We Ranked This Classic American Beer Higher Than Miller Lite And Budweiser

Folks who swear by their go-to macrobrew may rarely venture into the world of craft beer, but even the most diehard fans of standard brews should know that tastiness awaits beyond their usual six-pack. For instance, in a ranking of classic American beers, Mashed contributor Jenny Kellerhals Keogh placed Dale's Pale Ale ahead of both Miller Lite and Budweiser.

Dale's Pale Ale is made by Oskar Blues Brewery, and the beer is an American-style ale with 6.5% ABV and 65 IBU, or International Bitterness Units. That makes it relatively drinkable without being over-the-top boozy, but this type of beer is surprisingly bitter enough to fall into IPA territory. One of the main differences between India pale ales and pale ales is that the former tends to be higher in IBU, 40 to 70 versus 30 to 50. Dale's Pale Ale is atypical in this way, brewed with Cascade, Centennial, and Comet hops that offer a malty nose with a piney, citrusy profile, fizzy consistency, and dry finish.

Its boldness beyond the average pale ale is what won over Kellerhals Keogh. "While it might be categorized as a pale ale, Dale's is noticeably darker, hoppier, and a touch 'danker' than many of the lighter pale ales on the market. With that said, it's not challengingly bitter, and has a touch of citrusy sweetness to round out the beer's complexity," she wrote. In short, it's a great introductory beer for macrobrew devotees interested in expanding their palates.

In comparison with popular macros, Dale's Pale Ale is more robust. According to Jenny Kellerhals Keogh's review, Budweiser is perhaps adored more for its timelessness than flavor, saying, "The King of Beers is not very complex, a bit on the sweet side, and not too bitter, and with just enough flavor and color." She adds, "It's easy enough to enjoy, even if most of what you're tasting is American nostalgia." As for Miller Lite, she reports that it "actually tastes like beer" with a pilsner-like balance and crispness, but it's not as nuanced as Dale's.

Dale's influence is vast among craft beer lovers. "It's got a nice hop flavor, but without the bitterness overpowering the malt nuttiness," one Reddit user writes. "Pours slightly cloudy, tap-like head. Great depth of body, very 'full' beer. Hops and alcohol, while strong, do not overpower. Very well-balanced," notes a Beer Advocate reviewer. 

Colorado's Oskar Blues microbrewery was acquired by the Monster Beverage Corporation in 2022, expanding its distribution and manufacturing resources. Oskar Blues beers are available in all 50 states and 17 countries. The price varies, but a six-pack of 12-ounce cans generally costs between $10.99 and $12.99. You may also find it in tall 19.2-ounce cans and 15-packs.