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The Hands Down Best Classic American Beer
Mashed • • business
Key Points:
- Pennsylvania-based Yuengling Traditional Lager was ranked the best classic American beer in a recent taste test, despite being available in only 30 states plus Washington, D.C.
- Unlike many American beers that are pale ales or light lagers, Yuengling is an amber lager using American Cascade and Cluster hops, resulting in a lighter, balanced flavor with minimal bitterness.
- Yuengling has a higher calorie and carb content than some lighter beers but balances a full-bodied taste with a moderate 4.5% ABV, making it enjoyable to sip.
- The brewery, founded in 1829 and run by the Yuengling family for six generations, has a rich history including surviving Prohibition with "near beer" and ice cream production.
- Yuengling's working-class roots and regional popularity, especially in Pennsylvania, contribute to its status as a classic American beer, valued for its quality and heritage rather than craft beer prestige.
