What is the flavor of Budweiser Select?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Launched in 2005, Budweiser Select quickly became a hit for offering the full, distinct taste of a traditional lager at just 99 calories. Its unique brewing process and premium ingredients create a bold flavor that finishes clean, answering the question: what is the flavor of Budweiser Select?.

Quick Summary

Budweiser Select is an American light lager with a distinctive, yet light, flavor profile. It features notes of lightly toasted malt, a mild hop character, and a crisp, clean finish, crafted to deliver a flavorful experience at just 99 calories.

Key Points

Toasted Malt Flavor: A distinct, lightly toasted malt character with grainy sweetness is a primary flavor component, distinguishing it from blander light beers.
Balanced Hop Notes: A blend of premium American and Bavarian hops provides a mild floral and herbal aroma with a touch of bitterness.
Clean Finish: Budweiser Select is known for its exceptionally crisp and clean, dry finish, which prevents any heavy, lingering aftertaste.
Low Calorie, High Flavor: At 99 calories per bottle, it offers a surprisingly full and robust flavor profile for a light beer.
Refreshing Drinkability: The light body and vibrant carbonation create a highly drinkable and refreshing experience.
Differentiated from Bud Light: It has a more pronounced malty and 'beechwood' flavor than Bud Light, appealing to those seeking more substance in their light lager.

Unpacking the Distinct Flavor Profile of Budweiser Select

Budweiser Select distinguishes itself from many other light beers by aiming for a more robust and satisfying flavor while keeping calories low. This is achieved through a brewing process that is nearly double the length of a standard beer's and the selection of premium ingredients. The combination of two-row and roasted caramel malts with a blend of American and Bavarian hops creates a unique taste.

The Malt-Forward Base

The core flavor comes from the malt composition, particularly the roasted caramel malt. This malt contributes a rich, deep golden color and a notable, lightly toasted bread character, providing a flavorful base that avoids the watery taste often found in light beers.

Hops for Balance and Refreshment

To complement the malt, a blend of American and Bavarian hops is used. This creates a mild floral and herbal aroma and a touch of balanced bitterness. The hops are not dominant, instead working to brighten the beer and contribute to its clean, dry finish.

Texture and Carbonation

The mouthfeel of Budweiser Select is light-bodied with effervescent carbonation. This fizzy quality enhances the crisp, clean sensation and improves drinkability, making it refreshing from the first sip to the last.

A Clean, Crisp Finish

A key characteristic of Budweiser Select is its exceptionally clean, dry finish. There is no heavy aftertaste, which is a deliberate part of its design to offer flavor without a lingering, heavy feel. This clean finish is a result of the balanced ingredients and extended brewing process.

Budweiser Select vs. Other Light Lagers

Comparing Budweiser Select to other light beers highlights its unique position. The table below outlines key differences:


Feature	Budweiser Select	Bud Light	Michelob Ultra
Flavor Profile	Toasted malt, subtle grainy sweetness, mild floral hops.	Crisp, clean, very light sweetness.	Extremely light, barely-there finish, low hop presence.
Calorie Count	99 calories per 12 oz.	110 calories per 12 oz.	95 calories per 12 oz.
Carbohydrates	3.1 grams per 12 oz.	6.6 grams per 12 oz.	2.6 grams per 12 oz.
ABV	4.3%.	4.2%.	4.2%.
Main Appeal	Flavorful light beer option.	Classic, easy-drinking light beer.	Low-carb, low-calorie focus.

How Ingredients Shape the Flavor

The use of roasted caramel malts gives Budweiser Select a more distinct flavor than Bud Light's blander profile. Compared to Michelob Ultra, which prioritizes minimal calories, Select offers a more complete taste, positioning it as a middle ground for those wanting flavor without the heaviness of a standard lager.

What is the Flavor of Budweiser Select? A Summary

Budweiser Select's flavor can be summarized by several key notes:

Toasted Malt: Derived from roasted caramel malts, providing a subtle, nutty, and bready sweetness.
Grainy Sweetness: A pleasant hint of graininess contributes to a fuller taste.
Mild Hop Bitterness: Gentle bitterness from American and Bavarian hops balances the malt.
Subtle Floral and Herbal Notes: Light, clean grain aroma with hints of floral/herbal hops.
Clean, Dry Finish: A signature refreshing and drinkable quality.

Conclusion

For those seeking a light beer with a satisfying flavor, Budweiser Select provides a compelling option. Its flavor profile, featuring toasted malt notes, mild hops, and a clean finish, sets it apart in the light beer category. With just 99 calories, it offers a flavorful experience that avoids the often-watery taste of other low-calorie options.

For more information on the revival of Budweiser Select, check out this article from CNN Business: Budweiser Select is going nationwide amid light beer sales surge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select is specifically crafted to deliver a flavorful experience but with fewer calories. It offers a profile with notes of toasted caramel malt and mild hops, but with a lighter body and a cleaner, quicker finish than the standard, medium-bodied Budweiser.

Many reviewers and the company itself describe Budweiser Select as more flavorful than other light lagers. It uses specific roasted malts to achieve a richer and more distinct taste profile, avoiding the watery quality often associated with some other low-calorie options.

Budweiser Select contains 99 calories, 3.1g of carbs, and 4.3% ABV. In contrast, Budweiser Select 55 is an even lighter option with only 55 calories and 2.4% ABV, and as a result, has a much lighter, more watery flavor profile.

Budweiser Select is brewed with a blend of premium American and Bavarian hops. This selection provides the beer with a balanced and mild hop character, contributing floral and herbal notes.

Budweiser Select has a subtle grainy sweetness from the malt, but it is balanced by the hops and finishes very clean and dry. It is not considered an overtly sweet beer.

Yes, after being relaunched in 2021, Budweiser Select is available nationwide, although it remains a cult favorite in its home market of St. Louis, Missouri.

Its clean finish is attributed to both its brewing process, which is longer than standard beer brewing, and its balanced use of hops and malt. The longer brewing time helps reduce carbohydrates and results in a crisper, cleaner flavor.