Most light beers save only about 20 to 50 calories per bottle—and some even outweigh regular beers. It's mostly marketing, says Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster and author of The Brewmaster's Table (Ecco, 2003). Want maximum taste, minimum guilt? Consult our guide to the best beers under 150 calories.
Ratings (out of ***)
Guinness Draught Bottle (4.2 percent alcohol)
Calories: 125 **
Carbohydrates: 9.9 grams (g) **
Foods it goes best with: Creamy, mild taste plays well with shellfish and soups.
Taste test: "Smoky flavor with hints of coffee. Breakfast, anyone?" ***
Yuengling Premium (4.4 percent alcohol)
Calories: 150 *
Carbohydrates: 12 g *
Foods it goes best with: Hoppy, sweet notes blend best with barbecue or pan-Asian foods.
Taste test: "A little bitter and a little sweet, like my relationship with my ex." **
Sol Cerveza Especial (4 percent alcohol)
Calories: 127 **
Carbohydrates: 10 g **
Foods it goes best with: Its light body and fizzy texture are the perfect foil for spicy fare, like jalapeño-heaped nachos.
Taste test: "Tastes like a Mexican Budweiser. Can someone snag some nachos and a lime?" *
Victory Lager (4.8 percent alcohol)
Calories: 138 *
Carbohydrates: 11 g *
Foods it goes best with: This crisp lager cleanses the palate after a burger.
Taste test: "A little hops-heavy at first, but the taste grows on you." ***
Winner
New Belgium Skinny Dip (4.2 percent alcohol)
Calories: 110 ***
Carbohydrates: 7 g ***
Foods it goes best with: This bright, light beer pairs nicely with chicken and fruit.
Taste test: "A good beer for kicking back after a long day of hard work." ***
