What Kind Of Beer Is Coors Banquet?

Surely, fewer beers are as iconic and worth learning more about than Coors Banquet. Debuting in 1873, this American-style lager has maintained its status as a fridge staple for well over a century. Like many other beers of this style, Coors Banquet offers an affordable, light, and somewhat flavorful drinking experience (especially compared to the taste of sister brew Coors Light). This beer is not only timeless in the sense that it has remained a popular choice for well over a century, but also in that it is well-suited for countless occasions. Be it a party or a peaceful afternoon, a crisp can of Coors Banquet is a reliable, if perhaps uncomplicated choice. 

Though it is a near-ubiquitous brew, it is still quite complex. When compared to other domestic lagers, Coors Banquet stands apart thanks to its brightness and notes of sweet fruitiness thanks to the inclusion of malt; meanwhile, carbonation makes the brew crisp and refreshing while balancing out its sweeter side. While some are deterred by the fruity undertones of this brew, others are drawn to it, though this specific characteristic of Coors Banquet isn't always typical of other American lagers.

American lagers, which also include Budweiser and Pabst Blue Ribbon varieties, are not quite as bitter or flavorful overall as other styles of beer, like the international lager. That's not necessarily bad, as more subtle flavors alongside light carbonation, can present a neutral balance that is the calling card of the American lager.

American lagers also sport a sweet, sometimes corn-adjacent scent with subtle notes ranging from spicy to floral depending on the brew. As may be guessed after sniffing such a light aroma, the palates of American lagers are usually neutral, veering perhaps more towards sweet and with very little evidence of bitter hops. In fact, Coors Banquet has a quite low International Bitterness Unit (IBU) rating of about 15 (compare that to more hop-forward India Pale Ales, which tend to clock in at the 50 to 60 IBU range, while the IBU scale technically tops out at 100). 

In an American-style lager, trailing behind these relatively neutral aromas and flavors is a light, crisp finish enhanced by the brew's carbonation. It's easy to see why American lagers like Coors Banquet are solid thirst quenchers on a bright and sunny afternoon, given how even beer skeptics can be convinced to give them a try.