If you’re a casual beer drinker or a fan of bar-hopping, chances are high that you’ve seen a menu that offers a choice between domestic or imported beers. In certain taprooms, where there’s a focus on local food and drink, the domestic beer choice will be pushed over all others. A sense of pride is often attached to where a beer is made.

But what is this “domestic beer” meaning, and how does it affect what you buy? We’ve got all the details below and some recommendations on what to drink.

What is domestic beer? 

At its heart, domestic beer is beer that has been brewed, packaged, and distributed in the country in which it’s sold. So if your beer is made in the United States and sold in the United States to its consumers, then it’s domestic.  

The same rule applies to beer manufactured and sold in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Europe — anywhere that breweries operate. 

The list of domestic beers can also include small-scale microbreweries. For example, craft beer refers to a beverage made by an independent, traditionally-styled brewery. If those craft breweries produce and sell microbrews within the same locality, their products are considered domestic.

Another term you’ll often hear is “draft beer.” This refers to beer served fresh from a keg rather than packaged in bottles or cans. So at your local pub, you’re likely to find domestic draft beer and craft brews on tap. 

What is not a domestic beer? Any beer not made in the country where it’s sold. For example, if a type of beer is sold in America but made in a different country, it’s an imported beer. Examples of imported beer include Heineken from the Netherlands, Corona from Mexico, and Yuengling from China. The alcohol by volume (ABV) is not affected by a beer’s domestic or imported status. 

8 best domestic beers

Want to try out some of these domestic U.S. brews yourself? We’ve got you covered with a list of domestic beers to try at your next happy hour or backyard BBQ.

1. Budweiser 

Budweiser is a beer brand that many of you know because of its dominance in the domestic market. With its extensive history and a market share that had it crowned “the king of beers,” this lager satisfies thirst with its delicate carbonation and malty flavor. 

It was initially created by the Anheuser-Busch company in 1876. Since then, it has battled its way through the prohibition era and World Wars before being bought out by Belgian beer conglomerate InBev in 2008. 

This weekend-party favorite beer is best known for its light golden color and malty taste. It has an ABV of 5.0% percent.

Shop now: Budweiser

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2. Bud Light 

Bud Light is one of the best-selling domestic beers, and it’s made by the same parent company as Budweiser. 

This alcoholic beverage has a shorter history than the original Budweiser, starting in 1982 when it was first introduced as a lower-calorie option with a lighter ABV sitting at 4.2%.

Shop now: Bud Light

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3. Miller Lite 

Although it didn’t enter the American beer market until 1975, this drink can absolutely give Bud Light and Budweiser a run for its money. Easy to find on most liquor store shelves and great for casual drinking, Miller Lite only has 96 calories per can, ostensibly making it the “healthiest” option. Its ABV is 4.2%.

Shop now: Miller Lite

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4. Coors Light 

Coors Light is another option that gives Budweiser and Bud Light some stiff competition. It’s a favorite of beer drinkers, produced by the Molson Coors Brewing company. 

In 2021, Molson Coors reached profits of $10.28 billion. Financial success aside, Coors Light is known for its pale, almost golden color and silver packaging. It has an ABV of 4.2%.

Shop now: Coors Light

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5. Keystone Light

To go along with the “light” styles of beer theme, we recommend Keystone Light. It’s a domestic option produced by the Molson Coors Brewing company. 

This drink is well-liked as a casual drink and has a delightful, light, malty beer taste. Its ABV is 4.1%, and it can be easily located at stores and Gopuff’s online outlet.

Shop now: Keystone Light

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6. Busch

Want to take a Busch beer into the bush for a wild camping trip? Okay, corny jokes aside — and our disclaimer that you should enjoy responsibility — this American beer has a crisp, smooth, pleasant flavor that will delight your taste buds. Its ABV is 4.3%.

A neat fact: its parent company is Anheuser-Busch InBev, which also manufactures Budweiser and Bud Light.

Shop now: Busch

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7. Michelob ULTRA

Beer isn’t the drink you would usually associate with an active, healthy lifestyle. But, Michelob ULTRA certainly makes a worthy attempt.

This light lager has only 95 calories per can, and its alcohol content is 4.2% ABV. Outside of these slimming stats, this beer has a slightly malty taste, with a low hop count that lends to a citrus finish. Michelob is also owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Shop now: Michelob ULTRA

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8. Pabst Blue Ribbon

Last on the list, we have to recommend Pabst Blue Ribbon — a brand that isn’t always a go-to choice, but one that should be tried at least once as a quintessentially American experience.

Brewed out of Milwaukee, Pabst Blue Ribbon is a premium lager with a light, malty taste. Its ABV is 4.6%.

Shop now: Pabst Blue Ribbon

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Cheers!

Of course, if you want to branch out beyond these beer brands for a different domestic drink or type of alcohol, you’ll find plenty of options at Gopuff. You can purchase what you need through the online app then have your items delivered to you at home.