Updated June 2026
Lager and IPA are not a ranked fight. Lager, ale, porter, and stout are class words when the lot is 0.5% ABV or more (–7.142). IPA is trade English for a hop-forward ale, not a separate TTB class from ale. Official Bud Light (a light lager): 4.2% / 110 cal. A 12-ounce 5% beer is one NIAAA drink. No 2026 ranking.
Related: pilsner vs IPA, stout vs lager, dark vs light.
Class vs trade talk
| Language | 12 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Lager | Read the can |
| IPA | Read the can |
| Bud Light official | 0.84 |
| Better style | — |
Read the can. Pour math: beer drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 7.141–7.142 / 7.145.
- https://www.budlight.com/beers/budlight — 4.2% / 110. NIAAA December 2025.