentioned as a good option for those who like Corona with lime or want a light beer for hot weather. However, it is also included in lists of the worst beers, with one reviewer noting that it should be judged for what it is – a light beer – rather than comparing it to the best pilsners available.

Bud Light & Clamato Chelada

This Anheuser-Busch beer is a combination of Bud Light and a Bloody Mary. It is designed for people who like Micheladas, which are beers mixed with Clamato or tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and hot sauce. Unsurprisingly, people who are not fans of this combination tend to dislike this beer.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra, an Anheuser-Busch ultra-low-carb beer, is often criticised for its lack of flavour. It is described as "very watery" with tastes of "wet hay and corn flakes". However, for some drinkers, this lack of flavour is a positive feature.

Busch Light

Busch Light, another Anheuser-Busch product, is described as being extremely light in colour and flavour. It is said to taste like "ice water", with nothing standing out in terms of taste.

Bud Ice

Bud Ice, an Anheuser-Busch ice-style beer, is an affordable option that serves a purpose. It is described as "light and grainy" with "sweet grainy malts and very faint bitterness". It is considered inoffensive and cheap.

Bud Light

Bud Light, one of the most popular light beers in the US, has its detractors despite its widespread popularity. It is described as having a sweet taste with notes of "corn flakes, barley, and an almost mineral flavour".

Milwaukee's Best Light

Milwaukee's Best Light, a Miller Brewing Co. beer, leaves most reviewers underwhelmed in terms of flavour. However, it is praised for its texture, which is described as "almost champagne-like" with excellent carbonation retention.

Miller 64

Miller 64, a Miller Brewing Co. beer, has 64 calories and is often criticised for being extremely light, to the point of tasting like a seltzer. One reviewer described it as "a shadow of traditional Miller" with a "very light scent and taste".

Natural Ice

Natural Ice

Best-tasting beers

While the question of which beer is the best-tasting is highly subjective, and some may disagree with the notion of any beer being "shitty", here is a list of beers that have been described as "shitty" by some drinkers, but which others have professed to enjoy:

Hamm's

Hamm's beer is available at a great price point and is considered drinkable. One bar manager even chose it as their "cheap beer" option over other similar beers.

Rainier

Rainier has been described as the "only beer" and the best cheap beer. It is also said to be ice-cold and refreshing on the river or golf course.

Narragansett

Narragansett, or "'Gansett", is considered a solid cheap beer. It has been described as tasting like apple juice and is a popular choice for those feeling nostalgic.

Utica Club

Utica Club, or "UC", is a cheap beer with a fair bit going on in terms of flavour. It has a unique vegetal maltiness that makes it better than its price category might suggest.

Genesee Cream Ale

Genesee Cream Ale, or "Genny Cream", is an old-timey regional budget brew. While it doesn't have any signature gross flavours, it is very rough and stale-tasting.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a popular light beer that is widely available. It is described as inoffensive and good to drink cold on a hot day.

Miller High Life

Miller High Life is a popular choice among bartenders and cool people in some neighbourhoods. However, it can be too accidentally sour.

Pabst Blue Ribbon

PBR has a clean, nondescript taste and is a good option for getting drunk on a budget. It also has the distinction of having won a blue ribbon at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Bud Light

Despite being one of the most popular beers in the US, Bud Light has its detractors. It has been described as tasting like printer paper and is often associated with an impression of unfreshness.

Keystone Light

Keystone Light is a regular, boring light beer. It is a viable option for those looking to drink their way into Speedo shape one beer at a time.

While these beers may not be considered the best-tasting by everyone, they do have their fans and can be enjoyable in the right context. Ultimately, the best-tasting beer is the one that you enjoy drinking, regardless of its reputation.

Beer for chugging

If you're looking for a beer to chug, there are several options that can help you get the job done quickly and smoothly. Here are some recommendations for "shitty" beers that are perfect for chugging:

Miller Lite

Miller Lite is a popular choice for chugging due to its cheap cost, light flavour, and 4% alcohol per volume. It's a no-frills beer that won't fill you up too fast, making it ideal for downing large quantities in a short amount of time.

Guinness

Guinness is a surprisingly good choice for chugging, despite its dark colour. It has low carbonation and is served at a warmer temperature than most lagers, making it easier to drink quickly. It's also relatively low in alcohol and calories, so you won't get too drunk or full.

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR, is a classic choice for chugging. It's an easy-drinking beer that goes down smoothly, making it a popular option for those looking to consume large volumes in a short period.

Coors Light, Red Stripe, and Lone Star

These beers are also mentioned as good options for chugging. They are likely chosen for their light flavour, low cost, and smooth drinkability.

Other Considerations

When choosing a beer for chugging, it's important to consider the level of carbonation and temperature. Highly carbonated beers can cause a buildup of foam, making it difficult to chug. Therefore, beers with low carbonation or nitro beers are better options. Additionally, beers that taste best when ice-cold may not be ideal, as they can be more difficult to chug when extremely cold.

Beer for drinking games

Drinking games are a great way to spice up parties and get people talking, but choosing the right beer is essential. You want something easy to drink, affordable, and maybe even a little nostalgic. Here are some recommendations for beers to buy for your next drinking game:

Miller High Life

This American Lager/Cream Ale is a highly drinkable and affordable option. It won silver and bronze medals at the Great American Beer Festival and is a popular choice for drinking games. Its smooth taste and low price make it a perfect choice for chugging or casual drinking.

Budweiser

Although Budweiser is no longer the top-selling beer in the United States, it is still a popular choice for drinking games. With its familiar taste and widespread availability, it's easy to grab a pack of Buds for your next party.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a refreshing and crisp option for drinking games, especially during hot summer days or after a long day in the sun. It's a popular choice for those who want a lighter beer that still packs a punch.

Yuengling Traditional Lager

Yuengling is America's oldest brewery, and its traditional lager is a well-balanced, full-bodied beer. With a subtle sweetness from roasted caramel malt, it offers a unique taste that sets it apart from other beers. It's a popular choice in Pennsylvania and a great option for those who want something different from the typical light lager.

Heineken

Heineken is a popular European beer that has a crisp and clean taste. While it may not be the most highly-rated beer, it is widely consumed and can be a good choice for those who want a simple, no-frills beer for their drinking games.

Local Favourites

Depending on your location, there may be local beers that are perfect for drinking games. For example, if you're in the Northeast United States, you might opt for a Genny Cream Ale or Narragansett. If you're in the South, you might choose a Pacifico or a Dos Equis. These local favourites often have a loyal following and can add a sense of regional flavour to your drinking games.

Cheap beers

If you're looking for cheap beers, you're spoilt for choice. Here are some of the most popular options, starting with the least expensive:

Keystone Ice, Molson Coors Canada (5.5% ABV)

This beer is brewed at freezing temperature to achieve a smooth flavour at a higher alcohol level. It's a popular choice for college students and young drinkers, but it's not exactly winning any awards for taste.

Red Dog, Miller Brewing Co. (4.80% ABV)

Red Dog is another cheap option that is mostly favoured by young college students. It's not known for its taste, but it's affordable and somewhat "beer-like".

Keystone, Molson Coors Canada (4.90% ABV)

Keystone is a cheap beer that, according to reviewers, doesn't taste like much. It has a subdued metallic and hard water taste, with some sweet corn and straw notes.

Busch Light, Anheuser-Busch (4.10% ABV)

This light beer is known for its lack of flavour. One reviewer noted that it "tastes like ice water". It's a good option for a hot day when you're looking for a refreshing drink.

Bud Light, Anheuser-Busch (4.20% ABV)

As one of the most popular light beers in the U.S., Bud Light is a well-known and easily accessible option. However, it has its fair share of detractors who describe the taste as "printer paper" or "corn flakes, barley, and an almost mineral flavour".

Miller High Life, Miller Brewing Co. (4.7% ABV)

Miller High Life is a silver medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. It's an affordable and drinkable option, often favoured by bartenders and cool people. However, some find it too accidentally sour.

Coors Light, Coors Brewing Company (Molson-Coors) (4.20% ABV)

Coors Light is a ubiquitous light beer that doesn't promise a dynamic craft beer experience. It's known for its carbonation and ability to be drunk cold, making it a refreshing choice for a hot day.

Milwaukee's Best, Miller Brewing Co.

While the flavour of this light beer might not impress, its texture has been described as "almost champagne-like". It has excellent carbonation retention, contributing to a clingy head.

Natural Light, Anheuser-Busch (4.20% ABV)

This is a light and easy-drinking lager that is both loved and hated. Those who love it praise its low price and inoffensiveness, while those who dislike it truly despise it.

Rainier

Rainier is a sweet and clean-tasting beer that tells soothing lies about freshness and purity.

Hamm's

Hamm's is a popular choice for those looking for a drinkable beer at a great price point. It's often available for a good deal at bars and liquor stores.

Narragansett

This beer has been described as a "perfect cheap beer" and a "solid, cheap beer". It's a good option for drinking on the golf course or by the river.

Lone Star

Lone Star is a middle-of-the-road beer from Oklahoma. It's a good choice when you're trying to avoid Corona and margarita slushies at a license-plates-on-the-wall restaurant.

Grain Belt Premium

Grain Belt Premium is considered America's finest cheap beer. It's a smooth, creamy, and dreamy local budget brew from Minnesota.

So, the next time you're looking for some cheap beers, you can choose from this wide range of options, each with its own unique characteristics and flavour profiles.

Frequently asked questions