As beer drinkers, homebrewers, or simply curious readers who want to learn about different types of beer, it’s always intriguing to learn about what goes into our brews of choice.

So today, we’re going to get into a comprehensive exploration of Michelob Ultra—the little beer that could… eventually become the #2 beer in America.

But what kind of beer is Ultra? When did it first get on shelves? Why do so many people like it despite its reputation for tasting like carbonated water? And what the heck ever happened to Michelob Light? We’ll answer all of your questions and more below:

The Birth of Ultra

Let’s not beat around the Busch. Michelob Ultra was born from the mighty Anheuser-Busch back in 2002.

Anheuser-Busch already had an impressive roster of beers at that point, but Michelob Ultra was conceptualized with a very specific aim in mind. The target for Michelob Ultra was the health-conscious beer drinker.

And it ultimately became the product with the fastest growth rate in their entire history of brewing.

Although the introduction of Michelob Ultra was aimed at sparking some new life into their range of light beers, it was never really intended to supersede Michelob Light. Production of Michelob Light continued despite its own declining popularity and the skyrocketing success of Michelob Ultra.*

*Michelob Light made Time Magazine’s list of “9 Beers Americans No Longer Drink” after its sales declined by almost 70%, and it was actually briefly discontinued in 2005, however it was quickly reintroduced in 2007 as an “all-malt light beer.”

What Kind of Beer is Ultra, Exactly?

Michelob Ultra is a light lager. It’s made from a grain bill that includes a blend of pale malts and rice, which gives it its refreshing and subtle flavor, along with a light golden color.

So what exactly does a beer like Michelob Ultra bring to the table? Well, light lagers, as a category, are known for their milder flavor, lighter color, and lower alcohol content compared to other beer types.

But Michelob Ultra isn’t just any light lager. Besides its noticeable carbonation, what sets it apart is its unique blend of pale malts and rice, a subtle and refreshing taste, and a surprisingly low calorie and carbohydrate count. The use of pale malts gives it what many people describe as a delicate “grainy” sweetness, while the rice, a “neutral” grain, ensures the beer retains a clean, crisp finish. This ends up producing a beer that’s very subtle but still refreshing, making it a good choice for those wanting a less “robust” taste.

That last distinguishing characteristic can be a double-edged sword—which is well-reflected in Ultra’s reviews and public reception. Many reviews praise the beer for being light and “easy to drink,” but many have described it as tasting “watered down,” or otherwise lacking in flavor.

Despite the mixed reviews, its continued success suggests that for a lot of beer drinkers, Michelob Ultra is indeed hitting the mark.

How Much Alcohol is in Michelob Ultra?

As an American light lager, Michelob Ultra registers an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 4.2%. To put this in context, a standard lager typically holds an ABV of around 5%, while many ales and stouts go higher.

The reduced ABV means Michelob Ultra carries less alcohol per serving than other lagers, which goes with its overall “light” profile and its target towards health-conscious beer drinkers.

Why Do People Like Michelob Ultra So Much?

Michelob Ultra didn’t take long to make a splash in the American market. Less than two decades after its 2002 introduction, Ultra ended up taking a spot in the Top 5 beer brands in America.

It wasn’t a fluke—it was a well-calculated move catering to a demographic craving healthier options. More health- and fitness-conscious drinkers found a perfect companion in Michelob Ultra with its low calories and carbs.

Compared to other American light lagers, Ultra has managed to stay a step ahead by striking a balance between health consciousness and flavor (at least, depending on who you ask about the latter.)

But regardless of all the mixed reviews out there, at the end of the day, Michelob Ultra is the #2 beer in the industry by volume—so you do the math!