Kronenbourg 1664, the original golden brew, is a premium pale lager. Specifically, it falls into the category of a Euro Pale Lager or a Bière de Luxe, a term often used in France for higher-quality lagers. It is not an ale, a stout, or a wheat beer, although its famous counterpart, 1664 Blanc, is indeed a wheat beer.
Defining the ‘Type’ of Kronenbourg 1664
When someone asks “what type of beer is Kronenbourg 1664?”, they’re usually looking for more than just ‘lager.’ They want to understand its specific characteristics, how it tastes, and where it fits into the broader beer spectrum. The original Kronenbourg 1664 is celebrated for its distinctive balance and clarity, which are hallmarks of a well-crafted pale lager.
The Core Identity: Euro Pale Lager
A Euro Pale Lager is a broad category, but it accurately describes Kronenbourg 1664. These beers are typically:
- Appearance: Golden, clear, and bright.
- Aroma: Subtle malt sweetness, often with a faint floral or noble hop aroma.
- Flavor: Crisp, clean, with a balanced malt profile and a moderate, refreshing bitterness. It’s designed to be smooth and highly drinkable.
- Body: Light to medium.
- ABV: Generally around 5.0-5.5%. Kronenbourg 1664 typically sits at 5.5% ABV.
Its French heritage lends it a certain elegance, often associated with a slightly more refined drinking experience compared to some other mass-market lagers. The specific Strisselspalt hop, native to Alsace, France, is often highlighted in its brewing, contributing to its unique aromatic profile.
What Kronenbourg 1664 Is Not (Common Misconceptions)
Many articles, or even casual drinkers, sometimes miscategorize Kronenbourg 1664. Let’s clear up the common points of confusion:
Not a Wheat Beer (That’s 1664 Blanc)
This is by far the most frequent mistake. Kronenbourg 1664, the original, is brewed with barley malt and is a lager. Its distinct cousin, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, is a French-style witbier or wheat beer, characterized by its cloudy appearance, citrus, and spice notes. While both carry the 1664 name, they are different beer styles entirely.
Not a Craft Beer (in the modern sense)
While Kronenbourg 1664 has a long history (dating back to 1664, of course) and a reputation for quality, it is a product of a large, multinational brewery. It’s a mass-produced, widely distributed beer, not typically considered a ‘craft beer’ by contemporary definitions that emphasize small, independent, and often experimental brewing.
Not an Ale
Lagers and ales are the two fundamental families of beer, differentiated by the type of yeast used and fermentation temperatures. Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast at colder temperatures, resulting in a cleaner, crisper profile. Ales use top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, producing more fruity or complex flavors. Kronenbourg 1664 is definitively a lager.
The Final Verdict
If your metric is the most accurate stylistic classification, Kronenbourg 1664 is a premium pale lager, best described as a Euro Pale Lager or Bière de Luxe. It stands apart from its popular wheat beer cousin, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, which is a completely different style. For a crisp, clean, and balanced golden lager with a touch of French refinement, Kronenbourg 1664 hits the mark.