Old Style 24OZ Can

Old Style 24OZ Can is a classic American lager brewed at 4.64% ABV, served in a generous 24-ounce tallboy format. This Midwest icon has earned medals at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, distinguishing it from the crowded field of domestic lagers through its use of Kraeusening — a traditional German double-fermentation technique.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.64%  |  Origin: Midwest, USA  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brewer: Pabst Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Old Style holds deep roots in the upper Midwest, particularly across Wisconsin and Illinois, where it has maintained a loyal following for generations. The beer is brewed with a grain bill of Pale 6 Row and Pale 2 Row malts alongside Flaked Corn, German Melanoidin malt, and CaraHell specialty malt, then hopped with Domestic Hallertau and Saaz varieties. What truly separates Old Style from most domestic lagers is its Kraeusening process — a centuries-old German technique revived by the brand in 2009, in which a portion of actively fermenting wort is added to the finished beer to trigger a second natural fermentation. This step boosts carbonation and adds a subtle layer of richness rarely found in this price tier.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean grain leads the nose, followed by soft malt sweetness and a gentle corn-adjunct note. There is nothing aggressive here — the aromatics are restrained and inviting.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward with a light sweetness that avoids cloying territory. Mid-palate, subtle hop bitterness from the Hallertau and Saaz additions provides balance, while the flaked corn contributes a rounded, easy-drinking body. The overall impression is full-flavored for its weight, with a classic lager equilibrium between malt and hops.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with a light residual bitterness and crisp aftertaste that encourages the next sip. The Kraeusening-driven carbonation lifts the finish and keeps it from feeling flat or heavy.

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 lively carbonation. The 24-ounce format is tailor-made for relaxed, extended drinking sessions. It also works well in several beer-friendly mixed drinks: a Michelada, where the clean malt pairs naturally with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice; a Shandy, blending the lager with lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather sipper; or a classic Boilermaker alongside a shot of bourbon, where the crisp finish cleanses the palate between sips of whiskey.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and tailgate gatherings in the Midwest tradition
• Watching a Cubs, Bears, or Brewers game at home or at the bar
• Casual weeknight drinking when you want flavor without heaviness
• Introducing craft-curious friends to a heritage American lager with genuine character

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Style taste like? Old Style delivers smooth malt sweetness balanced by light hop bitterness and a clean, crisp finish. The double-fermented carbonation adds subtle richness that sets it apart from typical American lagers.

How does Old Style compare to Budweiser? Both are light-bodied American lagers with crisp, clean profiles, but Old Style uses a Kraeusening double-fermentation process that gives it a slightly fuller mouthfeel and more nuanced carbonation. Old Style also incorporates Saaz and Hallertau hops, lending a more traditional European hop character compared to Budweiser's rice-adjunct smoothness.

Is Old Style good for casual drinking? Old Style at 4.64% ABV is built for sessionable, everyday drinking — the light body and clean finish make it easy to enjoy over an extended sitting, especially in the 24-ounce can format.

Where is Old Style made? Old Style is brewed under Pabst Brewing Company and has long been associated with the upper Midwest, particularly the Chicago, Illinois, and Wisconsin markets where it commands a devoted regional following.

What foods pair well with Old Style? Chicago-style hot dogs complement the beer's clean malt and carbonation. Bratwurst and grilled sausages echo the German brewing heritage. Fried fish benefits from the crisp finish cutting through oil. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the light sweetness, and classic bar snacks like pretzels and popcorn are natural companions.

What sizes does Old Style come in? Old Style is widely available in 24-ounce cans as well as standard 12-ounce cans and bottles, often sold in multi-packs of 12 or 30 cans.

Is Old Style worth the price? Old Style positions as a value-tier American lager, but its Kraeusening process and medal-winning pedigree at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup deliver quality that punches above its price class.

Why Old Style?

In a domestic lager category dominated by shortcuts and cost-cutting, Old Style stands on a genuine production differentiator: Kraeusening. This double-fermentation technique, revived in 2009, is a commitment to traditional German brewing that most competing brands at this price point simply do not make. The result is a measurably livelier carbonation and a fuller flavor than the grain bill alone would suggest. Recognition at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup validates what Midwest drinkers have long known — Old Style is not just a nostalgic regional favorite, but a legitimately well-made American lager that earns repeat purchases on merit.