As a craft beer fan, I want more people to drink beer from independent craft breweries. So I’ve come up with a “Drink This, Not That” kind of list to give you some options to replace what many have been drinking for years. These macro beer alternatives are just a glimpse at that many beers that can easily replace the beers made by “big beer”.

And just to clarify, I subscribe to the idea that a craft beer must be made by a brewery that is independent. The Brewers Association defines what this looks like and I’ve also weighed in with my own thoughts. So the goal of this article is to provide ideas on what craft beer options exist to replace the mass produced macro beers that dominate the shelves at the local grocery stores. 

Furthermore, I’ve included a widely distributed beer as well as a local (Cincinnati) option for those that are in my area. These are merely suggestions but there are hundreds of macro beer alternatives to consider so I encourage you to find a beer that you enjoy. 

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Macro Beer Alternatives

Blue Moon

Witbier

This very popular Belgian Wit has long been considered a craft beer and was often the only non-lager beer on tap at many restaurants. But the reality is it has always been owned/brewed by MillerCoors.

And while it may have paved the way to craft beer for many, there are craft beer options that are much better.

Craft Beer Alternative: Sam Adams Cold Snap

Cincinnati Pick: 50 West Doom Pedal

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Budweiser

American Lager

This American Lager is a classic and in many ways an iconic brand. But it’s not even owned by an American company. So there’s got to be better options when you want a straight forward Lager that supports an American company.

Craft Beer Alternative: Yuengling Lager

Cincinnati Pick: March First Craft Lager

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Miller Lite

Pilsner

For me, Miller Lite is probably the best option when it comes to Macro beers. It actually has some flavor to it in comparison to the others; but that’s not saying much. 

Pilsners should offer more than just some malt sweetness but rather embrace the unique balance of malt, hops, yeast, and water profile. So let’s find a nice Pilsner that is craft.

Craft Beer Alternative: Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils

Cincinnati Pick: Rhinegeist Puma

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Michelob Ultra

Low Calorie Beer

For many, they want to enjoy a beer from time to time but they don’t want the calories that come with it. Michelob Ultra is one of the most popular brands that accomplishes this.

But would you guess that there are craft beer options that are just as low in calories? This craft beer has only 100 caloires per bottle and 2g of carbs. Read more about it here.

Craft Beer Alternative: North Coast Brewing Scrimshaw

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Goose Island IPA

IPA

There was a time that Goose Island IPA was an iconic craft beer. It helped turn many beer drinkers into IPA fans.

But since Goose Island was bought by AB InBev, many have stopped drinking their beer. Which means we need to find other IPAs to enjoy.

Craft Beer Alternative: Stone Brewing IPA

Cincinnati Pick: MadTree PsycHOPathy

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Breckenridge Vanilla Porter

Porter

Much like Goose Island, Breckenridge his owned by AB-InBev for a few years. However, I feel that this brand didn’t get as much push back from craft beer enthusiasts.

I believe that is because people really love this beer. But since thye are owned by “big beer”, we will look at other options.

Craft Beer Alternative: Deschutes Black Butte Porter

Cincinnati Pick: Rivertown Roebling

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Corona

Mexican Lager

Their marketing tells you that Corona can make you feel like it is a sunny day on a beach no matter where you are.

However, I think you are destined for a bad time when you start forcing lime wedges into your beer. Luckily, many craft breweries are now making Mexican Lagers like these.

Craft Beer Alternative: Great Lakes Grandes Lagos

Cincinnati Pick: Moerlein Lime Lager

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Michelob Amber Bock

Amber Lager

Back in the day, I was known for liking this Amber Lager. I was not a fan of Bud Light or Miller Lite so this proved to be a nice option.

And truth be told, I really don’t recall if it was good or not but I know I ordered it quite often. This was years ago and now there are much better options.

Craft Beer Alternative: New Belgium Fat Tire

Cincinnati Pick: MadTree Happy Amber

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New Castle

Brown Ale

This has been a mainstay on Import beer lists for decades but the reality is it is made by Heineken. This makes it a macro beer brand.

So even though it may be nostalgic, it’s time to look for other brown ales. And luckily, there are a lot of amazing options to choose from as macro beer alternatives.

Craft Beer Alternative: Bell’s Brewery Best Brown Ale

Cincinnati Pick: Listermann Chickow!

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White Claw

Hard Seltzer

So it seems that hard seltzers are now a thing so why not include them on this list. For many, the appeal is these offer lower calories than some other alcoholic drinks.

But we can’t deny that seltzers in general have gained popularity so an alcoholic version was sure to follow. But just like beer, you can opt for brand like White Claw which is made by the same company as Mike’s Hard Lemonade or go for a brand that has ties to craft beer.

Craft Beer Alternative: Truly (made by Sam Adams)

Cincinnati Picks: Rivertown, March First, and Braxton

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This is just a quick snapshot of how you can move away from the Macro beer brands and drink more craft beer.

Whether it’s a national craft beer brand or something made in your area, there are plenty of options to choose from regardless of what style you prefer. And if you can’t find the beers listed above, don’t worry. There’s bound to be many great craft beer options available in the style that you love most.

Craft breweries are continually producing new beers so be on the lookout for new releases that fit into the styles you enjoy most. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that more breweries than even ever are offering macro beer alternatives to appeal to a wider audience.

Do you know which brewery owns who? Check out my comprehensive list of ownership, buy outs, and investments so you can be sure you are drinking beer from independent breweries.

Is there a style that I missed? Or a specific beer that better replaces the macro beer listed? Comment below or send me a message. I’d love to list even more macro beer alternatives.

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