Michelob Light: More Full- Bodied than You Would Expect
Written: Oct 01 '01 (Updated Dec 14 '06)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Smooth, easy to drink
Cons: Unappetizing aroma; flavor of rice
The Bottom Line: Michelob Light is an acceptable light beer; better than most other light beers, but not as good as the regular variety.
|
|
|
| Bryan_Carey's Full Review: Michelob Light |
Anheuser- Busch is that largest brewery in the world, and many of its products are among the best- known and among the top- selling brands of beer. The Michelob line is promoted as the company’s “super- premium” brand of beer, even though it isn’t worthy of that distinction. Michelob Light was introduced to the public in 1978 and it’s often promoted as a “premium” light beer, just like the other Michelob products. Is Michelob Light deserving of such praise? Let’s take a closer look.
Basic Characteristics:
Michelob Light’s appearance is very similar to other Anheuser- Busch products. The color is yellowish and very light, with crystal- clear clarity. The foam is also similar to other A-B beers, which means its almost non- existent. When you pour the beer, it does produce a decent amount of pure white foam, but it quickly settles down to nothing. The aroma of Michelob Light is sweet and snappy, due to the added rice. Like Budweiser, the aroma is not very appetizing.
The flavor of Michelob Light is very similar to regular Michelob and some people would be hard- pressed to find much difference. The taste is balanced overall, between the hops and the 2- row barley malt. The malt flavor is not quite as pronounced as with regular Michelob, but it’s very close. The rice flavor is evident, just like with other A-B beers, and it takes away from the taste. It would be better to taste barley than taste the snappy character that the rice imparts to the taste.
I looked up the information on the calories and alcohol level and they are very close to the high octane Michelob. The alcohol level is 4.5 percent by volume, and there are 134 calories in a 12oz. serving. Regular Michelob has 5 percent alcohol by volume and 155 calories. So, the caloric level of Michelob Light is only 21 less than the regular beer, and only 10 less than regular Budweiser. Based on calories, Michelob Light is not really that light, and the taste is also more full- bodied than one would expect in a light beer.
Food Compatibility:
Michelob Light is a social beer, and most people who consume it do so in a social setting, without any food. If I had to drink it with food, I would choose sausage, bratwurst, or light salty snacks like pretzels or potato chips. It can be consumed with burgers and other traditional tavern fare, but I think there are other beers that match better with these foods.
Final Thoughts:
Michelob Light is a fairly smooth tasting lager that will be acceptable to most palates. It’s not, however, a true light beer when you consider the calories and the fuller body. If calories are a concern, then you should pass on Michelob Light. There are other beers that have far fewer calories than this one.
This beer reminds me of the taste of regular Michelob with a slightly less malty body. I think a good way to describe this beer is that it’s like a premium version of Bud Light. It’s like taking Bud Light, and adding a little more barley malt. People who would rather drink a lighter beer that’s smoother and less filling will probably prefer Bud Light to Michelob Light, since Michelob Light is not really very light at all.
Personally, I don’t think that this beer is worth the bother. It tastes ok, and it’s better than most other light beers, but with the calorie level being so close to regular Michelob, I don’t see any reason to drink the light version. There are only 21 fewer calories, which is just 14 percent less than the regular beer. But the taste that you sacrifice is about 20 percent. Less experienced drinkers may not be able to tell a difference, but I can tell that this product is fractionally less full- bodied than regular Michelob.
Overall, Michelob Light is an acceptable product. Those who like Anheuser- Busch products will enjoy it, especially those drinkers who like Michelob. I will stick with the regular version myself. The differences are too slight to waste my time with Michelob Light.
Be sure to Click the Links Below to Read Reviews of Other Anheuser- Busch Products:
Budweiser:
Budweiser
Bud Light
Bud Ice
Bud Ice Light
Budweiser Select
Michelob Products:
Michelob
Michelob Ultra
Michelob Amber Bock
Michelob Black & Tan
Michelob Honey Lager
Michelob Marzen
Michelob Pale Ale
Michelob Pumpkin Spice
Other Anheuser- Busch Beers:
Winter’s Bourbon Cask Ale
Busch
Busch Light
Natural Light
Natural Ice
Anheuser World Select
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.