The Worst Rated Beers In America & The Best


The Worst Rated Beers In America & The Best


Saint Patrick's Day is coming up so we know you're all loading up on beer to celebrate the holiday. While you're likely just picking up some of the cheapest options out there, let's talk a bit more seriously about beer today. In America, there's more than just your typical Coors Light or Bud Lights - there are tons of respected breweries that make the most amazing beers. That's why we want to share with you 10 of the worst-rated beers in America and 10 of the best. How many have you tried, and how many do you agree with?


1. Keystone Ice

Keystone Ice is known for its higher alcohol content compared to other light beers, but that alone isn't enough to make up for its taste. Consistently appearing on peoples' list of least-liked beers, many claim it just tastes "cheap."

1024Px-Keystone (Coors Brewing) Beer Can (39935373693)Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States on Wikimedia Commons

2. Natural Light

Despite being a budget-friendly option and having mass-market appeal, Natural Light still comes up in discussions when it comes to least favoured beers. People simply hate its light flavour and bitter aftertaste, explaining its incredibly low ratings.

Alexander-Schimmeck-Fkahmu9Zwqu-UnsplashPhoto by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

3. Bud Light & Clamato Chelada

An interesting (to put it nicely) mix that combines beer with clamato juice, spices, and a touch of lime. If you've never tried it, how does that sound to you? Unfortunately, it's a blend that has garnered a lot of negative attention, as it continues to consistently feature on lists of worst beers in America.

Bud Light (13473923083)Mike Mozart on Wikimedia Commons

4. Milwaukee's Best Light

Deemed "a beer for college students," Milwaukee's Best Light doesn't exactly have the best rep. It's targeted as an affordable light beer, and while it can be very appealing for budget-conscious consumers, its taste might have you putting it back on the shelf. 

Justin-Sanchez-Poac9Dcnofk-UnsplashPhoto by Justin Sanchez on Unsplash

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5. Coors Light

Although Coors Light is one of the best-selling beers in America, it's a drink that's often criticized for its lack of flavour. For passionate beer-drinkers, its popularity isn't enough to outweigh its flavour, landing it on the list of least favourite beers for many.

Can Coors LightKimjon12 on Wikimedia Commons

6. Budweiser Select

Advertised as a low-calorie beer, Budweiser Select had just one goal: offering consumers a lighter option while still trying to maintain its flavour. Unfortunately, many have commented that it just doesn't do it for them, making its way onto the rankings of less favoured beers.

Liv-Hema-Ytcsr9Yzaxk-UnsplashPhoto by Liv Hema on Unsplash

7. Busch Beer

Another beer that's often chosen for its affordability, Busch Beer has been noted to have a bit more of a "breadier" flavour. While its pricing can be very appealing to many, price isn't always a good translation of popularity. And this beer is the perfect example of that - many consumers criticize it doesn't really even taste like beer.

1024Px-Busch Beer (19713355251)Paul Sableman from St. Louis, MO on Wikimedia Commons

8. Miller Lite

A mass-produced light beer that has been around for decades, Miller Lite is unfortunately not any better than the other beers listed here. Although they tried to appeal to audiences who want a lighter beer option, its taste is often described as "cheap."

Marty-O-Neill-Tumbg0Kwofu-UnsplashPhoto by Marty O’Neill on Unsplash

9. Corona Light

This lighter version of the more popular and loved Corona Extra, tried to provide consumers with a refreshing experience with fewer calories. But despite the brand's popularity, this beer has repeatedly found itself on the list of worst rated beers. Its lighter taste just doesn't mesh well with passionate beer-drinkers.

La Casa Restaurant - August 2023 - Sarah StierchMissvain on Wikimedia Commons

10. King Cobra Premium Malt Liquor

A malt liquor known for its strong flavour and higher alcohol content, King Cobra is aimed at a specific market audience. Sadly, it doesn't pass the test when it comes to flavour - it's definitely not for everyone.

King Cobra 40Oz Malt LiquorHynespb at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons

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1. Away Days (1852 Brew Co., Visalia, CA)

Taking home the gold in its category for "Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale," at the Great American Beer Festival, Away Days is a very highly rated beer. It's been complemented for its lovely blend of citrus and tropical notes that delight the palate.

Airport Beerkeh - Flickr - Joel OlivesJoel Olives from The Woodlands, TX, USA on Wikimedia Commons

2. Westbound Select (Westbound & Down Brewing Co., Idaho Springs, CO)

The Westbound Select by Westbound & Down Brewing Co. won the coveted gold prize for the category of West Coast-Style India Pale Ale. It was thanks to its clear, hop-forward profile that balanced the bitterness nicely with a crisp finish.

Bence-Boros-8T5Uav6Kkza-Unsplash (1)Photo by BENCE BOROS on Unsplash

3. Nashville Light (Nashville Brewing Co., Nashville, TN)

Winning the gold meal in the category for Light Lager at the Great American Beer Festival, the Nashville Light is a champion. It offers a refreshing and light taste that many people can enjoy, perfect for any occasion.

Louis-Hansel-Vi7Pdreqll4-UnsplashPhoto by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

4. Prodigal Pils (Lazarus Brewing Co., Austin, TX)

Taking home the top prize for German-Style Pilsener, the Prodigal Pils is a fantastic beer. Its celebrated for its crispness, followed by its clean and hoppy flavour that pays homage to traditional German craftsmanship. You've got to try it if you get the chance!

Igor-Omilaev-Rlp8 Uq0Aso-UnsplashPhoto by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

5. Head Hunter (Fat Head’s Brewery, North Olmsted, OH)

Winning the prize for American-Style India Pale Ale at the Great American Beer Festival, the Head Hunter was able to snag the gold thanks to its aggressive flavour profile that's complemented by its citrusy, piney aromas.

Domagoj-Horak-6Jc88Vjavje-UnsplashPhoto by Domagoj Horak on Unsplash

6. Rogue Rolling Thunder (Rogue Ales, Newport, OR)

Rogue Rolling Thunder doesn't just have a great name, it's an Imperial Stout you won't be disappointed with. Aged for nine months in Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey barrels, it features a lovely combination of notes of butterscotch, chocolate, coffee, and whiskey.

Priyank-Pathak-Sc0Bdxc4674-UnsplashPhoto by Priyank Pathak on Unsplash

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7. Toppling Goliath Haze Bus (Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., Decorah, IA)

We just can't get over these names! The Toppling Goliath Haze Bus is another great beer you need to try. It's a Hazy IPA that's packed with tropical fruit flavours you won't be able to resist. It offers consumers a sweet palate with minimal bitterness. 

Josh-Olalde-5Pgp5Ndokxi-UnsplashPhoto by Josh Olalde on Unsplash

8. Brooklyn Black Ops (Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, NY)

The Brooklyn Black Ops is a barrel-aged stout with a secretive recipe. Sound interesting? It's aged for a lengthy time in Four Roses Small Batch bourbon barrels, and is best known for its rich, boozy, and chocolatey profile.

Rinat-T-P73Ilwueukm-UnsplashPhoto by Rinat T on Unsplash

9. Alaskan Smoked Porter (Alaskan Brewing Co., Juneau, AK)

The Alaskan Smoked Porter has a flavour profile just as you'd expect - it's an annual release with a distinctive campfire smoke aroma and flavours of dark chocolate, vanilla, and robust smoke. It's definitely not for everyone, but for those who appreciate these tastes, it's a must-try.

Gerrie-Van-Der-Walt-2Usnxq3M4Ge-UnsplashPhoto by Gerrie van der Walt on Unsplash

10. von Trapp Schwarz (von Trapp Brewing, Stowe, VT)

The von Trapp Schwarz is a good one. It's a Bavarian-style black lager that combines roasted malt flavors with the crispness of a lager, showcasing notes of butterscotch, coffee, and dark chocolate.

Ibmoon-Kim-1Lbcqnt-2Ju-UnsplashPhoto by ibmoon Kim on Unsplash