Expert: Ed Westemeier - 7/6/2006

Question
I just read your article on Bud products.  I have been drinking AB products all my life, and have started to notice I will always get a headache usually when i drink bud light.  I am going to switch, and am curious which common brews do not use this brewers yeast?  Your reply is greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Bad news and good news.
The bad news is that all strains of brewer's yeast produce this substance as a natural byproduct. However, the good news is that there is a wide variation among them. The A-B strain just happens to produce a very high amount. Most lager beers made in this country are very low, and the lowest are generally the microbreweries (craft beers). I think your best bet, if you're going to switch, is to try a variety of locally available beers, and  decide based on flavor.