In today’s global economy, there’s no end to the many different types of beers that you can try. With so many options to choose from in your local grocery or liquor store, you may be wondering which will suit you best. Here, Banko Beverage Co. illustrates some of the various styles and characteristics of domestic vs. imported beer across a range of beverage brands.
Domestic Beer
Domestic beer is brewed, bottled, and packaged right here in the United States. As opposed to craft beer, domestic beer tends to be produced at a larger scale and distributed more widely. Here are a few examples of popular domestic beers:
- Miller Lite: This is a classic pilsner – meaning it’s a pale lager-style beer, with a light hops taste and a very crisp finish. Because of Miller Lite’s mild flavor, it goes well with all different kinds of food. It’s also a good low-calorie option, with just 96 calories in a 12-ounce can.
- Pabst Blue Ribbon: One of the most well-known styles from Pabst Brewing Company in Illinois, Pabst Blue Ribbon is an American-style lager. It’s made with malted barley and has a hop aroma that’s distinct but not too strong. While a Pabst Blue Ribbon can is one of the brewery’s most emblematic products, Pabst Brewing Company has a wide variety of offerings from hard seltzer and cold brew to non-alcoholic lager-style drinks.
- Rolling Rock: This beer originates from St. Louis, Missouri. Though it’s an American-style lager like many domestic beers, Rolling Rock has a unique flavor attributed to its simple blend of water, malt, hops, rice, corn, and brewer’s yeast. Rolling Rock is characterized by its iconic green bottles.
Imported Beer
As the name implies, imported beers are brewed in other countries and are available for purchase in the United States. If you’re not sure what kind of imported beer you like, here are a few differing styles:
- Guinness: You’ve probably heard of Guinness, arguably Ireland’s most famous beer. It’s a stout with a malty flavor that mixes sweet and bitter notes. Some people compare the flavor and feel of Guinness to a milkshake, with coffee and chocolate flavors. Typically served on tap in a tall pint glass, Guinness is also available in bottles and cans.
- Schöfferhofer: Quite at the other end of the flavor spectrum is this refreshing drink, a 50/50 mix of Hefeweizen (wheat) beer and sparkling fruit juice known in Germany as a radler. Schöfferhofer has a very low alcohol content of 2.5% ABV, making it a great drink for a hot summer day. While grapefruit juice is most commonly used in a radler, Schöfferhofer also comes in passion fruit and pomegranate flavors.
- Sol: One of Mexico’s most popular beers, Sol is a crisp lager that’s 4.5% ABV. Because of its light flavor, Sol pairs well with heavy meals or spicy foods. It’s often served in a glass bottle with a wedge of lime to enhance the citrus notes found in this pilsner-style lager.
Find Your Perfect Beer at Banko Beverage Co.
If you’re in the market for a new favorite drink, the Banko Beverage Co. team in Allentown, Pennsylvania can provide plenty of insight on the domestic vs. imported beer debate in your home. Serving customers in the Greater Lehigh Valley Area for more than 80 years, we are dedicated to helping you find the ideal beverage for your next holiday or celebration. For more information, contact us today.