Old Style 12Pk

Old Style 12 Pack is a 12-pack of the classic American lager brewed at 4.6% ABV, long associated with Chicago and the Upper Midwest. Now produced once again in La Crosse, Wisconsin — where it was brewed for decades — Old Style carries deep regional loyalty and a straightforward, full-flavored lager profile that sets it apart from more watered-down macro offerings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.6%  |  Origin: La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brewery: Pabst Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Old Style has roots stretching back to the G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where it became a staple of Midwestern drinking culture, particularly in Chicago. After decades of ownership changes, the brand landed under Pabst Brewing Company, now headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. In November 2023, production returned to La Crosse — a significant move for loyalists who identify the beer with its Wisconsin origins. Historically, Old Style was brewed using krausening, a traditional German natural carbonation technique in which actively fermenting wort is added to finished beer to create carbonation and added depth. Pabst discontinued krausening after acquiring the brand in 1999, and while it was briefly revived in 2009 — earning medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup during that period — current production relies on forced carbonation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet corn and white bread lead the nose, followed by a light sugar-like sweetness. There is a faint grainy quality that keeps the aroma simple but inviting.

Taste: The palate opens with noticeable corn sweetness and a sticky, bready malt character. At mid-palate, a mild fruity bitterness reminiscent of green apple skin emerges, balanced by a pleasant malty doughiness. The overall impression is light-bodied but more flavorful than many peers in the American lager category.

Finish: Clean and moderately dry, with lingering bread crust and a very subtle hop bitterness that rewards closer attention. The finish is brief but satisfying, without any harsh or metallic aftertaste.

How to Drink Old Style

Old Style is best served cold, straight from the can or poured into a pilsner glass to appreciate its light gold color and thick, foamy head. Its straightforward lager profile makes it a natural fit for several simple serves. A Michelada benefits from Old Style's corn sweetness playing against lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. A Beer-a-Rita (beer margarita) works well because the light body blends cleanly with citrus and tequila without competing flavors. A classic Shandy — mixed half-and-half with fresh lemonade — highlights the beer's bready sweetness on a hot afternoon.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and tailgating where easy-drinking, crowd-friendly beer is the priority
• Chicago sports watching sessions — Old Style remains the unofficial beer of Cubs fandom
• Stocking a cooler for a long weekend at a Midwestern lake house
• Anyone seeking a nostalgic, full-flavored American lager over mass-market light beers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Style taste like? Old Style delivers sweet corn and bready malt flavors with a light body, mild green-apple-like bitterness, and a clean, slightly dry finish. It is more flavorful than many mainstream American lagers while remaining highly drinkable.

How does Old Style compare to Miller High Life? Both are American lagers with light bodies and crisp, effervescent characters, but Old Style leans more heavily on bready, doughy malt sweetness, while Miller High Life tends toward a drier, slightly more carbonated profile. Old Style also carries stronger regional identity tied to Chicago and Wisconsin.

Is Old Style good for casual drinking? Old Style is an excellent session beer at 4.6% ABV, designed for easy consumption over extended social gatherings without palate fatigue.

Where is Old Style made? Old Style is brewed in La Crosse, Wisconsin, having returned to production there in November 2023. The brand is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, which is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

What foods pair well with Old Style? Chicago-style hot dogs benefit from the beer's malty sweetness cutting through mustard and relish. Bratwurst and grilled sausages match the corn and bread notes naturally. Deep-dish pizza pairs well, as the carbonation helps cleanse a rich, cheesy palate. Salted pretzels and beer cheese amplify the malt character. Fried fish or fish tacos work because the light body and dry finish refresh between bites.

What sizes does Old Style come in? This listing is a 12-pack of 12 oz units; Old Style is also commonly available in 24-packs, 30-packs, tallboy cans, and single bottles depending on market availability.

Is Old Style worth the price? Old Style positions squarely in the everyday value tier of American lagers, competing directly with brands like Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon. For drinkers who want more malt flavor than a typical light beer at a comparable price point, it delivers solid value.

Why Old Style?

Old Style occupies a unique space among American lagers — it is neither a craft novelty nor a flavor-stripped macro product, but a regional classic with genuine heritage. Its return to La Crosse in 2023 reconnected the beer with the Wisconsin brewing tradition where it was made for generations. During the brief 2009 revival of the krausening process, the beer earned recognition at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, demonstrating that the recipe has real substance when given proper attention. For Midwest loyalists and curious lager drinkers alike, Old Style remains one of the most characterful options in the value American lager category.