20 Best Lager Beer Brands 2024 [Sip the Elite Brews]

In the world of beers, the popularity of lager is truly unmatched. Its crisp, refreshing taste and effervescent sparkle instantly turn any gathering into a celebration. Now, let's imagine you walk into your local booze shop, scouting for the perfect brew for the evening. The towering shelves filled with an array of delightful lagers can be quite daunting, right? That's precisely why I've compiled a list of the best lager beer brands.

This list combines a delightful mix of classics and exciting new contenders from all corners of the globe. By the end of this guide, you'll be well on your way to discovering your new favorite. So fill your glass, pull up a chair, and join me and these fantastic lagers on a dynamic journey replete with intoxicating flavors. Cheers!

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20 Best Lager Beer Brands of 2024

With a vast array of lager beer brands, beer lovers around the world are spoiled for choice. From tried-and-true classics to innovative craft brews, there's a lager out there for just about every palate. Let's take a closer look at some of the most loved and tastiest lagers on the market.

1. Michelob Ultra

Ever since it hit the market back in 2002, Michelob Ultra has been the "go-to" brew for those who want to enjoy a beer without worrying about calorie intake. It has a light, crisp taste and a gentle, golden hue that reminds me of a refreshing summer sunset. The smooth drinkability is backed by its purity: Michelob Ultra contains no artificial colors or flavors.

It's brewed with the finest barley malt, rice, hops, and pure filtered water for a superior taste. Its appeal has transcended beyond casual beer drinkers, finding a unique place among athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to its low carb content. So if you're looking to balance an active lifestyle with a love for beer, Michelob Ultra might indeed be your best bet.

2. Lone Star Lager

Representing the heart and soul of Texas, Lone Star Lager embodies the independent spirit and charming folklore of the state. With its rich, double malt blend and a unique blend of Central American hops, this beer delivers crisp, smooth taste with every sip. Its foggy golden pour with a snowy white head is a sight for sore eyes, and its balance of sweetness and bitterness satisfy the palate in a way few beers replicate.

Ever since its inception in 1945, Lone Star Beer has remained committed to preserving its Texan roots, and it's not uncommon to see Lone Star cans being toasted at Texas barbecues, rodeos, and football games. If you are someone who enjoys a traditional lager with a hefty taste, don't miss the Lone Star Lager.

3. Shiner Bock

Dubbed as the 'Little Brewery' in Shiner, Texas, the Shiner Bock has a charm of its own. It's certainly one of my personal favorites - a dark lager with a rich taste and smooth finish that pairs well with just about any dish, from spicy Tex-Mex to classic American BBQ. This beer has a deep amber color and a slightly sweet flavor dampened by a hint of bitterness. Its malty richness might just change the mind of anyone who claims not to like dark beers. Still fairly unknown outside of Texas, it's been a best kept secret among beer connoisseurs. But once you've had it, there's no forgetting Shiner Bock.

4. Kostritzer Schwarzbier

Traveling virtually to Germany, allow me to introduce the Kostritzer Schwarzbier. Now, this beer has a history dating back to 1543, and trust me, it tastes like it's been perfected over centuries. It's a bit on the darker side, derives from a traditional German recipe that combines barley, hops, and water in an exquisite balanced brew. With its creamy texture, the beer gives off an aroma of chocolate and coffee. Despite its complexity, it is surprisingly light, with just the right touch of bitterness. This brew is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a robust black lager that won't weigh you down.

5. Corona Extra Lager

Corona Extra Lager, beyond being a beer, is a symbol of beach and party culture worldwide. The famously golden, fizzy lager, adorned with a bright slice of lime, is delightfully crisp and refreshing. Corona Extra is a classic pale lager with just the right balance between hops and malt. Its light-bodied, dry flavor, coupled with a slightly fruity-honey aroma, makes for a perfect drink to enjoy under the summer sun. Let's not forget its iconic clear bottle and branding, symbolizing a lifestyle of fun and relaxation. In my opinion, Corona Extra is not just a beverage, but a ticket to an endless beach vacation.

6. Asahi Super Dry

Allow me to journey you into the far east with Asahi Super Dry, Japan's number one beer. This brew launched a new genre of beers in Japan dubbed "dry beer," characterized by its crisp, quick finish. This lager gives a perfect balance of complex aromas and light, refreshingly dry flavors. You will appreciate the advanced brewing techniques and absolute precision used to achieve the supremely clean taste. Suffice to say, if simplicity, elegance, and sophistication were a beer, they would undoubtedly match up to Asahi Super Dry.

7. Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Who would not love a little Italian charm in their beer glass? Listen, the Peroni Nastro Azzurro is more than just a beer. It's Italy's number one premium beer that exudes an image of chic, stylish, and creative Italian culture. The beer is pale lager, and it manages to maintain a delicate balance of bitterness and citrus, aromatic notes merging with a surprisingly quick and dry finish. If you love beer that tastes clean, crisp, and refreshing with an understated Italian sophistication, then Peroni Nastro Azzurro is for you.

8. Trader Joe’s Simpler Times

Taking lager to its basics, Trader Joe’s Simpler Times Lager is a hidden gem. This beer celebrates a return to old-fashioned brewing, where flavor and affordability both come together. It’s robust, yet easy-to-drink, offering sweet maltiness balanced by a hoppy bitterness. Remarkably low in its price tag, this lager does not disappoint with its high quality and taste. Simpler Times Lager stands as a tribute to times when beers were brewed the hard way - and a perfect option for those who value simplicity and great taste.

9. Pilsner Urquell Beer

With Pilsner Urquell Beer, we take a trip to the Czech Republic, the birthplace of pilsners. This iconic brew has kept its rich golden color and full-bodied flavor since 1842. It's a beer with a refreshing taste, elegant in its smoothness with a pleasing maltiness, and a slightly bitter finish. Tantalizing your nose are the graceful notes of fresh bread and caramel from the triple-decocted malt, balanced by the aromatic and distinctly more robust hops. Pilsner Urquell is undeniably a classic that has stood the test of time, still holding its own in the bustling beer market - a must-try for any serious beer lover.

10. Coors Banquet Lager

Let's now traverse to Colorado's rocky mountains for the Coors Banquet Lager. This lager has been a part of the American brewing heritage since 1873. It's brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water and Moravian barley, delivering a distinct full-bodied taste developed for banquet festivities. This beer nods to the past while being relevant in the present with its clear, bright appearance, delicate aromas, and crisp, refreshing taste. Coors Banquet Lager doesn't promise to be the most complex beer, but it is a solid, reliable choice that has been pleasing crowds for generations.

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11. Victory Prima Pils

Completing our beer journey, I introduce you to Victory Prima Pils from Pennsylvania. Revered in its famed ability to be light while packing an array of hop flavors, this beer is as surprising as it is delicious. Often noted with hints of peppery spices, citrus, and earthy herbal undertones, Victory Prima Pils doesn't shy away from delivering a 'hoppy' punch. Yet, it masterfully maintains its light body and crisp finish. This lager balances its strong nature beautifully with its palate-cleaning ability, leaving your taste buds invigorated for the next sip. A bottle of Victory Prima Pils would be the perfect drink to spice up your beer exploration.

12. Longboard

Coasting all the way over to the Pacific, Hawaii, to be exact, we find ourselves in the relaxed, laid-back company of Longboard. This Island Lager is the epitome of chill, embodying the Hawaiian spirit with its easy-drinking, smooth, and slightly fruity flavor profile. It's light-bodied, mellow but packs a subtle punch with its charming tropical notes. Longboard Lager is the perfect beer to grab off a chilled shelf on a hot day, whether you're hitting the beach, BBQing in the backyard, or just hanging out with friends.

13. Red Stripe

Cruise further into the Caribbean as we sail our taste buds to the glorious island of Jamaica, the birthplace of Red Stripe. This delightful lager, instantly recognizable by its unique stubby bottle, captures the spirit of Jamaica with its light, breezy, and super crisp taste. Offering the perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness, it echoes the island's vibe with a sunny, fun, and laid-back approach, making it the perfect companion for those upbeat summer beach parties.

14. Bohemia Pilsner

Our next destination lands us in the heart of Mexico, uncovering the refined elegance of the Bohemia Pilsner. Known for its rich, full-bodied flavor, Bohemia is brewed following traditional Czech-style methods, setting a golden standard for all Mexican pilsners. It remarkably blends the sweetness of pale malts with the distinctive bitterness of Saaz hops, creating a crisp, balanced beer with soft floral aromas. Tailor-made for those in search of something a bit more refined among lagers, it conjures the brilliance of Bohemia and its centuries-old brewing tradition.

15. Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock

Waltzing back into Germany, our last stop is the Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock, one of the most extraordinary types of beer. It's a part of the Schneider Weisse's "Tap X" specialty line, the Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock is a unique and intriguing offering. Brewing a dark and strong wheat doppelbock, freezing it to concentrate the flavors thereby creating a full-bodied, velvety, dark mahogany beer, rich in fruity flavors like plums and ripe bananas meshed with vanilla.

It leaves a lasting impression with its vibrantly complex nature and intoxicating prowess. This Eisbock testifies that when it comes to brewing, Germans definitely know how to create a masterpiece.

16. Narragansett Lager

There's a reason why Narragansett Lager is synonymous with its adjoining state. Regarded as New England's beer of choice for generations, this lager has been continuously awarded for its drinkability and pure American character. It's brewed to be clean, crisp and perfectly balanced between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. It embodies the classic American lager flavor profile and pairs effortlessly with any food. Simply put, Narragansett Lager offers a refreshing, unfussy brew - a classic testament to American brewing.

17. Yuengling Traditional Lager

Leaning back into the heart of the American beer landscape, we come across a lasting legacy in brewing - Yuengling Traditional Lager. Running the oldest brewery in the U.S, Yuengling has managed to keep beer enthusiasts hooked with their beers, especially their traditional lager. So, what's this lager's secret charm? A heady blend of roasted caramel malt for a hint of sweetness, balanced with a cluster of hops for a subtle bitterness. The result is a rich amber color, medium-bodied lager that's just smooth, just crisp, and always appealing.

18. Prost Dunkel

Let's jet back over to Germany for the making of our next rich and smooth contestant - Prost Dunkel. Dunkel, which translates to "dark," is a traditional style of lager, and the experts at Prost Brewing certainly do this brew justice. Exhibiting flavors of chocolate and nuts complemented by a touch of dark fruit and spicy hops, the Dunkel is a full-bodied, malty beer. It’s not overly sweet and maintains an excellent balance that leaves you wanting more. This remarkably smooth yet complex brew is truly a must-try for any beer lover.

19. Spaten Premium Lager

Back from the German heartlands, we meet the renowned Spaten Premium Lager. Founded in 1397, the brewery has centuries of experience in crafting quality beers, with its premium lager being no exception. This Munich-style helles is mesmerizingly golden, brimming with a malty sweetness upfront, balanced by earthy, floral hops at the end, tied together with a refreshing, crisp body. Whether you're a mighty beer aficionado or an occasional sipper, the Spaten Premium Lager is a pleasing brew that easily fits various palates.

20. Grolsch

Last but not least, let's "hop" over to the Netherlands to round off our list with the stellar Grolsch. Famous worldwide for their iconic swing top bottle, Grolsch brews its lager using two types of hops: one for bitterness and one for aroma. These hops, combined with its two centuries of Dutch brewing tradition, create an exceptionally tasteful lager. It embodies a wonderful hop aroma, a rich malty sweetness, and a crisp finish that leaves you refreshed. If you're seeking a lager that commands respect, Grolsch is a definitive must-try.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

On this flavor-filled journey, we've explored the sheer diversity and richness that the world of lager beers offers. From the Texan heritage of Lone Star Lager to the Dutch delight of Grolsch, the best lager beer brands cater to every palate and preference. However, remember that the true joy of beers lies in exploration. So, don't stop here. Continue trying new brews, revisit the classics, and expand your flavor horizons.

The beauty of lager beer resides not just within its golden expanse but also in its ability to transform any moment into a celebration. So here's to all the lager lovers out there! May your glasses always clink with cheer and joy. With each sip, dive deeper into the delightful world of remarkably brewed lager beers. Cheers!