Iron City Beer and IC Light are both brands produced by Pittsburgh Brewing Company. While they share a common origin, there are some differences between the two beers.
1. Flavor Profile: Iron City Beer is a traditional American lager with a rich, malty flavor. It has a slightly sweet taste with notes of caramel and a mild hop bitterness. On the other hand, IC Light is a lighter version of Iron City Beer, designed to be more refreshing and lower in calories. It has a lighter body and a crisper, cleaner taste.
2. Alcohol Content: Iron City Beer typically has an alcohol content of around 4.5% ABV, while IC Light has a lower alcohol content of around 4.1% ABV. This difference in alcohol content contributes to the lighter and more refreshing character of IC Light.
3. Calorie Content: IC Light is marketed as a low-calorie beer, with around 95 calories per 12-ounce serving. Iron City Beer, while not as low in calories as IC Light, still falls within a moderate range for a beer of its style.
4. Packaging: Iron City Beer is commonly sold in brown bottles or cans with the iconic red and yellow label featuring the Pittsburgh skyline. IC Light, on the other hand, is often packaged in blue bottles or cans with a lighter and more modern design.
5. Availability: Iron City Beer is the flagship brand of Pittsburgh Brewing Company and is widely available throughout the Pittsburgh area and some surrounding regions. IC Light, being a lighter version of Iron City Beer, is also primarily available in the same markets.
Personal Experience: As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste both Iron City Beer and IC Light. I found Iron City Beer to have a more robust flavor profile with a nice balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. IC Light, on the other hand, was lighter and more refreshing, making it a good choice for those looking for a lower-calorie option. Both beers were enjoyable in their own ways, and I appreciated the distinct characteristics of each.
While Iron City Beer and IC Light are both produced by Pittsburgh Brewing Company, they have some differences in flavor profile, alcohol content, calorie content, packaging, and availability. Iron City Beer is a traditional American lager with a richer flavor, while IC Light is a lighter and more refreshing version with lower calories. Ultimately, the choice between the two beers comes down to personal preference and the occasion.