There’s nothing better than a nice, cold beer on a hot summer day. However, it seems like there are some generational differences when it comes to how people enjoy this treat. Some beer brands have loyal Boomer followings, but they are failing to get the attention of Millennials and younger generations. My generation and younger seem to be gravitating toward craft beers and steering clear of some of the “classics.” That said, here’s a look at five beer brands Boomers still love that Millennials won’t touch.
1. Budweiser
For many boomers, Budweiser is more than a beer—it’s a tradition. With decades of consistent branding and wide availability, it became the default choice for many older drinkers. Millennials, on the other hand, are stepping away from Budweiser in droves; nearly half have never tried it, indicating a major generation gap in appeal. They prefer beers with stronger flavors or local ties. As a result, Budweiser often sits untouched in fridges when millennials are around.
2. Miller Lite / Miller High Life
Miller brands like Lite and High Life were staples for boomers seeking approachable lagers. High Life, “The Champagne of Beers,” still rings nostalgic for that group, while Lite offers a familiar light option. Millennials, raised during the rise of craft beer, view these offerings as bland and uninspiring. Many prefer hoppier, fuller-bodied beers with distinct character. That generational shift has pushed Miller down lists for younger drinkers.
3. Coors / Coors Light
Coors and Coors Light have long been mass-market go-tos for boomers wanting a cold, refreshing brew. The brands’ easy-drinking profile aligns with broad, no-frills appeal. Younger drinkers, however, are drawn to more artisanal or craft-driven options—a trend that Coors doesn’t satisfy. Millennials consistently list Coors below craft or imported beers in popularity. This reflects a broader pattern: mainstream brand loyalty fades as preference for flavor complexity increases.
4. Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR)
Pabst Blue Ribbon once faded into obscurity before reclaiming fame among nostalgic boomers. Its classic blue ribbon label and working-class heritage resonate with older drinkers. Millennials, although sometimes ironically embracing PBR, often avoid it unless it’s associated with retro fashion statements. Most younger consumers prefer new craft labels or beers with a story, not recycled mid-century staples. That means PBR remains a boomer hangout in beverage lines, even if millennials mention it ironically.
5. Blue Moon
Blue Moon, the Belgian-style wheat ale, remains a boomer favorite thanks to its approachable citrus garnish and distinctive bottle. Its mass-market positioning bridges tradition with a minor twist. Yet millennials—more likely to explore local breweries or bold international flavors—often bypass Blue Moon for more adventurous choices. Even though it’s still recognizable, younger drinkers say it’s too tame. That leaves Blue Moon largely untouched when millennials have control of the tap.
Why Millennials Steer Clear—and Boomers Stick Around
Boomers’ loyalty springs from a simpler time when fewer beer choices existed, so national brands became household names. Millennials, by contrast, entered adulthood surrounded by an explosion of craft breweries, flavored seltzers, and artisanal labels. Studies show that Boomers didn’t pass on their brand habits; millennials developed preferences based on exploration, not tradition. Add in demographics—Boomers are drinking more overall, while millennials moderate or even abstain. That generational divide helps explain why some beers still thrive only with older drinkers.
What seemed like iconic beer brands for boomers now feel stale or generic to younger drinkers. Millennials demand authenticity, local sourcing, and flavor depth—features often missing from big-label lagers. Meanwhile, boomers find comfort in the familiar and time-tested. Beer branding and marketing are adapting, but the generational divide remains real. Understanding these preferences gives a clearer picture of today’s evolving beer culture.
Which beer do boomers love that you just can’t get behind? Share your experience—and maybe your favorite millennial-approved brew—in the comments below!
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