Yes, Coors Banquets are 5% ABV: Your Guide to the Golden Lager's Strength

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

First brewed in 1873, Coors Banquet has a rich history tied to Colorado miners. This classic American lager maintains a consistent Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of 5%, placing it in a well-established category among similar domestic beers.

Quick Summary

Coors Banquet has a confirmed ABV of 5%, a detail that sets it apart from lighter alternatives like Coors Light. The American lager's alcohol content is consistent with its fuller, malty flavor profile.

Key Points

Confirmed 5% ABV: Coors Banquet contains exactly 5% Alcohol by Volume, according to the manufacturer and retailers.
Consistent Recipe: The beer is brewed using a consistent, traditional recipe that has been in place since 1873.
Distinct from Coors Light: Banquet's 5% ABV is higher than Coors Light's 4.2%, contributing to its fuller body and maltier flavor.
Key Ingredients: It is famously brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water and high country Moravian barley, impacting its unique flavor profile.
Golden, CO Only: To maintain its authenticity, Coors Banquet is only brewed in Golden, Colorado, using the specific Rocky Mountain water source.
Fuller Flavor: The 5% ABV results in a more full-bodied taste with notes of bread, pear, and a subtle sweetness, distinguishing it from lighter lagers.

The Answer is Yes: Coors Banquet is 5% ABV

For drinkers curious about its potency, the answer is straightforward: Coors Banquet is a 5% ABV beer. This alcohol content is a defining characteristic of the golden lager, contributing significantly to its classic, full-bodied taste. The consistent 5% ABV is proudly stated on product descriptions and brand materials, reflecting the brewery's commitment to the original recipe that has been in use since 1873. This percentage positions it as a standard American lager, with a slightly higher alcohol content than many of today's more sessionable light beers.

Comparing Coors Banquet to Other Lagers

To truly understand Coors Banquet's place in the market, it helps to compare it with its siblings and other popular domestic lagers. Most notably, Coors Light has a lower ABV of 4.2%, which is a key distinction for consumers. While Coors Light prioritizes a crisp, light, and low-calorie profile, Banquet leans into a richer, more satisfying malt presence. Other popular 5% ABV beers include Budweiser, Fosters, and Heineken, putting Banquet in familiar company. The 5% mark is a sweet spot for many traditional lagers, offering enough character without being overly strong. For comparison, many craft beers tend to have a higher average ABV, sometimes reaching 7% or more. However, Banquet's steady 5% has built a loyal following for those seeking a reliable and balanced brew.

A History of Tradition and the Brewing Process

The Coors Banquet recipe, developed by Adolph Coors, has been a testament to tradition since its inception. The beer is famously brewed exclusively in Golden, Colorado, using 100% Rocky Mountain water. This single-source approach is a point of pride for the brewery and ensures consistency in every batch. Key ingredients contributing to its 5% ABV and distinctive taste include:

Rocky Mountain Water: Prized for its purity and mineral content, it provides the foundation for the beer's clean, refreshing taste.
Moravian Barley: A special variety of barley, which Coors has malted in-house for generations, provides the fermentable sugars that create the alcohol and malty sweetness.
Corn Syrup (Dextrose): This adjunct is used to boost fermentable sugars, which lightens the beer's body and contributes to its crisp finish.
Hops Extracts and Yeast: These balance the sweetness of the malt and drive the fermentation process.

The name “Banquet” itself is rooted in history, a nickname given by Colorado miners who would celebrate with the beer in banquet halls after their shifts. The name was officially adopted in 1937, cementing its legacy as a beer for celebrating hard work and good times.

ABV Comparison Table

To illustrate where Coors Banquet stands, here is a comparison of its ABV and calories with some other popular domestic and imported beers:


Beer Brand	Alcohol Content (ABV)	Calories (per 12oz)
Coors Banquet	5.00%	~149
Coors Light	4.20%	~102
Budweiser	5.00%	~145
Miller High Life	4.60%	~143
Heineken	5.00%	~142
Blue Moon	5.40%	~170

What the 5% ABV Means for Flavor and Experience

The 5% ABV is more than just a number; it dictates the beer's flavor and mouthfeel. A 5% ABV provides a sturdier, more balanced profile than lighter options, resulting in a sessionable lager with an inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and hints of banana and pear. The texture is effervescent and its finish is crisp and satisfying. Its rich golden color and taste reflect its higher alcohol content compared to the more watery profile of some light beers. The 5% ABV also gives it a versatility that makes it a great pairing for a wide range of foods, from grilled burgers and BBQ to pizza and wings. Its history and taste have given it a timeless appeal, as seen in its resurgence in popular culture.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Coors Banquet

In conclusion, Coors Banquet's consistent 5% ABV is a hallmark of its tradition and quality. The beer's appeal lies in its unwavering recipe and brewing process, which provides a reliable, full-flavored American lager experience. While beer trends may shift toward non-alcoholic options or higher ABV craft brews, Coors Banquet continues to satisfy those who appreciate a classic taste. Its 5% strength strikes a perfect balance, offering a rewarding drinking experience that is not overly light or excessively strong. As generations of drinkers have discovered, the golden lager from Golden, Colorado, remains a trusted and satisfying choice for any occasion. For more information on ABV measurements, consider reading resources from authoritative beer sites like CraftBeer.com.

A Quick Look at Coors Banquet's Flavor Profile:

Aroma: Inviting hints of freshly baked bread, subtle banana, and pear.
Flavor: A sturdy balance of malt sweetness and a crisp finish.
Body: Medium-bodied with a satisfying and effervescent mouthfeel.

The Brewing Process at a Glance:

1. Brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water from Golden, CO.
1. Uses high country Moravian barley malted in-house.
1. Corn syrup (dextrose) is added to aid fermentation and lighten the body.
1. Undergoes a cold filtering process for a clean taste.
1. The 5% ABV is a direct result of this traditional, meticulous process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Coors Banquet's Alcohol By Volume (ABV) is consistently 5%, making it a standard-strength American lager.

Coors Banquet is stronger at 5% ABV, while Coors Light has a lower alcohol content of 4.2%. Banquet offers a fuller, richer flavor profile as a result.

A 5% ABV is considered average for many American lagers. It offers a moderate level of alcohol that contributes to the beer's flavor without being overly strong.

Its distinctive flavor comes from a combination of using 100% Rocky Mountain water, Moravian barley, and a traditional fermentation process.

The name originated from Colorado miners who would celebrate with the beer in banquet halls after their long shifts.

Coors Banquet is the name for the beer brewed in Golden, Colorado, using Rocky Mountain water. 'Coors Original' is often the name used for the Canadian-brewed version of the same recipe, but made with different water.

Yes, Coors Banquet is brewed using corn syrup (dextrose) as an adjunct, but it is fully fermented out and not present in the final product.

No, Coors Banquet is a mainstream, mass-produced lager from Molson Coors Beverage Company. Craft beers are typically made by smaller, independent breweries.