Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) - Pabst Brewing Company

orcsinspace

Virginia

3.3/5  rDev +10%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

In a complicated world where a beer can only be considered "good" if it has chocolate or gingerbread, or some other things that do not belong in my beer, PBR is a breath of fresh air. As far as American Adjuncts go, this is neck in neck with the gold standard, Budweiser (sorry beer snobs), but PBR has a little more flavor.

It smells like beer. Everything you would expect: a little yeasty, a little malty, and not really over the top with hops. It has a balanced smell that does not smell stale like some other adjuncts can, and it is fairly subtle.

The taste is classic, and reminds me of a simpler time when beer was affordable for everyone and was not becoming increasingly gentrified: not too bold, not too watery, but just in the middle. The reason I like adjuncts is because they are very neutral beers on the whole; there is not an over the top taste that can burn one out quick, and there is not a taste that really has to be acquired. PBR nails the archetype of the adjunct, and I have bought 12 of them for less than a tall draft of beer that tastes like burnt coffee at the local craft beer bar down the street.

One thing I have noticed is that the beer market has trends, just like everything else. A lot of the microbrews that were big a decade ago went the way of Zima, and I imagine that the majority of the ones popular at the store now will as well. One thing is certain though: if I want a real tasting beer without gimmicks and pretense, I can always count on PBR.

Serving type: can

03-07-2013 16:37:00 | More by orcsinspace

Mrsunshine63755

Missouri

3.3/5  rDev +10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

Its like Liquid crack ! Great in 16 oz cans .Cant go wrong with PBR .Look @ inbev"The class action lawsuits filed thus far are based not on any scientific tests of the products, but rather on information from former Anheuser- Busch InBev employees who claim that the beer giant is watering down its products. These reports are coming not only from brewers and others who help make the beer, but also from employees outside of the brewing part of the business who report that weakening the brew is actually a part of Anheuser- Busch InBev’s corporate policy. This prompted California beer drinkers to seek legal action against the brewery and convinced lead attorney Josh Boxer to file the suit on behalf of consumers."

Serving type: can

03-07-2013 07:08:52 | More by Mrsunshine63755

BoFoSho

Washington

1.26/5  rDev -58%
look: 1.75 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.25 | overall: 1.5

My friend returned from the kitchen with a cup full of what I thought was piss. He swore to me it wasn't, but I couldn't be sure. I smelled the "brew", and thought it was for sure urine. But I was thirsty, so I took a big gulp. My brain was telling me to spit it out and look for some real beer, but I was too polite and not drunk enough for such rash actions. Smells and tastes like water that has sat in a plastic bottle for two months. If there is anything that PBR is good for, it would be Keg Stands. One can drink this like water all day, and receive a blue ribbon for being the most low-class drinker around.

Serving type: can

03-05-2013 06:02:13 | More by BoFoSho

Quivalen

Arizona

3.88/5  rDev +29.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

Pbr one of the all time grand daddies of American pilsners or lagers . While I am not a fan of them , from time to time I have one . If you take into consideration what it is , its really not bad at all and honestly , you really can't beat the price . This is actually one of the American domestics that is not over carbonated , borderline flat , bland , and doesn't have an off or chemical taste to it .
It has a nice golden straw color , and a crisp clean pilsner type smell . Nothing pops out but honestly nothing is meant to .
It actually has really good head retention and will lace nicely in a glass , surprising considering this is something some more prestigious breweries have yet to figure out . It has decent mouth feel though very little malt or hops shines through .

If you are looking for a decent tasting enjoyable domestic it might fit your bill and its not bad stuff despite whatever anyone else might think , at least in my book !

Overall I really don't mind a pbr at all , especially and ice cold one on a hot Arizona summer afternoon .

Serving type: can

03-05-2013 02:31:48 | More by Quivalen

Khad

4.68/5  rDev +56%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Look you have to put everything in perspective. Obviously this is not the high quality handcrafted beer you would expect from this rating, however when compared to all in it's class this is far superior.

I find the best way to enjoy this beer is can poured into a glass. The appearance is a little nicer than most American style Lagers. Smell is a little grassy but it's not bad at all it's really kind of pleasant and refreshing scent not as skunky as most in it's class. The taste is very surprising with it being very crisp. You can pick up some grain but not overpowering. Very drinkable and no horrible after taste...the mouth feel is better than typical without the carbonation ruining your taste buds for the duration of the session. I think it's the best in it's class, definitely very drinkable, I liked it!

Serving type: can

03-04-2013 21:44:17 | More by Khad

Jsteez

New Mexico

2.89/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75

Poured from a 16 oz. can into a dimpled beer mug.

My 3rd beer in my hunt for an American great Adjunct Lager.

A-Pure white 1 finger head that dissipated into a thin white surface. Left minimal lacing on the glass. Pure yellow with a lot of carbonation.

S-grain, malt, cereal, corn. Pretty simple for an American reject.

T-This defines average. Corn, grain, malt, period. Aftertaste consists of sweet grain and malt. Maybe some sludge. Soda water taste.

M-dry, high carbonation, sweet malt crispness.

Overall-tastes good with spicy and salty food, and it needs to be very cold to taste okay. Very average, I only buy it when I feel like being cheap. A true American crud beer, drinkable, yes.

Serving type: can

02-24-2013 20:36:32 | More by Jsteez

RyanLaCount03

Wisconsin

3.85/5  rDev +28.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Overall I thought Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) was an OK beer. The taste wasn't as good as I expected, but it was still not a terrible beer. The appearance of the beer was nice, but the smell was not that good. If I was offered this beer sometime in the future again I would have one, but I would not buy it.

Serving type: can

02-20-2013 19:01:21 | More by RyanLaCount03

Kaytru

5/5  rDev +66.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The best American Lager out there! Leaps and bounds better than its competitors. Not as watery, more of a bite and a refreshing malty finish. PBR ME ASAP!...if you like Classic Beer you need not look further PBR will do the trick. Cool brand aesthetics also!!!!

Serving type: can

02-15-2013 06:57:58 | More by Kaytru

MikeAAL

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +41.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5

Pabst Blue Ribbon is one of my favorite beers. It's a classic.

Pale yellow, straw color. Quite a bit of carbonation. A little bit of a head, dissipates quickly.

It smells a bit metallic, grainy and hops.

It tastes light, carbonated and has a very nice hoppy flavor. A nice amount of bitters.

Light, fizzy and flavorful.

Overall, one of my favorite beers. It's definatley up there.

Serving type: can

02-08-2013 18:59:12 | More by MikeAAL

Treyliff

West Virginia

3.26/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

A-poured from a 16oz can. Pours with a pretty good size white fizzy head that quickly dissapears leaving some lively bubbles floating to the top. Crystal clear pale yellow in color.

S- light, sweet grainy malt with just a touch of grassy hop, clean

T- thin malt flavor, but way more than most adjuncts, it provides more of a grainy gritty taste, the only trace of hops is just a bit of grassiness, the finish is thin and dry, but leaves just a bit more grain

M- light bodied with lively medium carbonation, finishes pretty smooth

O- this is an adjunct lager, but compared to the others in its class, I think it's the best. More flavor and drinkability. Sometimes a light lager is needed, if that's the case, I'd choose PBR over the big three any day.

Serving type: can

02-06-2013 01:00:02 | More by Treyliff

Evansbeer

3.28/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The classic look of the can is an appeal. The red, white and blue represent an age old american traditional beer. Tastes a little more skunky than an average American beverage. A good party beer because its the best cheap beer available (beats Natural Ice 10-1). A good beer to drink your fill from.

Recommended by a college student, and a patriot

Serving type: can

02-05-2013 16:48:28 | More by Evansbeer

fps_dean

Massachusetts

2.4/5  rDev -20%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Fairly generic North American beer. More grainy and tastes less like saltwater than most of your generic North American mass-brewed beers (Bud, Coors, Miller, etc), but still a very North American lager.

Not something I would ever crave, but I give this one a 3 overall because unlike other mass-brewed North American beers, PBR is actually cheap, making it a much better buy.

I don't really drink so much that I'm going to shop based on price, but if I am having a large get together and need a large amount of beer, then PBR will save me a few dollars and satisfy your average beer drinker without breaking the bank.

Tastes better on a hot day.

Serving type: can

02-03-2013 22:26:04 | More by fps_dean

CascadianDarkAle1

2.78/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 3

Shotgunned from a 16 ounce Tallboy. Appearance is lacking due to method of consumption. A light, egg shell, off white head builds in my mouth, runs down my shirt and all over my face, lingering on my beard. Very pleasing. Aroma contains hints of aluminum, tap water, and sugar. Also vomit and pizza, but that may be due to the setting. Mouthfeel is highly carbonated and frigid all around. Very hard to swallow due to sheer volume and flowing pressure. The taste is surprisingly non existent. Hints of light caramel malt are muted by the loud chanting of "Chug" in a vicious circle around me. The palate is frozen. The belly is full. Overall a solid lager, I will enjoy another in a few seconds.

Serving type: can

01-30-2013 22:49:23 | More by CascadianDarkAle1

GorrestFump

3.03/5  rDev +1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

Unlike the tasters before me; I wake up and I want a PBR. Full-bodied, gross and cheap; however, PBR delivers. It is a true lager, just as much as a Samuel Adams, darker, fizzy and just All-American. I'm glad its a hipster beer, I'm glad its its on the same level as bud-light but quite not. I drank a Hamm's, as cheap as a Hamm's is, it's great. It 's just like PBR, survived most of contemporary American history. Its supremely average and weirdly watery. It's not a stout, it's not a pilsner, it's not a porter...It's an American-styled lager, whatever that may be. PBR Reminds me of the 4th of July, it reminds me of Senior year, it reminds me of an alternative crowd, its reminds me of every beer game I ever played. I'll stay loyal PBR as a case and nothing else.

Serving type: can

01-29-2013 06:31:00 | More by GorrestFump

devilben02

North Carolina

3.16/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

This is a beer that I gladly drink and enjoy on occasion, but I don't think I'll ever crave it. Poured from the can, it has a light, sunny yellow color and a thick but light, whipped-cream-like white head. The aroma has a light, dry sweetness underneath, but it is predominated by a dull mustiness that is expected but doesn't veer towards unpleasant like many in the style. The mild cereal sweetness is more pronounced in the flavor and melds with a wheat-like, almost lemony tanginess. Unfortunately, the fine, prickly carbonation in this beer is often my least favorite part of American lagers of this style. Overall, though, it has more and better flavor than the mass-produced light lagers, making it a fine option to have for nights when you just want a light-tasting beer.

Serving type: can

01-19-2013 05:14:46 | More by devilben02

barczar

Kentucky

3.05/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a brilliant golden with a shiny, eggy one inch head that slowly dissipates, leaving spotty lacing.

Grain, corn, bready malt, and floral hop notes form the aroma. There's a bit of cardboard evident.

Flavor is slightly sweet initially, with a grainy, slightly stale malt backbone carrying into a fairly dry finish. A metallic, slightly tangy element surfaces in the aftertaste, along with alcohol.

Body is moderate, with carbonation a touch on the high side. There's an astringent bite.

More malt flavor than some examples of the style, but the tang is offputting.

Serving type: can

12-27-2012 23:55:54 | More by barczar

Jamesp96

1.5/5  rDev -50%
look: 1.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.5

One of the shittiest beers out there, i cant stand the after taste , that after taste you get just ruins it for me , all you get is corn and metallic taste , never buying this corn cooler again. I would much perefer a budweiser or busch to this at least your not geting that terrable after taste

Serving type: can

12-20-2012 22:53:55 | More by Jamesp96

ilovemacros

4.55/5  rDev +51.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

this is a great beer. Classic American brew. People would laugh when I would buy this, but when when they tasted it they quit laughing lol. Ive only had this in cans. For some reason her in my lil corner of Texas they do not sell it in bottles. Hell, sometimes I'm lucky if I can find it at all. For a while I had to go to San Antonio to find it. Even there it was only in cans...ugh. Such a great beer should be on every shelf just as Bud and Bud Light.

Serving type: can

12-20-2012 03:56:58 | More by ilovemacros

Scrylol

Alberta (Canada)

2.9/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a one finger white bubbly head. Golden colored body.

Very faint hop aromas. Overpowered by grainy adjunct like aromas and a slight metallic tinge to it.

Low hop bitterness. Slight malt presence, but all is soon overpowered by a grainy taste. Leaves a dry, semi-sweet aftertaste.

Bit more body to it than other AAL's. Decent carbonation.

Not very impressed, but I suppose compared to other American Adjunct Lagers, PBR is probably one of the better ones.

Serving type: can

12-15-2012 05:30:24 | More by Scrylol

BucannonXC5

California

3.73/5  rDev +24.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Type: 12-oz. can
Glass: Pilsner glass
From: A 7/11 in Allied Gardens (San Diego, Calif.)
Price: $11.99 for the 18-pack
Misc.: Expiration date of Feb. 18, 2013

Yellow golden clear with three fingers of frothy white head that surprisingly had some last to it. Light sporadic lacing and decent retention for the style. Lots of bubbles.

Smelled grain, corn, cereal (Captain Crunch), hay, bread and a bit of some kind of rotten fruit. That being said, it wasn’t too bad overall.

Tasted cereal once again, some kind of hybrid of Shredded Wheat, Captain Crunch and Kix. Also got hay, grain and honey grass.

Light-to-moderate body. Thin texture. Lively (above average)-to-average carbonation. Abrupt finish.

Considering the style, this may be the best. In fact, I was quite surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did. It’s been awhile since I had one. While I’m still partial to the tall boy in a bag, the 12-oz. can has some staying power as well.

Serving type: can

12-14-2012 08:53:05 | More by BucannonXC5

metter98

New York

3.08/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: The beer is clear light yellow in color and has a moderate amount of carbonation. It poured with a finger high bright white head that died down but consistently left a thin head covering the surface.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of adjunct malts in the nose-corn seems to stand out in particular.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and has flavors of corn adjuncts and a light amount of bitterness.
M: It feels light-bodied (but not watery) on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is very easy to drink and has no offensive flavors. It's noting special, but pretty good when compared to other beers in the style.

Serving type: can

12-14-2012 02:45:16 | More by metter98

Cooldill

Illinois

3.45/5  rDev +15%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served out of a can into a .5L mug.

A: Pale yellow color is more similar to a good Pils instead of your average adjunct lager hue. It's not bad. Carbonation is moderate to high, two fingers of white soapy head dissipate slower than expected. Not at all a bad looking brew for the style.

S: Grain and corn first and foremost, light hops and grass, slight lemon. Again much better than most adjunct lagers, this actually HAS a scent!

T: Corn and grain sweetness. Some light malts. Surprising light bitterness (as in it actually has some bitterness) with light but noticeable lemony hop aftertaste. Impressed.

M: Nice balanced carbonation. Not as watery and thin of others in it's class.

O: The best American adjunct lager I have ever had. Refreshing and tasty. I have had this straight from the can, but would urge you pour this in a proper glass. It will open up a lot.

Serving type: can

12-03-2012 13:53:07 | More by Cooldill

HopHead84

California

3/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

24oz can at the Wintersun concert at House of Blues LA on 11/29/2012. I paid $10 for this. Drinking it out of the can so who knows what color it is. Smells like rice, corn, and pils malt. A little metal. Taste is inoffensive. Sweet and corny adjunct lager with grainy notes. Tame bitterness. Not terrible but I wouldn't recommend paying $10 for 24oz. This is difficult for me to rate. To style it's spot on, but it's a wretched style.

Serving type: can

12-02-2012 13:02:36 | More by HopHead84

dougbassett

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

One of the "1001 Beers You Must Try Before You Die" -- #9 of the ones I've reviewed here.

I agree with what I take to be the general consensus on this one, that it's a bog-standard American mass produced lager but within it's own mileau it's pretty okay. I certainly think this is better than Miller, Coors or Yuengling, to name a few similar brands off the top of my head.

Pours a very pale yellow, very effervescent both in appearance and mouthfeel. A white head that holds more than you'd might think, although it will fade soon enough. Not much by way of a nose, I'd call in a thin, sour-grain mash kind of thing -- it smells remarkably like generic "beer", tell you the truth. The body is thin and the sour edge sort of rides all the way down the throat, with something like a crisp finish at the end, surprisingly enough.

Most known in America today as the "hipster's brand", this is not, by any means, a great beer but it is surprisingly reasonably potable, at least at colder temperatures.

Serving type: can

12-01-2012 22:50:32 | More by dougbassett

Alextricity

Michigan

3.23/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Alright. Last night I had an eventful night in downtown Detroit. Already tipsy, my group found its way to Pizzapapalis where we had some MORE beers. At $2.75 for a 16oz can, I couldn't resist, and tried my first PBR.

The easiest way I can describe this beer is that it's like a Bud Light/Budweiser ... but with more flavor profile. It's just MUCH more enjoyable than either of those. Not just that, but it has a nice sweetness to it. This was my first PBR, but it won't be my last. It's cheap and tastes surprisingly decent.

*UPDATE*

I just bought a sixer for $6.48 because I was craving another PBR. The date on the bottles is 11-12-12, which is apparently the expiration date. I have to say, it tastes fine. Better than fine. Better than average. I like this beer. Plain and simple. It isn't bitter, and the malts are actually DECENT! Imagine THAT for an adjunct. I can see why this is a hipster beer, I think. I really like this beer ... especially because of its price point. Awesome stuff. Underrated, underappreciated.

Serving type: can

11-25-2012 17:03:38 | More by Alextricity