Miller Brewing Co.
Milwaukee, WI
Available: selected markets in MN, NC, CA, MD
The three beer styles in the Miller Lite Brewers Collection each have 110 calories and 6.2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.
Alcohol (vol): 4.2
Alcohol (wt): 3.34
Color: 7.2
Bitterness: 14
Original gravity: 1034.4
Bright golden color with depth of reddish highlights and zippy carbonation. Ecru head is lovely but quickly fleeting. Slight nose lacks clarity. Malty palate with hop tones is clean and balanced with a pleasant, slightly bitter finish. A commendable effort on the part of a giant brewer. The label states “Brewers Collection,” begging the question, “Is a Lite dark beer next?”
It's OK to grade this ale on the curve. Although the Miller Lite Brewers Collection beers are called "craft-style," the target audience is mainstream light beer light beer drinkers. This is surprisingly dark for a "blonde," with light candy sweetness, gentle fruit and a touch of spicy hop on the nose. More fruit in the flavor (a whiff of peaches?) and complex, if subdued, hops, even a bit of Northwest citrus. The finish is clean and dry, long enough to remind you it's a beer.
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.
Editor at Realbeer.com, a professional journalist for 40 years and amateur brewer for 15, Hieronymus is the author of four beer books, including Brew Like a Monk.
