Old Style 12Pk Cans

Old Style 12Pk Cans is a 12-pack of 12 oz cans of American lager brewed at 4.6% ABV, long recognized as a Midwest staple. This classic lager has earned medals at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, cementing its reputation among American adjunct lagers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.6%  |  Origin: La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brewer: City Brewing Company (Pabst Brewing Company)

Production & Heritage

Old Style traces its roots to the G. Heileman Brewing Company and has been a fixture in Chicago and the Upper Midwest for generations. Now owned by Pabst Brewing Company, the beer is produced at City Brewing Company's facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The grain bill uses barley malt supplemented with up to 30% corn adjunct, a hallmark of the American lager tradition. Historically, Old Style was distinguished by its use of kräusening — a double-fermentation technique in which actively fermenting wort is added to finished beer to naturally carbonate and add complexity. While Pabst has confirmed that kräusening is no longer part of the current production process, the brand retains a loyal following built on decades of that legacy recipe.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean grain leads with soft malt sweetness and a gentle corn-adjunct note in the background. The nose is mild and approachable, typical of a well-made American lager.

Taste: The entry is smooth, anchored by light malt sweetness with a bread-like quality. Mid-palate brings subtle bitterness that balances the grain without any hop-forward character. The body is light but carries more flavor than many beers in this category.

Finish: Crisp and clean with lingering light bitterness and a dry, refreshing aftertaste. There is no cloying sweetness or off-flavors — just a straightforward, satisfying close.

How to Drink Old Style

Old Style is best served cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pint glass to appreciate its pale golden color and moderate carbonation. Its light body and balanced flavor also make it a reliable beer for pairing with food or mixing into beer cocktails. A Michelada works well, as the clean lager base lets lime, hot sauce, and Clamato shine. A Shandy — mixed half-and-half with lemonade — plays off Old Style's mild sweetness on hot days. A Boilermaker alongside a shot of bourbon is a classic Midwest move that suits the beer's no-frills character.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and tailgating with a crowd
• Watching a Cubs game at home — the beer's deep Chicago roots make it feel right
• Stocking the fridge for a casual weekend with friends
• Anyone seeking a flavorful but easy-drinking everyday lager

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Style taste like? Old Style delivers smooth malt sweetness with a subtle bread-like grain flavor and mild bitterness, finishing crisp and clean. It is fuller-flavored than many mainstream American lagers while remaining light-bodied and refreshing.

How does Old Style compare to Old Milwaukee? Both are owned by Pabst Brewing Company and brewed as American adjunct lagers, but Old Style tends to have a slightly fuller malt character and a more pronounced grain flavor. Old Milwaukee leans a touch drier and more neutral on the palate.

Is Old Style good for casual drinking? Old Style is purpose-built for easy, sessionable drinking at 4.6% ABV, with enough flavor to stay interesting across multiple cans without fatiguing the palate.

Where is Old Style made? Old Style is currently brewed by City Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, under contract for Pabst Brewing Company. The brand has deep historical ties to both Wisconsin and Chicago.

What foods pair well with Old Style? Chicago-style hot dogs are the iconic match, with the beer's clean finish cutting through the mustard and relish. Grilled bratwurst and burgers complement the malt sweetness. Pizza — especially deep-dish — works because the light body refreshes against rich cheese and sauce. Fried fish or shrimp benefit from the beer's crispness, and sharp cheddar cheese mirrors the subtle grain notes.

What sizes does Old Style come in? Old Style is widely available in 12-pack cans of 12 oz as well as individual tall cans, six-packs, and 30-pack cases, depending on market availability.

Is Old Style worth the price? Old Style sits firmly in the value tier of American lagers and delivers more character than many competitors at the same price point, making it a strong choice for drinkers who want flavor without a premium markup.

Why Old Style?

Old Style stands apart from the crowded American lager field through its Midwest heritage and a grain bill that leans into malt character rather than chasing the lightest possible body. Its historical use of kräusening — a labor-intensive double-fermentation process rarely employed in mainstream American brewing — helped define a flavor profile that competitors in the value segment simply do not replicate. Recognition at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup validates its quality among adjunct lagers. For anyone in search of an honest, flavorful American lager with genuine regional identity, Old Style remains a benchmark.