When it comes to light beer vs dark beer although there can be differences between these beer styles most of those perceived differences are in fact misconceptions and the reality is the only bona fide consistent difference between them is their color.
As you will see in this article dark beers can in fact be light beers and just because a light beer is light in color does not mean that it is light in alcohol content or calories; the color of the beer has nowhere near the influence on its characteristics of flavor, taste, aroma, abv, and calorie count that many people believe it does.
Light Beer vs Dark Beer
When discussing light-colored beer vs dark-colored beer, if you painted them both with a broad brush and focused on their differences in the traditional sense one could say that light beers overall are lighter tasting, have a lighter mouthfeel, and are more refreshing drinks. They are preferably consumed on a hot summer day whereas darker beers are in general more of a drink to be consumed in the winter months due to them being heartier beers with a fuller body and bolder taste.
However, as you will see in this article these beliefs are not always accurate because both of these beers can and are so much more than how they are perceived in the traditional sense; in fact, in many cases, dark beer will have the characteristics we just described for a light beer and vice versa.
What is Light Beer?
This depends on what you mean by light beer. In the context of comparing light beer to dark beer in this article, we are referring to the actual color of the beer. However light beer can also refer to beers that are low in calories and alcohol content. Typically a light beer in that context will have an approximate ABV of 4% or less and have less than 100 calories in a bottle or can.
The thing to keep in mind is that the color of the beer has no bearing on it being light in this context, many dark beers are considered light when referring to their ABV and caloric content, Guinness Draught is one such example, being very dark almost black in color it fits the criteria to be considered a light beer in this content coming in with an ABV of 4.2%.
This is an important distinction to keep in mind when you are searching for a beer that has a low ABV and low-calorie count, do not judge the beer by its color, just because it is a lighter color does not mean it is a “light beer” in this context. In fact, numerous light-colored beers are in fact very high in ABV and calories.
For the purposes of this article when we discuss light beer we are referring to the actual color of the beer.
Light Beer Colors
Typically the darkest a beer would be to still be considered a light beer is a light amber or bronze colored beer, from there they proceed down the color spectrum from golden, to a light golden color, to straw-like hues. A general rule of thumb is light beers are no darker than medium amber which is approximately a 12 on the SRM scale, which is a scale used for measuring the color intensity of a beer.
The Flavors of Light Beer
It is very difficult to pinpoint the exact flavor of light beer, this is because there are so many factors that come into play in determining the taste of a beer. All of the ingredients play an important factor, the grains used will influence the taste, what strain of hops are used, and when they are used during the brewing process play a huge role in defining the flavor of the beer and the strain of yeast used can drastically alter a beer’s taste.
In general light, beers do have a lighter, more refreshing taste and are considered easy drinking beers. Their taste is typically influenced in a large part by their hops. Depending on the strain of hops used and whether the beer is dry hopped a light beer can have a variety of flavors, it can be bitter and dry or have what is considered a hoppy taste that is typically characterized by being citrusy, flowery, or passion fruit like.
ABV of Light Beer
Again one of the main misconceptions is that light beer has less alcohol than dark beer, this is simply not true, light beer can range in ABV from nonalcoholic beer all the way up to 30%, with the average being around 4.5 – 6%. IPA’s are one of the most popular styles of light beers and they typically range from 6 – 9% ABV.
What is Dark Beer?
Keeping in mind that some dark beers can actually have low alcohol by volume and be low in calories in the majority of cases and in the traditional sense of this beer style they are typically considered to be a richer and more robust tasting beer, with a fuller mouthfeel and a higher calorie count. Most would consider them to be a winter beer that warms the body on cold days and to some, they would be a sipping beer where one or two would be enjoyed in a sitting.
Dark Beer Colors
As we have learned these beers get their darker color from the malts that are used to brew them. Any beer with an SRM higher than 12 is considered to be a dark beer. Colors typically range from copper to ruby to dark brown and then black.
The Flavors of Dark Beer
The flavor of dark beers is typically characterized by having notes of coffee, chocolate, roasted nuts, and carmel. Some fruit flavors such as plums, raisins, and currants can be detected in some styles. Most flavored seasonal beers such as pumpkin beers are dark beers.
ABV of Dark Beer
Although the majority of casual beer drinkers consider dark beers to have a higher ABV than light beer, this is simply not true. As you have seen, the color of the grain used to brew the beer has no bearing on the alcohol content, the amount of grain used is what determines the percentage of alcohol.
As such dark beers can range in alcohol from low to high. Most Dark Lagers have an ABV of 4.5 – 6%. Stouts and Porters range from 4 – 5.5%. Black IPAs are now becoming popular and they have an ABV in line with their lighter-colored counterparts ranging from 6 – 9%.
Light Beer vs Dark Beer Ingredients
All beers regardless of their color are brewed using the following four base ingredients:
Water – brewing water is very important for good quality beer.
Grains – grains determine the color of the beer and contribute to its aroma, taste, and mouthfeel, as well as alcohol content.
Hops – add bitterness and balance the sweetness from the malt, they also provide flavor and aroma and can affect the clarity of the beer.
Yeast – is responsible for the sugars in the wort being converted to alcohol, the strain of yeast can also affect the flavor of the beer.
For the most part, the grains are what determines the color of the beer. You will see some articles claiming hops are what gives a light beer its color, this is false. Grains are harvested and become malt that is used for making beer. When grain goes through the malting process it is dried and also roasted. The higher degree they are roasted determines their color and flavor.
The darker the malt used the darker the beer will be, the opposite is also true, the lighter the malt the lighter the color of the beer will be. In some light beers, grains such as rice and corn are also used which contributes to their lighter color.
Light Beer vs Dark Beer Misconceptions
We have already briefly covered many of the misconceptions about these beers but it is worth repeating and emphasizing certain misconceptions that seem to run strong with people…
Dark Beer is Higher in Alcohol – The color of a beer is directly related to the type of grain used to make it i.e. the grain’s color or degree of roast. Alcohol on the other hand is determined by the amount of sugar content available for the yeast to convert to alcohol. The more grains used, the more sugar will be available for the yeast to convert. Therefore the color of the grain has no bearing on the alcohol content and it is solely dependent on the amount of sugar made available to the yeast.
Light Beer is Healthier – The majority of calories in a beer actually come from the alcohol. Alcohol contains more calories per gram than most foods, where protein and carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram, Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is very similar to fat which contains 9 calories per gram. So it is not the color of the beer that determines if it is lower in calories but rather the alcohol percentage.
Dark Beers are Always Ales – This is another misconception. The color of the grain or beer has no bearing on whether it is an Ale or a Lager. The difference between Ales and Lagers is the yeast that is used to ferment them. Yeasts that require warmer temperatures and stay at the top of the carboy or fermenter during fermentation are ale yeasts and create ales. Yeasts that require colder fermentation temperatures and stay at the bottom of the fermenter are lager yeasts and create lagers. Lagers also go through a lagering process where they are cold conditioned for 6 – 8 weeks to make the beer clear and crisp. Ales can be dark or light in color as can Lagers, their only difference is the yeast they were brewed with.
Final Word
When it comes to light beer vs dark beer there is a lot of confusion and misconceptions. Either beer can be lighter or heavier in both alcohol content and calories depending on how it was brewed. In the end, it comes down to your taste preference and the style of beer that you prefer, as both have light and heavier tasting styles.
P.S. If you brew your own beer be sure to take advantage of getting Robbs’ top 5 favorite beer recipes from his brewpub. Details on the side of the blog or bottom if on your smart device. Cheers!
FAQs
One of the reasons dark beers are dark in color is because they use more barley than light beers. Dark beers are also more complex in flavor and tend to have added ingredients like nuts, caramel, chocolate, and coffee. Meanwhile, lighter beers use less barley and more hops.
What's the difference between dark beer and light beer? ›
Dark beers usually use more ingredients, including barley, but also added tastes such as coffee, chocolate, caramel, and nuts. While light beers do use barley, they use more hops, and rarely, if ever, use added tastes. This makes for a more simplistic taste versus the complicated ones of dark beer.
What is the difference between beer and light beer? ›
In some areas, light beer refers to a beer with fewer residual carbohydrates, whereas in other parts a light beer refers to a beer with lower alcohol than most “regular” beers. In the United States, a light beer is a style of beer that has a significantly lower amount of calories than a comparable full-calorie version.
Why is dark beer better than light beer? ›
When it comes to dark beer, it has a much fuller flavor. There's also a higher alcohol content and more calories as well. Dark beers are much more filling than its lighter counterpart. The aroma of the beer will also tell you a lot about it.
What is the difference between light beer and regular beer quizlet? ›
The Light Lager is generally a lighter version of a breweries premium lager, some are lower in alcohol but all are lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to other beers. Typically a high amount of cereal adjuncts like rice or corn are used to help lighten the beer as much as possible.
What defines a light beer? ›
Light beer is a category that's defined as having a lower ABV (typically around 5%) and a lower amount of calories—or both—and it's a category that includes a lot of pale, crisp lagers.
What are the characteristics of dark beer? ›
Many find darker beers to have a more complex flavour, with malt certainly being the most dominant. Chocolate, coffee, roasted nuts, caramel, almonds, and fruits (such as currants and raisins) are common flavour and aroma characteristics of dark or black beers too.
Is Budweiser a dark beer? ›
Budweiser is a 5.0% ABV Adjunct pale lager that was introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch and has become one of the best selling beers in the United States.
Is it better to drink regular beer or light beer? ›
Compared with standard beer, light beer contains a similar amount of vitamins and minerals but slightly fewer calories and less alcohol. This makes light beer a better option if you're deciding between the two.
What is the difference between light and dark Modelo? ›
Modelo is a pale lager, while the Modelo Negra is a dark, delicious Munich Dunkel Lager (“dunkel” is German for “dark”). The flavors correspond as you might expect, with the Modelo having a light, crisp flavor that pairs well with cookout food and spiciness. Negra, on the other hand, is dark with more bitter notes.
Due to dark beer having a much higher calorie ratio in comparison to other alcohol types, it's an ideal choice to enjoy during the cooler seasons, when something rich, hearty, and filling is required to keep energy levels up as the body burns through calories to combat the cold.
Which is healthier dark or light beer? ›
dark beer. Research from the University of Wisconsin says that "dark beer may be better for the heart because it helps to prevent blood clots."
Why drink dark beer? ›
Dark beer is rich in flavonoids – which contain powerful antioxidants that can help protect against diseases. Stouts are also high in vitamin B, preventing the build up of certain harmful amino acids believed to cause heart problems.
What makes each beer different? ›
It all comes down to the beer recipe. The types of grain, hops and yeast you choose, the amounts, and even the chemistry of the water have an impact on the flavor, color and ABV of beer, not to mention if we add special ingredients like fruit, spices or coffee.
What is the difference between strong beer and light beer? ›
Once the alcohol content reaches 5.6%, it becomes “strong beer”; at 8.6%, it becomes “extra strong.” There are also designations for light beer, which is anything below 4.1% and even “extra light beer,” which is below 2.5%—although I refuse to accept such a thing exists outside of a bureaucrat's sick imagination.
What makes different beers different? ›
The major difference between types of beer comes down to the type of yeast used to ferment it. A beer can qualify as either a lager or an ale, depending on the fermenting process. Ales are created through top fermentation, a process in which yeast ferments at warmer temperatures and settles at the top of the beer.
Is Stella Artois a light beer? ›
Stella Artois is an imported pale lager that has made a name for itself as an easy-drinking and relatively refreshing option. A light-medium body and a crisp finish achieve the bare minimum in refreshment, but the beer suffers from a lack of complexity that would otherwise make it a bottle worth seeking out.
Is light beer just watered down? ›
Light beers are in the 4% to 4.5% range. So light beer is just regular beer that's watered down, right? Not quite. Some water is added, but not to lower the calories.
Why do people drink light beer? ›
It's Low-Calorie
One of the most obvious reasons why people love light beer (and why you may see it at your local brewery more often than not) is that it's low-calorie. Many Americans are more conscious of their weight than they used to be, and they're making efforts to ensure that they're consuming fewer calories.
What is a dark beer? ›
Dark beer is made with roasted malt, and just like with coffee, the darker the roast, the richer the brew. By increasing dark malt, a brewer can create a deeper color while adding complex flavor notes such as coffee, chocolate, and caramel. That's the most traditional way to produce a dark beer.
Ingredients of Dark Beer
Dark beer contains a few simple ingredients: malt (roasted grains), water, yeast, and hops.
Why does dark beer taste so good? ›
Getting to Know Dark Beers
As the name suggests, they are relatively darker in shade than other beer types, and sometimes these beers are almost black. Dark beers are dominated by a roasted aroma and taste. Hence, these beers are well-loved, especially by drinkers who prefer bolder, malty.
Is Michelob a light or dark beer? ›
Containing only 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, Michelob ULTRA is a light lager brewed with the perfect balance of Herkules hops and wholesome grains, producing a light citrus aroma and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Is Michelob a dark beer? ›
Whether you are out with friends or in need of some rich, full flavors withy your meal, Michelob Amberbock Dark Lager is your answer. Smoothness, deep-dark color and a roasted malt taste that finishes clean are the hallmarks of this distinctive beer.
What is the most consumed beer in America? ›
Bud Light. Bud Light is a light lager brewed by Anheuser-Busch that is renowned for its crisp, refreshing flavor and minimal calorie content. What is this? For many years, it has been the most popular beverage in the country.
Is 4 beers a day too much? ›
NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows: For men, consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week. For women, consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week.
Is 3 beers a day too much? ›
A note on drinking level terms used in this Core article: The 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines states that for adults who choose to drink alcohol, women should have 1 drink or less in a day and men should have 2 drinks or less in a day. These amounts are not intended as an average but rather a daily limit.
Is 12 beers a day too much? ›
Heavy drinking – regardless of the type of alcohol selected – can negatively affect health and life in general. The effects of drinking 12 beers a day can be catastrophic. The use of alcohol in the United States is considered a way of life.
Which beer is stronger Corona or Modelo? ›
In the light beer division, the Corona Light is the stronger beer. Its alcohol content is 4.1% ABV while Modelo Oro comes at a distant second with 4.0% ABV. In the middle division, Corona Extra is the stronger beer. With an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV, it narrowly beats Modelo Especial, that's only 4.4% ABV strong.
What is Dos Equis dark beer? ›
A classic Vienna-style lager with a full body and a smooth finish. With its signature amber color and subtle hints of roasted malts it pairs great with every kind of Mexican food, whether it's 2pm tacos or 2am tacos. A distinctively rich amber color with subtle hints of caramel and burnt sugar.
It's an adjunct lager: light straw colored, extremely clear, with a bubbly white head that's gone in no time, just like all the other adjunct lagers. It is unassuming and deviously inviting to rookies. Maybe that's why people who hate beer drink it socially.
What is the healthiest dark beer? ›
Darker beers, such as stouts and porters, and extra hoppy beers, such as DIPAs and Imperial IPAs are the healthiest, along with Trappist beers and spontaneous fermented beers, such as Lambics and Gose.
Is Stella Artois a dark beer? ›
This limited release dark lager has a light to medium body, balanced drinkability, 5.4 % ABV and surprisingly crisp, dry finish that helps make the season feel original again.
Is Guinness a dark beer? ›
The original Guinness is a type of ale known as stout. It's made from a grist (grain) that includes a large amount of roasted barley, which gives it its intense burnt flavor and very dark color.
Is beer good for high blood pressure? ›
Drinking alcohol increases blood pressure and repeated drinking causes sustained high blood pressure. Alcohol consumption is an entirely preventable cause of severe hypertension (the medical name for sustained high blood pressure) in both men and women.
What is the healthiest style of beer? ›
Some nutrition experts consider craft beer a more functional beverage since beer imparts medical benefits to the drinker. The healthiest are stouts and porters, and higher hoppy beers, such as DIPAs and Imperial IPAs, Trappist beers, and spontaneous fermented beers, such as Lambics and Gose.
Is Coors Light a dark beer? ›
Product description. Coors Light Beer is an American style light lager. Crisp, clean and refreshing, this light beer has a 4.2% alcohol by volume. Full of Rocky Mountain refreshment, this light calorie beer has a light body with clean malt notes and low bitterness.
Why is dark beer healthier? ›
Dark beers tend to have the most antioxidants, which help reverse cellular damage that occurs naturally in the body. A recent study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture has also found that dark beer has higher iron content compared to lighter beers.
What are dark beers called? ›
Dark lager - or black lager - is a term used to describe beers that are dark in colour, but brewed with lager yeasts. Originating from Europe, dark lagers can vary quite a bit in strength and profile.
What are really dark beers called? ›
Russian imperial stouts are the darkest beers available and they tend to be among the most alcoholic. Balancing the alcohol and the roasty flavors are a high degree of residual sugar, bitter hops and a velvety mouthfeel that ties them together.
Containing only 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, Michelob ULTRA is a light lager brewed with the perfect balance of Herkules hops and wholesome grains, producing a light citrus aroma and a crisp, refreshing finish. Per 12 Fl. Oz.
What type of beer is Budweiser? ›
Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp American-style lager. It is brewed with the best barley malt and a blend of premium hop varieties.
What is the strongest beer? ›
Brewmeister Snake Venom is currently recognised as the strongest beer in the World. It is brewed in Moray from smoked, peated malt using two varieties of yeast, one beer and one Champagne. Like other ultra high strength beers it is frozen several times after the fermentation process, and the ice crystals removed.
What is the strongest real beer? ›
Brewmeister Snake Venom
What is this? Undoubtedly the world's strongest beer when it debuted, Brewmeister Snake Venom has an alcohol content almost twice as high as tequila or rum! Brewmeister is a brand of beers from a Scottish brewery on the Isle of Moray, a region well known for its Scotch whiskey.
What are the 3 major classifications of beer? ›
The 3 main beer types: Lager, Ale & Hybrid
The two points of differentiation between these major beer classifications is the type of yeast and fermentation process.
What is the #1 beer in the world? ›
Budweiser was the most valued beer brand worldwide in 2021, with a worth of 16.17 billion U.S. dollars. The brand was followed by Heineken in second and Stella Artois, ranked third. Brand value is a bit of nebulous concept and different definitions exist.
What are the two main classifications of beer? ›
How Is Beer Classified? Every beer that you've served at your brewery, bar, or restaurant can be broken down into 2 basic types: ales and lagers. The main difference between an ale and a lager is the type of yeast used to ferment the beer.
What does it mean when a beer is dark? ›
Beers that have a deeper, darker colour to them have usually had a longer roast, a longer brew process, or have been barrel-aged, which adds subtle flavours like fudge, caramel, coffee, and chocolate to the final product.
Is dark beer better than light beer for hangovers? ›
Avoid Dark Colored Beer
The reason for this is congeners. Congeners are a byproduct of the fermentation process used to make beer and other alcohol, and they are linked to hangover symptoms. Darker beers have a higher concentration of congeners, which means you could have a worse hangover.
Why is dark beer better? ›
Research from the University of Wisconsin says that "dark beer may be better for the heart because it helps to prevent blood clots." Light vs. Dark Beer: FACT: A light beer can come in a variety of colors.
The darker the beer does not mean the higher the alcohol content, although this is a common misconception. While some dark styles, such as the barrel-aged stout, come with a higher ABV, you can get an equally potent ABV from styles that are lighter in color.
Is Corona a dark beer? ›
While the OG lager works its falls flat of depth and taste. This is where corona puts all the effort. It's darker and more robust.
Is there a difference between Corona and Modelo? ›
In the light beer division, the Corona Light is the stronger beer. Its alcohol content is 4.1% ABV while Modelo Oro comes at a distant second with 4.0% ABV. In the middle division, Corona Extra is the stronger beer. With an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV, it narrowly beats Modelo Especial, that's only 4.4% ABV strong.
What type of beer is Corona and Modelo? ›
The Mexican lager known as “Corona”, is a variation of beer that is brewed all across Mexico by its largest brewer Grupo Modelo, owned by Belgian company Anheuser-Busch InBev, and is exported to over 150 countries worldwide.
What beer won't give me a headache? ›
Lagers and brown ales are light on hops. “Your reader may have a hop allergy and might want to stick with beers that are low in hops. A lot of the craft beers have too much hops for me to drink without getting a splitting headache.
What beer gives you the worst hangover? ›
Beer – and in particular dark ale and stout such as Guinness and porters – are the worst drinks to down on a night out, and will leave you with the driest mouth, the tenderest head and the achiest limbs the next morning.
What alcohol gives you the worst hangover? ›
Tequila, cognac, and whiskey are drinks high in congeners. Bourbon whiskey has a substantial amount of congeners, more than most other alcoholic drinks. Drinking alcoholic drinks high in congeners can give you an intense hangover.
What type of beer is Stella Artois? ›
Stella is officially classified as a Euro Pale Lager, but some consider it to be a pilsner. It pours like most lagers—with a thin, white head and a crisp, golden color. It is traditionally served in a signature Stella Artois chalice; however, a normal beer pint will do just fine, as long as it is poured correctly.
