Yuengling Traditional Lager 24Pk Cans

Yuengling Traditional Lager 24Pk Cans is a 4.5% ABV amber lager from America's oldest operating brewery, sold here as a 24-pack of 12 oz cans. Brewed by D.G. Yuengling & Son since the recipe was resurrected in 1987, this flagship amber lager carries an Untappd rating of 3.5 out of 5 from over 477,000 user ratings — a testament to its wide popularity and consistent quality.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Pottsville, Pennsylvania, USA  |  Style: Amber Lager  |  Brewery: D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. (est. 1829)

Production & Heritage

D.G. Yuengling & Son was founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, making it the oldest operating brewery in the United States. The original facility still features historic caves dug by hand over more than a decade — D.G. Yuengling reportedly refused to allow explosives beneath his brewery — which served as natural refrigeration in the 1800s. Traditional Lager uses a grain bill of caramel malt and corn grits, hopped with both Cascade and Cluster varieties. The recipe was brought back in 1987 from a historic formulation, and the beer is now also produced at facilities in Florida and Texas to meet national demand.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted caramel malt leads, followed by subtle floral and earthy hop notes from the Cascade and Cluster blend. Underneath, there are traces of bread, biscuit, and light honey sweetness.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward, with creamy caramel and biscuit flavors that define the mid-palate. Cereal grain character and a touch of lemon zest emerge as the Cluster and Cascade hops provide a moderate, balancing bitterness. The body sits at medium, giving it enough weight to feel substantial without heaviness.

Finish: Clean, crisp, and moderately dry with lingering caramel malt sweetness. The hop bitterness fades evenly, leaving a smooth aftertaste with no harsh or astringent edges.

How to Drink Yuengling Lager

Yuengling Lager drinks best cold — between 38°F and 45°F — poured into a pint glass or enjoyed straight from the can. Its balanced, medium-bodied profile also makes it a surprisingly versatile ingredient in beer-based mixed drinks.

• Michelada: The caramel malt backbone holds up against lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire without being overwhelmed.
• Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade — the biscuit sweetness and crisp finish make a natural pairing with citrus.
• Beer-a-Rita: Blend with frozen limeade concentrate for a quick summer cooler; Yuengling's malt depth adds body that lighter lagers lack.

Best For

• Stocking the fridge for a weekend cookout or tailgate
• Introducing craft-curious drinkers to amber lagers with genuine heritage
• Casual after-work drinking when flavor matters more than fuss
• Pairing with grilled meats, pizza nights, or game-day spreads

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Yuengling Lager taste like? Yuengling Traditional Lager has a roasted caramel malt sweetness balanced by moderate hop bitterness, with flavors of biscuit, cereal grain, and a hint of lemon zest. The finish is crisp, clean, and smooth.

How does Yuengling Lager compare to Sam Adams Boston Lager? Both are darker, caramel-toned American lagers, but Sam Adams Boston Lager leans hoppier with a more pronounced noble hop character, while Yuengling is smoother and more malt-driven with a lighter body at 4.5% ABV versus Boston Lager's 5.0% ABV. Yuengling uses Cascade and Cluster hops with corn grits in its grain bill, giving it a crisper, less complex but highly drinkable profile.

Is Yuengling Lager good for everyday drinking? At 4.5% ABV with a balanced, approachable flavor profile, Yuengling Traditional Lager is built for sessionable, everyday drinking without sacrificing character.

Where is Yuengling Lager made? Yuengling Traditional Lager is brewed by D.G. Yuengling & Son, headquartered at its original 1829 brewery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Production also takes place at facilities in Florida and Texas to serve the brewery's expanding distribution footprint.

What foods pair well with Yuengling Lager? Grilled burgers and bratwurst complement the caramel malt sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese echoes the toasty grain notes. Wood-fired pizza works well against the moderate hop bitterness. Barbecue ribs with a smoky-sweet glaze mirror the roasted malt character. Soft pretzels with mustard are a classic Pennsylvania pairing.

What sizes does Yuengling Lager come in? Yuengling Traditional Lager is widely available in 12 oz cans and bottles in a range of pack sizes, including 6-packs, 12-packs, and this 24-pack format, as well as draft.

Is Yuengling Lager worth the price? Yuengling Traditional Lager positions squarely as a value-tier American lager that punches above its price point in flavor. With nearly two centuries of brewing heritage and a more complex malt profile than most domestic lagers in its bracket, it consistently over-delivers for everyday beer.

Why Yuengling Lager?

What separates Yuengling Traditional Lager from the crowded domestic lager field is tangible history — this is a recipe resurrected in 1987 from the archives of America's oldest operating brewery, one that still maintains hand-dug 19th-century caves beneath its original Pottsville facility. The combination of caramel malt and corn grits hopped with both Cascade and Cluster varieties produces an amber lager with noticeably more depth than standard American lagers, yet it remains sessionable at 4.5% ABV. Over 477,000 Untappd ratings confirm its standing as one of the most widely consumed and consistently appreciated amber lagers in the country. In a 24-pack format, it represents one of the best value propositions for drinkers who want real malt character without a craft-beer price tag.