What Was Michelob Ultra 64?
Michelob Ultra 64 was an ultra-light version of the popular Michelob Ultra beer. It was specifically formulated to appeal to consumers seeking an exceptionally low-calorie alcoholic beverage. The name '64' was a direct reference to its calorie count per 12 oz serving. While it was a compelling option for a time, its production and distribution have since ceased in favor of other products within the Michelob portfolio. As a result, finding this specific beer today is extremely unlikely.
The Rise and Fall of Ultra-Light Beers
To understand the context of Michelob Ultra 64, one must look at the broader trend in the beer industry toward health-conscious consumers. Anheuser-Busch, the parent company, has consistently innovated to capture this market. The introduction of Michelob Ultra, with its 95-calorie profile, was a massive success. This paved the way for even more specialized products, such as the now-discontinued Ultra 64 and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold, an organic light beer with 85 calories per serving. This market evolution shows the company's continuous effort to meet changing consumer preferences, often leading to the phasing out of older, less popular offerings.
A Nutritional Breakdown
The most prominent feature of Michelob Ultra 64 was its remarkably low nutritional content. For a 12 oz serving, its stats were:
- Calories: 64
- Carbohydrates: 2.4 grams
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 2.8%
This low-calorie count and reduced carb content were its primary selling points. However, the lower ABV and thinner body were a trade-off for its calorie efficiency, a common characteristic in ultra-light beers.
Comparison Table: Michelob Ultra vs. Michelob Ultra 64
| Feature | Michelob Ultra (current) | Michelob Ultra 64 (discontinued) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 12oz) | 95 | 64 |
| Carbohydrates (per 12oz) | 2.6g | 2.4g |
| ABV | 4.2% | 2.8% |
| Status | Widely available | Discontinued |
| Flavor Profile | Crisp, light lager with a clean finish | Lighter body with a milder flavor |
| Market Position | Flagship low-carb beer | Ultra-low calorie option, eventually replaced |
Where Did Michelob Ultra 64 Go?
So why can't you find Michelob Ultra 64 anymore? The simple answer is market forces. While it carved out a small niche, the standard Michelob Ultra proved to be a more popular and sustainable product. Consumers seemed to prefer the slightly higher ABV and taste of the 95-calorie version, which was still remarkably low in calories. Over time, the company streamlined its product line to focus on the more successful Michelob Ultra and its spin-offs, like Pure Gold and seltzers. The official status of Michelob Ultra 64 is that it has been discontinued, meaning it is no longer in regular production.
Modern Alternatives to Ultra-Light Beers
For those seeking a comparable low-calorie beer today, there are several options on the market. Michelob Ultra itself remains a top contender, but other breweries also offer alternatives:
- Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: A step below the original Ultra with 85 calories per 12 oz serving and an organic label.
- Budweiser Select 55: Anheuser-Busch's other ultra-light offering, with just 55 calories per serving, though availability may vary.
- Other low-calorie options: Many brands have introduced low-calorie versions of their flagship beers, often with comparable calorie counts to Michelob Ultra.
It's important to read the nutritional labels carefully, as some alternatives may achieve a lower calorie count by also reducing their alcohol content. The decision between a lower calorie count and a higher ABV is a personal one for the consumer.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Light Beer
In summary, the Michelob Ultra 64 was a genuinely ultra-light beer that delivered on its promise of an exceptionally low-calorie count, with just 64 calories per 12 oz serving. However, it was ultimately discontinued, a victim of shifting consumer preferences and the overwhelming success of its sibling, the 95-calorie Michelob Ultra. Today, a new generation of low-calorie and organic beers has taken its place, but the legacy of Ultra 64 as a pioneering super-light beer remains. For those searching for a taste of this forgotten brew, the search will be fruitless, as it is no longer widely produced. Consumers interested in low-calorie options should explore the current Michelob lineup or other brands that have adopted a similar health-conscious approach.
For more information on the history and evolution of the Michelob brand, one can explore sources related to its parent company, Anheuser-Busch. For instance, the Anheuser-Busch newsroom provides historical information and product announcements about the Michelob family of products.
