Do you like Budweiser but want to try something new? Then you're in luck—there are more than a few fantastic beers out there that resemble its taste. We found out which ones are the best to make your quest for a new beer a little easier.
Here are 9 excellent beers that are perfect for fans of Budweiser to try next. They're not all exactly the same, because what would be the fun in that? But they do all have a taste which I think you will appreciate, as a fan of the King of Beers.
1. Hoegaarden
Crafted in a Belgian town of the same name, Hoegaarden is one of the best beers out there. Like Budweiser, this pale ale has a pleasant and light flavor.
However, Hoegaarden's taste is a little more sweet and sour. You can taste hints of wheat and coriander. And the orange peel aroma also gives it a sunny vibe.
Its murkiness comes from the fact that Hoegaarden is unfiltered. Meaning that it doesn't undergo additional filtration to remove sediments like other beers.
But that's not a bad thing!
The cloudy sedimentation only enhances the flavor. It's the perfect beer if you want a more bright, citrusy style of Budweiser.
2. Coors Light
Considering how often these beers get compared, it makes sense that they would taste similar.
Coors Light is a classic beer to stock up on for cookouts and parties. It's cheap, inoffensive, and easy to drink. Not to mention it's an American-style lager, just like Budweiser.
Many craft beer aficionados also drink Coors as a guilty pleasure. Though considered bottom-shelf by some, it's refreshing and balanced in flavor. Not to mention it's got that satisfying crispness that Budweiser shares.
So if you enjoy Bud, it's safe to say you'll also be fond of Coors.
3. Pilsner Urquell
Want to try something like Budweiser but more refined?
Then look no further than Pilsner Urquell.
Pilsner Urquell is one of the most prestigious beers on our list: It often makes lists of the best beers in Europe. And it holds the distinction of being the first-ever pale lager.
Similar to Budweiser, Pilsner Urquell has that golden color and hoppy taste that pale lagers are famous for. But Pilsner Urquell's flavor is more robust and intense than Budweisers. You'll likely detect peppery and caramel notes when drinking it.
It's the perfect beer to expand your palate if you're interested in European beers and pilsners.
4. Sam Adams Boston Lager
Sam Adams Boston Lager is an excellent upgrade from Budweiser.
Hoppiness and maltiness are perfectly balanced, so the beer doesn't taste too bitter or sweet. And while its flavor is similar to Budweiser, Sam Adams has much more complexity. You'll pick on notes of cracker, grains, and caramel.
There's a distinctly toasty aroma to this American lager as well. Drinking a pint will make you want to find a warm fire to sit next to on a cold day.
The result is a strong beer that's pleasant to drink but unique in its characteristics.
Sam Adams produces numerous seasonal flavors of lager as well. So you can experiment with those if their standard label isn't hitting the spot.
5. Czechvar
Brewed since 1895, Czechvar lager is a high-quality beer with everything you want and more.
Identifiable by its iconic white and red label and gold foil top, this Czech lager is a delicious substitute for Budweiser. The taste is bolder but still delicious and distinctly hoppy. You may find that Czechvar is also drier and crisper.
While it's not quite as refreshing as Budweiser, it pairs exceptionally well with some foods. Such as cheese, crackers, and cured meats.
It can be a little tricky finding this beer stateside. If you have any trouble, try specialty liquor and wine stores.
And as a fun fact: Czechvar is sold as "Bud" in Europe.
6. Yuengling Traditional Lager
Yuengling is one of the gold standards of American Lager. And it's also America's oldest still running brewery.
This medium-bodied beer has a distinct amber color that stands out among our other entries. However, it still has that hoppy lager taste and crispness Budweiser fans want.
Yuengling's flavor is a little more complex than Budweiser's. You can tell it's a darker beer by its strong hints of caramel and maltiness. And yet, it still has a light and crisp quality to its taste, making it easy to drink.
Another benefit of Yuengling is its availability. You can find it at almost any bar or liquor store in the States.
As a result, this beer makes an excellent darker alternative to Budweiser.
7. Lagunitas Pils
This beer is the only lager made by Lagunitas. And to make sure it's up to standards, they brew it with imported Saaz hops from Czechia.
The result is a fantastic beverage with a subtle bitterness and earthy hints of lemon. It's perfect if you enjoy the bright and refreshing flavor of Budweiser.
Lagunitas Pils also possesses an appealing copper color, and foams into a pillowy white head.
It's got an alcohol content of 6%, higher than Budweiser's 5%. Meaning that if Bud isn't strong enough for you, Lagunitas Pils likely will be.
8. Half Acre Pony Pilsner
Half Acre crafted this solid German-style pilsner with a recognizable label covered in giant yellow letters spelling "PONY."
This beer is an excellent alternative for those who appreciate the simplicity of Budweiser. The no-nonsense flavor lacks the complexity of some of our other entries. But it makes up for it with a refined and pleasantly hoppy taste.
You may also notice a hint of juniper, similar to gin.
Half Acre Pony Pilsner can be hard to get in some areas but is definitely worth trying. If you find other beers are too flavorful compared to Budweiser, this one may just do the trick for you.
9. Narragansett Lager
One of New England's best craft beers, Narragansett Lager is perhaps the most flavorful beer on our list.
While it's got that hoppy taste Budweiser fans enjoy, Narragansett is more complex. Some even describe its intense flavor as sour, earthy, and corn-like.
Nonetheless, it's a very easy to drink and enjoyable lager. It's made from six-row malt, hops grown in the Pacific Northwest, and purified water from Lake Ontario.
Budweiser is an excellent beer, but the somewhat one-note taste can get old. Narragansett Lager is a great way to spice things up.
