The Hands Down Best Classic American Beer

What makes a great classic American beer? Is it what's in the glass or what the beer has come to represent? For us, it's a combination of both, as evidenced in our taste test of classic American beers ranked worst to best. So which popular beer brand came out on top? The answer may surprise you, seeing as it's only available in 30 states plus Washington, D.C.: Pennsylvania-based Yuengling Traditional Lager is hands-down the best classic American beer.

One of the first things that set this beer apart from the others was its style. Most American beers on this list are pale ales, IPAs, or light American lagers, but Yuengling is technically an amber lager. Although most American amber lagers use German Noble hops, Yuengling uses American Cascade and Cluster hops (here's the untold truth of hops), making for a lighter, more balanced flavor. We noted the minimal bitterness and flavorful taste of the beer, beating out other American classic beers like Michelob and Busch, which our reviewer said, "Its flavor is so mild that it's practically beer flavored carbonated water."

Yuengling Traditional Lager is higher in calories (141) and carbs (12 grams) than some of the lighter beers that were tasted. But it seems to hit a sweet spot between classic, full-bodied beer and a low ABV (4.5%) that allows you to sip it and actually enjoy it. It certainly makes sense considering Yuengling has been perfecting its beer recipes since 1829 and is America's oldest brewery.

Yuengling isn't just the best American classic beer because it tastes good, though. The brewery is an American institution run by the Yuengling family for six generations. David G. Yuengling founded the beer company in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, originally calling it Eagle Brewery (which sounds a lot more American to be honest). Yuengling eventually changed the brewery's name to reflect its status as a family business: D.G. Yuengling & Son. The brewery went on to survive prohibition by drafting "near beer," which was beer with an alcohol content of less than half of 1%, and even ice cream (yes, Yuengling really does make ice cream).

Aside from its long history, Yuengling's status as a classic American beer is largely due to its working-class roots. The brewery's underground caves were excavated by Pennsylvania coal miners in the 1800s and used to keep beer kegs cold before refrigeration was widely available. Yuengling beer became a fixture at neighborhood bars throughout the state and across the Northeast. In fact, if you order a lager in Pennsylvania, you're guaranteed to get a Yuengling Traditional Lager.

Perhaps because it's less prolific than Bud Light or Michelob Ultra, yet still highly regarded, Yuengling hype is the subject of much debate, especially on Reddit. Drinkers of the beer note it's especially good for the price, although certainly not worthy of beer snob status. Still, for many beer drinkers, that's all that's needed — a reliably solid American beer with nearly two centuries of reputation behind it.