Beer-articles 922

In 2026, the global beer market reached a valuation of $916.12 billion, continuing a trend of steady growth. However, within the U.S., consumer preferences are shifting, and draft beer spending saw a decline of nearly 2% year-over-year during the third quarter of 2025. This decline contrasts with the rising popularity of sober culture and ongoing tariffs affecting beer imports.

Amid this changing landscape, many consumers are becoming increasingly discerning regarding their beer choices. A recent analysis by Beer Advocate highlighted the ten worst-rated beers based on user ratings, revealing a split between the beers Americans buy in large quantities and those they genuinely enjoy.

Notably, several lower-rated beers, like Bud Light and Corona Extra, dominate sales in the U.S., which has been attributed to a drinking culture that often favors light and low-quality lagers. While traditional brands captured a large market share, craft breweries have steadily gained ground, with major corporations like Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors accounting for less than 60% of beer sales by 2024.

The following are the ten worst-rated beers according to Beer Advocate:

1. Budweiser Select 55

   • Average rating: 1.65
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 2.4%
   • Location: Missouri, USA
   • This low-calorie beer is criticized for being "thin, flavorless, and odd-smelling."

2. Natural Light

   • Average rating: 1.76
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 4.2%
   • Location: Missouri, USA
   • Known humorously as "Natty Light," its long brewing process results in a low-calorie, light body.

3. Sharp’s

   • Average rating: 1.72
   • Type: Low-Alcohol Beer
   • ABV: 0.4%
   • Location: Wisconsin, USA
   • Labeled as less flavorful than its competitors, it features a minimal alcohol content.

4. Keystone Light

   • Average rating: 1.84
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 4.1%
   • Location: Colorado, USA
   • Often used in drinking games due to its weak taste, it has been described as "very watery."

5. Beer 30 Light

   • Average rating: 1.66
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 4.0%
   • Location: Wisconsin, USA
   • Reviewers commonly report an unappealing odor and aftertaste.

6. Natural Ice

   • Average rating: 1.85
   • Type: American Adjunct Lager
   • ABV: 5.9%
   • Location: Missouri, USA
   • Slightly more favored than its sibling, Natural Light, due to a higher alcohol content.

7. Miller 64

   • Average rating: 1.84
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 2.8%
   • Location: Wisconsin, USA
   • Marketed as an extra-light version, it is described as "barely beer."

8. Milwaukee’s Best Light

   • Average rating: 1.84
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 4.2%
   • Location: Wisconsin, USA
   • Despite its low ranking, it received accolades in some beer competitions in the past.

9. Bud Light

   • Average rating: 1.88
   • Type: Light Lager
   • ABV: 4.2%
   • Location: Missouri, USA
   • Described by reviewers as "water with a hint of alcohol," it has inspired a variety of spin-off drinks.

10. Milwaukee’s Best

    • Average rating: 1.89
    • Type: American Adjunct Lager
    • ABV: 4.8%
    • Location: Wisconsin, USA
    • While some praise it, others label it as "abysmal swill."

As consumer tastes continue to evolve, the market dynamics for beer, particularly in the U.S., remain complex, with a notable shift towards higher-quality options as more craft breweries gain legitimacy among beer aficionados.

There are countless rock ‘n’ roll songs that celebrate drinking, and many specifically reference beer. In recognition of National Beer Day on April 7, we have curated a list of 25 songs that either highlight beer as a theme or mention it in their lyrics.

Cheers!

1. "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers," ZZ Top
   From: Tres Hombres (1973)
   "Beer drinkers and hell raisers, yeah / Baby, don’t you want to come with me?"

2. "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," George Thorogood and the Destroyers
   From: George Thorogood and the Destroyers (1977)
   "Gonna get drunk, won’tcha listen right here / I want one bourbon, one shot ‘n’ one beer."

3. "Warm Beer and Cold Women," Tom Waits
   From: Nighthawks at the Diner (1975)
   "Warm beer and cold women, I just don’t fit in / Every joint I stumbled into tonight / That’s just how it’s been."

4. "Roadhouse Blues," The Doors
   From: Morrison Hotel (1970)
   "I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer / The future’s uncertain and the end is always near."

5. "Beer for Breakfast," The Replacements
   From: All for Nothing / Nothing for All (1997)
   "All I wanna do is drink beer for breakfast…"

6. "Bubbles in My Beer," Willie Nelson
   From: Shotgun Willie (1973)
   "Tonight in a bar alone, I’m sitting apart from the laughter and the cheer…"

7. "Say It Ain’t So," Weezer
   From: Weezer (1994)
   "Somebody’s Heine’ is crowdin’ my icebox…"

8. "Beercan," Beck
   From: Mellowgold (1994)
   "We went down, lit up the shack, grabbed me a beer out of the sack…"

9. "Joe’s Garage," Frank Zappa
   From: Joe’s Garage (1979)
   "Down in Joe’s Garage / We didn’t have no dope or LSD / But a coupla quartsa beer…"

10. "Working Man," Rush
    From: Rush (1974)
    "’Cause I get home at five o’clock / And I take myself out an ice cold beer…"

11. "Piano Man," Billy Joel
    From: Piano Man (1973)
    "And the piano, it sounds like a carnival / And the microphone smells like a beer."

12. "Saturday Night’s All Right for Fighting," Elton John
    From: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
    "It’s seven o’clock and I want to rock / Want to get a belly full of beer."

13. "Six Pack," Black Flag
    From: Six Pack (1981)
    "I’ve got a six pack and nothing to do…"

14. "Ziggy Stardust," David Bowie
    From: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)
    "Just the beer light to guide us…"

15. "Sunday Morning Coming Down," Kris Kristofferson
    From: The Austin Sessions (1999)
    "The beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad / So I had one more for dessert."

16. "Seven Days," Sting
    From: Ten Summoner’s Tales (1993)
    "I need that beer."

17. "Sunset Grill," Don Henley
    From: Building the Perfect Beast (1984)
    "Meanwhile, have another beer…"

18. "Tangled Up in Blue," Bob Dylan
    From: Blood on the Tracks (1975)
    "I stopped in for a beer…"

19. "The Power of Positive Drinking," Lou Reed
    From: Growing Up in Public (1980)
    "It’s the power, the power of positive drinking."

20. "Sunny Afternoon," The Kinks
    From: Face to Face (1966)
    "Sippin’ at my ice cold beer…"

21. "House of the Gods," The Pogues
    From: Hell’s Ditch (1990)
    "Sipping Singha beer on Pattaya Beach…"

22. "There’s a Tear in My Beer," Hank Williams
    "There’s a tear in my beer / ‘Cause I’m cryin’ for you, dear…"

23. "Cold Beer and Remote Control," Indigo Girls
    "Cold beer and remote control."

24. "I Hardly Ever Sing Beer Drinking Songs," Johnny Cash
    "I hardly ever sing beer drinking songs…"

25. "All I Wanna Do," Sheryl Crow
    From: Tuesday Night Music Club (1993)
    "I like a good beer buzz early in the mornin’…"

Celebrating rock music and the various ways it captures the spirit of beer drinking!

Beer enthusiasts in Houston are gearing up to celebrate National Beer Day on April 7, with numerous bars and restaurants offering enticing drink specials. This annual event, initiated in 2009 by Virginia craft beer examiner Justin Smith and his friend Mike Connolly, has become a beloved occasion for beer lovers across the country.

Here are some of the exciting offers available in Houston:

Yard House

• Enjoy $10 half-yards of select beers throughout the day.

Atlas Ultra Lounge

• All-day $5 beers will be on offer at this popular venue located at 2707 Fountain View Drive.

Mambo Seafood

• Celebrate 30 years in business with $3 beers available all day on April 7.

Truck Yard Houston

• From open until 7 p.m., grab 16-ounce domestic draft beers for just $4, alongside $4 Second Rodeo draft beers.

Lankford’s The Woodlands

• This establishment will have a variety of specials, including $12 pitchers, $2 off draft and bottled beers, and a 50% discount on its beer wall.

These deals promise to make National Beer Day a delightful experience for patrons looking to unwind with their favorite brews.

Recent research highlights that the types of alcoholic beverages consumed can significantly influence health outcomes, in addition to the quantity consumed. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session suggests that moderate wine consumption may lower health risks compared to beer or spirits.

The findings point to a potentially reduced mortality risk for those consuming wine at low to moderate levels. This study examined data from 340,924 individuals as part of the UK Biobank, focusing on the relationship between alcohol consumption types and overall health outcomes.

Study Findings

Participants were categorized based on their weekly and daily alcohol consumption into four groups:

1. Never or occasional drinkers: Less than 20g per week
2. Low alcohol consumers: Men drinking 20g per week to 20g per day; women 20g per week to 10g per day
3. Moderate alcohol consumers: Men consuming 20g to 40g per day; women 10g to 20g per day
4. High alcohol consumers: Men exceeding 40g; women exceeding 20g per day

Notable findings included:

• High consumers (compared to non-drinkers) were 24% more likely to die from any cause, 36% more likely to die from cancer, and 14% more likely to die from heart disease.
• Moderate consumption of wine was associated with a 21% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to low alcoholic drinks like spirits and beer, which increased risks.

Despite these potential benefits, experts emphasize that heavy drinking universally presents health risks. The American Heart Association also highlights the dangers associated with excessive drinking, which may include increased risks for hypertension and heart complications.

Considerations and Limitations

While the findings offer useful insights into the varying impacts of different alcoholic beverages, they are based on observational data, which may carry inherent limitations. Professionals advocate for minimal alcohol consumption overall, suggesting that if one doesn’t drink, they should refrain from starting for health benefits.

The study raises important questions regarding alcohol consumption and its effects on health, underscoring that moderation is paramount.

In an exciting episode of Next Level Chef, titled “Ale’s Well That Ends Well,” the competition heats up with a delectable twist as chefs are required to create dishes inspired by beer. Judges Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais introduce a vibrant pub theme, complete with beer taps and even a game of beer pong, where contestants can win key ingredients for their dishes.

With the stakes high, each chef must execute their recipes with precision, incorporating the right beer pairings. The episode showcases the talent and creativity of the contestants as they navigate challenges, ultimately leading to one contestant being sent home.

The episode features 15 competitors, originally divided into three teams led by each judge. Following a series of intense cooking challenges, Connor from Team Arrington wins the top dish with lager-glazed chicken paired with charred corn and bone marrow succotash, securing his team’s stay at the Top Level kitchen.

As part of the elimination round, two chefs face off to prepare dishes with champagne, with Amber and Darian putting their culinary skills to the test. While both dishes receive mixed reviews, Amber is ultimately eliminated, marking a poignant moment in the competition as she vows to continue her culinary journey.

Next week’s teaser promises a “cowboy cooking” challenge, hinting at more thrilling kitchen antics and surprises in store for viewers.

A unique educational experience unfolds at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) with the Fountain Hill Brewery, a student-run taproom where aspiring brewers craft and serve their own beer. This public taproom operates for three hours each week, providing practical training in the brewing process for students enrolled in the Craft Brewing Certificate program.

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Allison Hoekstra, students engage in various aspects of brewing. They are responsible for writing recipes, brewing, and kegging the beer, which is later served to customers. The taproom is open on select Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., showcasing a rotating selection of craft beers created by the students, alongside appetizers made by culinary arts students and chef-professors.

Hoekstra emphasized the program’s focus on teaching every stage of brewing, from safety and sanitation to the final moment when customers enjoy the students’ creations. The taproom offers a social setting for students to gather feedback on their brews, and many of them find it rewarding to interact with guests.

Between 30 to 80 visitors frequent the taproom each week, purchasing pints priced between $5 and $7. Proceeds from the brewery directly support the Craft Brewery program, with a portion of tips contributing to student scholarships. The brewery has also become a community hub, hosting events that celebrate women in the brewing industry and offering to-go beers.

The overarching goal of the Craft Brewing Certificate program is to prepare students for successful careers in the brewing industry. Many alumni go on to work in local breweries or associated businesses, showcasing the ongoing growth of Grand Rapids as a notable beer hub, often referred to as “Beer City, USA.”

Hoekstra reflects on the fulfillment of witnessing her students’ growth, particularly when they showcase their own recipes at local beer festivals. Such achievements highlight the program’s success in nurturing talent within the brewing community.

Madison Beer and Justin Herbert made a stylish appearance at a Los Angeles Lakers game, showcasing their blossoming relationship. The couple was spotted together courtside as the Lakers faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout the game, they were seen sharing smiles and intimate moments, creating quite a buzz among fans who captured their affectionate exchanges online.

Having confirmed their relationship, this outing marks another in a series of public appearances. Beer, recognized for her musical talent as a Grammy-nominated artist, opted for a chic outfit consisting of a fitted top and casual denim, complemented by sleek accessories. Herbert, who plays as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, dressed in a comfortable hoodie and cap.

The game saw the Lakers triumph with their 50th victory of the season, while Luka Dončić and LeBron James turned heads with noteworthy performances. However, fans shifted their gaze toward Beer and Herbert, who have become a noteworthy couple in the celebrity world. Their bond has grown stronger with each outing, including a recent incident where Herbert protectively shielded Beer from a flying basketball, adding to their charming narrative.

As they continue to support each other’s careers and express their values in relationships—connection and humor—this couple’s public displays of affection suggest a deepening bond that fans eagerly follow.

I first sampled Goose Island IPA at 30,000 feet. While I enjoyed the taste, I realized that Goose Island Beer Co.’s place on that airline’s drink cart was likely due to the backing of its owner, Anheuser-Busch (AB InBev). In fact, Goose Island is one of many brands under the AB InBev umbrella, an acquisition that shocked many craft beer enthusiasts back in 2011.

Goose Island was founded by John Hall in 1988 as a brewpub in Lincoln Park, Chicago, during a pivotal time in the craft beer movement. Inspired by European beer traditions, Hall opened a full-scale brewery in 1995, and the business expanded over the years. By 2006, increased investments helped Goose Island branch out internationally, leading to its acquisition by AB InBev in 2011. This conglomerate also owns major brands like Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois.

Despite its history of change, Goose Island maintains a strong lineup of beers, including its flagship IPA, which remains popular among craft beer aficionados. The brewery is also known for its Bourbon County Brand stout, marketed as the "world’s first bourbon barrel-aged beer," despite debates over its origins and claims. Their offerings have since diversified into several barrel-aged variants.

Classic brews like Full Pocket Pilsner, 312 Wheat Ale, and the original Honker’s Ale, which premiered at the brewpub in 1988, still sell well today. Inspired by its European roots, Goose Island also offers beers like King Henry II Barrel-Aged English-Style Barleywine and Belgian-style ales including Sofie Saison and Grand Cru Belgian Strong Ale.

The notion of Goose Island "selling out" hasn’t deterred fans; the brewery holds a respectable rating of 3.9 on Untappd, even outperforming independent Sierra Nevada by a hair. Many beer enthusiasts feel the quality has endured, even under larger ownership. The beer community remains supportive, with discussions emphasizing enjoyment over corporate affiliations.

The craft beer industry is facing challenges, with more breweries closing than opening recently, contrasting sharply with prior years’ booms. For some, aligning with a major brewer may seem like compromising artistry, but for others, it provides stability and a platform for growth. Enjoying a Goose Island IPA, whether on a plane or at home, signifies that quality often transcends ownership.

For more insights, you can read the original article on Tasting Table.

Tiger Beer has firmly established itself as a significant part of Singapore’s history and culture over the past nearly 100 years. As it approaches 2027, the brand is set to shift its brewing operations from Singapore to facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam, marking a major transition for the homegrown beer.

The Beginning: 1932

Tiger Beer was born from a partnership between Dutch brewing giant Heineken and local F&B company Fraser and Neave (F&N) at Malayan Breweries, launching on October 1, 1932, with the catchy slogan "Time for a Tiger." A celebratory tasting event drew in crowds eager to sample the new brew.

Rise to Fame: Mid 1930s

Within just a few years, Tiger Beer became immensely popular in Singapore and abroad. Its fame reached such heights that even the Malayan Royal Air Force’s 230 Squadron embraced its logo as their own insignia.

Challenges: 1942-1947

The Japanese Occupation during World War II saw the brewery seized and repurposed. To adapt, the brewery developed "Tiger Cub," a lighter beer that used less malt due to shortages. The original Tiger Beer returned to store shelves in 1947.

Growth and Innovation: 1960s-1990s

As Singapore gained independence in 1965, Tiger Beer introduced its first canned beer in 1964 and made its television debut in an advertisement in 1973. By 1981, exports had begun, reaching markets such as the UK and Germany. A significant rebranding in 1990 led to the formation of Asian Pacific Breweries, alongside the opening of a state-of-the-art brewery in Tuas.

Key Developments: 2000s and Beyond

2008 saw the Carlsberg Sky Tower in Sentosa being renamed to Tiger Sky Tower. A subsidiary of Heineken from 2012, the brewery also ran the Tiger Brewery Tour, inviting fan engagement. In the following years, Tiger Beer supported local hawkers, refreshed its branding, and even launched a lower-alcohol variant, Tiger Crystal, in 2019.

In 2021, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were thrilled to spot Tiger Beer in The Winter Soldier series. The brand continued to innovate by introducing a Soju-infused lager in 2023, targeting younger audiences through collaborations with K-pop celebrities.

A New Era: 2026

Today, Tiger Beer is brewed in 11 countries and distributed in over 75. The upcoming production shift to Malaysia and Vietnam will allow APB Singapore to narrow its focus on logistics and business planning, aiming for a future of growth while revamping the old Tuas brewery.

Tiger Beer remains an indelible part of Singapore’s identity, weaving through its cultural fabric and adapting to changing times.

Natural Light has recently introduced a unique product called Lawn Brew, a fertilizer designed specifically for enhancing lawn health by utilizing spent beer grains. This distinct approach aims to make lawns greener and thicker while capitalizing on brewing byproducts.

The product mixes leftover materials from the brewing process with fresh fertilizer to improve soil structure and promote robust grass growth. According to the brand, Lawn Brew is rich in nutrients and fiber which can significantly boost lawn health.

Research supports these claims; a 2022 study found that using brewers’ spent grain can increase soil organic content and nitrogen levels, enhancing the overall soil quality. Although previous studies mainly focused on vegetable crops, like eggplants, the potential benefits for lawns are promising.

Natural Light’s marketing head, Krystyn Stowe, expressed delight in merging the worlds of beer and lawn care, stating that it reflects the interests of their consumers who enjoy beer and take pride in their yards. This creative solution not only helps lawns thrive but also promotes sustainability by transforming brewing waste into a beneficial resource.

For those interested in Lawn Brew, it’s available for purchase for $14.99 for a 64-ounce bag from ShopBeerGear.com, but buyers must be 21 or older to make a purchase. With this new fertilizer, homeowners can enhance their lawn’s appeal just in time for summer gatherings while enjoying their favorite brew.

For more details, visit Food & Wine.