Icehouse 24OZ

Icehouse 24OZ is a 5.5% ABV American ice-brewed lager sold in a 24-ounce can, produced by Miller Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Introduced in 1993 as America's first domestically brewed ice beer, Icehouse took home a Gold Medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup in the American-Style Premium Lager category — a significant nod to its consistency within the style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: American Ice Lager  |  Brewery: Miller Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Miller Brewing Co. launched Icehouse in 1993, making it the first ice beer brewed on American soil. The brewing process follows a traditional lager method with one critical difference: just before the aging stage, the beer's temperature is dropped below freezing, causing ice crystals to form. This ice-brewing technique concentrates flavor and raises the alcohol content slightly above standard domestic lagers. The grain bill relies on barley malt with corn syrup (dextrose and maltose) as adjuncts, and hop extract provides a restrained bitterness. The result is a beer engineered for smoothness and a bolder body than typical premium lagers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light grain and toasted malt lead the nose, followed by faint corn sweetness. Hop presence is minimal, yielding a clean, straightforward aromatic profile.

Taste: The entry is smooth and medium-bodied, with roasted and malted grain flavors arriving early. A noticeable corn sweetness dominates the mid-palate, lending an almost cream-like quality. Hop bitterness stays low to moderate, balancing rather than competing with the malt-driven character.

Finish: Crisp and dry, with a smooth mouthfeel that trails off cleanly. There is little lingering bitterness — just a gentle fade of sweet grain.

How to Drink Icehouse

Icehouse is best served ice-cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pint glass to preserve its smooth, crisp qualities. The 24-ounce format is built for straightforward, cold-beer drinking rather than cocktail mixing. That said, its malt-forward profile and clean finish work in a few simple beer-based mixed drinks: a Michelada, where its smooth body holds up against lime, hot sauce, and Clamato; a Beer Margarita, where it adds effervescence and malt sweetness to a frozen lime base; and a basic Shandy, where lemonade and Icehouse's dry finish create a refreshing summer serve.

Best For

• Tailgating and outdoor sporting events where a bold, easy-drinking lager is ideal
• Backyard barbecues and cookouts on a budget
• Watching the game with friends who prefer a fuller-bodied domestic beer
• Anyone who wants more flavor and ABV than a standard light lager without a premium price

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Icehouse taste like? Icehouse delivers a smooth, medium-bodied lager experience dominated by sweet corn and roasted malt, finishing crisp and dry with low hop bitterness.

How does Icehouse compare to Natural Ice? Both are American ice beers priced in the value tier, but Icehouse (5.5% ABV) sits slightly below Natural Ice (5.9% ABV) in alcohol content. Icehouse tends toward a smoother, more malt-driven profile, while Natural Ice leans sweeter and is the top-selling ice beer brand in the United States.

Is Icehouse good for casual drinking? Yes — its smooth mouthfeel, moderate 5.5% ABV, and clean finish make it a straightforward choice for extended, relaxed drinking sessions.

Where is Icehouse made? Icehouse is brewed by Miller Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a city with deep American brewing heritage dating to the 19th century.

What foods pair well with Icehouse? Grilled burgers and hot dogs pair naturally, as the beer's dry finish cuts through charred fat. Spicy buffalo wings work well because the smooth body tempers heat. Pizza, especially with pepperoni or sausage, complements the malt sweetness. Salted pretzels and beer nuts echo the grain character, while a plate of nachos with jalapeños benefits from the crisp, cold carbonation.

What sizes does Icehouse come in? Icehouse is widely available in 24-ounce single cans, as well as 12-ounce cans and bottles sold in 6-packs, 12-packs, 18-packs, and 30-packs.

Is Icehouse worth the price? Icehouse positions squarely in the value tier of American lagers, but its ice-brewing process and 5.5% ABV deliver noticeably more body and flavor than many beers at the same price point — a distinction reinforced by its 2012 World Beer Cup Gold Medal.

Why Icehouse?

Icehouse holds a genuine historical distinction: it was the first ice beer ever brewed domestically in the United States when Miller introduced it in 1993. The sub-freezing brewing step is not a marketing gimmick — the formation of ice crystals measurably concentrates flavor and body, setting it apart from standard adjunct lagers. Its Gold Medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup in the American-Style Premium Lager category confirmed that the technique translates into a well-made example of the style. For drinkers who want a smooth, bold domestic lager with a little more punch than the typical 4.2% light beer, the 24-ounce Icehouse can remains one of the most efficient and recognizable options in the ice beer category.