Paul Kushner
Bud Light and Natural Light are two of the most popular beers in America. Both beers are brewed by Anheuser-Busch, but they have distinct differences in taste and price.
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Bud Light is a light lager that has been a staple in American bars and households for decades. It has a crisp, clean taste with a subtle hint of sweetness. Natural Light, on the other hand, is known for its affordability and easy-drinking flavor. It has a soft, sweet, grainy flavor with a touch of mild bitterness.
Many people wonder which beer is better, Bud Light or Natural Light. While taste is subjective and varies from person to person, there are some key differences between the two beers that can help drinkers make an informed decision.
In this article, we will compare Bud Light and Natural Light in terms of taste, price, alcohol content, and other factors to help readers determine which beer is right for them. Whether you’re a fan of light lagers or just looking to try something new, this article will provide a comprehensive analysis of these two popular beers.
History and Origin
Bud Light and Natural Light are two of the most popular light beers in the United States. Both are owned by Anheuser-Busch, a subsidiary of the multinational beverage company AB InBev.
Natural Light was the first widely-distributed light beer produced by Anheuser-Busch. It was introduced to the market on July 31, 1977, with a formulation of 97 kcal (406 kJ) to compete with Miller Lite’s 96 kcal (402 kJ).
At the time, it was called “Anheuser-Busch Natural Light.” Michelob Light and Bud Light, Anheuser-Busch’s other widely distributed light beers, were introduced in 1978 and 1981, respectively.
Bud Light was created as a response to the success of Miller Lite, which had been introduced in 1975. It was first brewed in 1982 and released in 1983. The beer was marketed as a medium-priced light beer, filling a gap in Anheuser-Busch’s product line between the premium Michelob and the budget Natural Light.
Both Bud Light and Natural Light have undergone changes in their formulation and marketing over the years. Natural Light has progressively reduced its price over time, making it a popular choice among college students and budget-conscious drinkers. Bud Light, on the other hand, has undergone several marketing campaigns, including the famous “Dilly Dilly” campaign, which began in 2017.
Manufacturing and Brewing Process
Ingredients
Bud Light and Natural Light are both light American lagers produced by Anheuser-Busch.
The main ingredients in both beers are water, barley malt, rice, and hops. However, Natural Light uses a higher percentage of adjuncts, such as corn and rice, in its recipe than Bud Light.
In Bud Light, the rice is added during the brewing process to create a lighter and crisper taste. On the other hand, Natural Light uses corn as an adjunct to create a sweeter flavor profile. Both beers use different types of hops to impart a distinct aroma and bitterness to the final product.
Mashing Process
The mashing process is the first step in the brewing process, where the grains are mixed with hot water to activate enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars.
In the case of Bud Light, the mashing process involves heating barley malt and rice in separate tanks to create a mash that is then combined and boiled with hops.
In contrast, Natural Light uses a different mashing process that involves adding corn grits to the mash tun along with barley malt. The corn grits are cooked separately and then added to the mash tun to create a sweeter flavor profile.
After the mashing process, both beers undergo a fermentation process where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. The fermentation process for both beers takes about two weeks, after which the beer is filtered and carbonated.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Bud Light and Natural Light are both American lagers that are known for their light flavor profiles.
While they share similarities in taste, there are subtle differences that set them apart. In this section, we will explore the aroma, mouthfeel, and sweetness of these two beers.
Aroma
Bud Light has a mild aroma that is characterized by a hint of malt and hops. It has a subtle sweetness that is balanced by a slight bitterness. On the other hand, Natural Light has a slightly stronger aroma that is reminiscent of corn and malt. It has a sweeter smell than Bud Light, but the sweetness is not overwhelming.
Mouthfeel
Both Bud Light and Natural Light have a light mouthfeel that is crisp and refreshing. Bud Light has a slightly thinner mouthfeel than Natural Light, which makes it easier to drink. Natural Light, on the other hand, has a slightly creamier mouthfeel that is still light and refreshing.
Sweetness
Bud Light has a mild sweetness that is balanced by a slight bitterness. It has a clean, refreshing taste that is not too sweet. Natural Light, on the other hand, has a slightly sweeter taste that is reminiscent of corn. The sweetness is not overwhelming, but it is more noticeable than in Bud Light.
Appearance and Packaging
Bud Light and Natural Light are both light American lagers with a similar appearance.
They have a pale yellow color with a thin white head that dissipates quickly. However, there are some differences in the packaging of the two beers.
Bud Light is packaged in a blue and silver can that features the brand’s logo prominently. The aluminum fullcan is designed to keep the beer cold and fresh, and it is easy to grip and open.
The can has a sleek and modern design that appeals to the younger generation. The label provides information about the beer’s alcohol content, calories, and ingredients.
On the other hand, Natural Light is packaged in a white and gold can with the brand’s logo in red. The aluminum fullcan is also designed to keep the beer cold and fresh, and it is easy to grip and open. The can has a classic and simple design that appeals to the older generation. The label provides information about the beer’s alcohol content, calories, and ingredients.
