Healthy on Tap: Lightest Beers from Boston-Area Brewers

Five light brews so you can have your six-pack and drink it, too.

In the fall, the season of football, foliage, and beer festivals, the term “six-pack” usually refers to beer—not abs. And while new research suggests drinking beer in moderation can be good for you, just one pint of your favorite pumpkin ale can cost you at least 30 minutes on the treadmill. Fear not, beer lovers. Light beer doesn’t have to mean light in taste or even light in color. That’s why we compiled a list of Boston-area brewer’s lightest (as in calories) beers so you can keep your six-pack (as in abs).

Sam Adams Light beer

Boston Beer Company

Sam Adams Light

Calories per 12 oz: 119

The amber-colored beer has a smooth malt flavor with a hint of tropical fruit and spice.

 

Berkshire Brewing Company beer

 

Berkshire Brewing Company:

Gold Spike German-style Kölsch

Calories per 12 oz (their bottles are 22 ounces): 130

This interpretation of a German Kölsch golden ale is light in body and has a crisp, clean malt flavor.

 

Boston Beer Works Stout

Boston Beer Works:

Curley’s Irish Stout

Calories per 12 oz: 116-118

The traditional Irish stout, a black ale, is very low in calories, but full of roasted malt flavor.

Cambridge Brewing Company Regatta Golden beer

Cambridge Brewing Co.

Regatta Golden Ale

Calories per 12 oz: 175

Brewed with pilsner malt and a touch of flaked rice, the subtle hoppy spiciness has a light, dry finish.

Wachusett Brewery Blueberry Ale

Wachusett Brewing Company

Wachusett Blueberry Ale

Calories per 12 oz: 150

A popular wheat ale with a slight blueberry aroma.

Photos courtesy of Boston Beer Company, Berkshire Brewing Company, Boston Beer Works, Cambridge Brewing Co. and Wachusett Brewing Company.