10 Best Light Craft Beers

While craft beers are mighty tasty, most pack a lot more alcohol and calories than their macro-brewed brethren. The good news is there are plenty of less boozy and (dare I say?) "light beer" versions out there to keep you both quenched and conscious during long, beerfueled summer barbecues.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume), written as a percentage, is a standard measure of how much alcohol is present in a given volume of beer.

Straight out of Kings County, this is a solid traditional saison with a light hoppy flavor and about as many calories as a Miller Lite.

Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery 

ABV: 3.4% Calories: 102

It's believed the term "session beer" is derived from the British penchant for reliable brews that can be enjoyed in large quantities for long periods of time. Oregon-based Full Sail Brewing Company's version fills the bill with its low ABV and refreshing flavor.

Brewery: Full Sail Brewing Co.

ABV: 5.1% Calories: 130

When it comes to alcohol and calories, India pale ales (IPAs) are some of the worst offenders. For those who like big hoppy flavors without all the blackouts, there's Maryland's Flying Dog Brewery's Session IPA, which also boasts notes of grapefruit and biscuits.

Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery 

ABV: 4.7% Calories: 141

Unlike pale light beers of yore, this Boston Beer Company's take pours a golden amber color. Slightly sweet and hoppy, it has a clean finish that leaves you wanting more, which, with such a low ABV, is just fine.

Brewery: The Boston Brewing Company

ABV: 4.3% Calories: 119

While its ABV and calorie count are a bit higher than the average session beer, this German-style pilsner is worth the splurge with its balanced floral notes and beautifully crisp finish.

Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

ABV: 5.2% Calories: 156

This Connecticut beer's existence is a minor miracle. With fewer calories than a cup of blueberries and an ABV that makes it more "near" than beer, Bikini Beer still maintains the hoppy, balanced character of the best craft brews, with subtle hints of candied fruit and citrus.

Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing

ABV: 2.7% Calories: 81

After this Colorado-brewed beer hits you with its lightly lemony punch, the flavors grow more complex with hints of bread and grass characteristic of the best Bohemian pilsners.

Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Company

ABV: 5.4% Calories: 162

In a state known for its proliferation of craft beer in recent years, Vermont's Long Trail Ale is still among the best. The amber ale is slightly bitter, with notes of sweet toffee and caramel.

Brewery: Long Trail Brewing Company

ABV: 5% Calories: 138

One of the first session IPAs to hit the market, this one from Michigan remains among the best. With golden color and bitter, citrusy taste, it's an ideal backyard beer—and it comes in a 15-pack of cans, which means there's plenty to share.

Brewery: Founders Brewing Co.

ABV: 4.7% Calories: 147

Brewed in Utah, this deep, dark lager is creamy, smoky, and sweet—perfect for a long, calm night around the campfire.

Brewery: Uinta Brewing Company

ABV: 4% Calories: 120