Standard American-Style Lagers are typified by a light-gold or straw color, very clean and crisp and aggressively carbonated with a moderate alcohol content (4-6% ABV) and limited hop character. The biggest reason for the color and flavor in great many (but not all – see our pick) Standard American-Style lagers is that they use what are known as adjuncts (usually rice or corn) instead of barley.  Brewers use adjucts for a few reasons. One, (specifically in the case of rice) brewers are able raise the alcohol content of the beer without changing the flavor. Two, production costs can be drastically reduced with the use of adjuncts. Three, some brewers feel that consistancy can be more easily acheived with adjuncts than with barley. The most well known Standard American-Style lager is Budweiser. However…

Our pick – Samuel Adams Light, Boston, MA