The world of brewing has been profoundly shaped by numerous innovations over the centuries, but few have had as lasting an impact as the invention of light beer.

And this lighter, lower-calorie alternative to traditional beer has become a staple for countless individuals in the US.

Of the top three bestselling beers in the US, two of them are considered light beers.  Michelob Ultra is currently the #2 bestselling beer in the nation, and Bud Light, once the #1 bestselling beer in the nation, is still # 3.

In fact, of the top 10 bestselling beers in 2024, six of them are considered light beers.

But only one man is responsible for the invention of light beer, a brilliant biochemist, Joseph L. Owades, and his legacy in the world of brewing, is legend.

Early Life and Education

Joseph L. Owades was born on July 9, 1919, in New York City. From an early age, Owades exhibited a keen interest in science, a passion that would ultimately guide his future career. He pursued his undergraduate studies at City College of New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. His academic journey continued at the prestigious Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, (now known as NYU Tandon School of Engineering) where he obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.

Career Beginnings

Owades’ professional career began in the field of chemical engineering, but it was his transition to the brewing industry that marked the beginning of his lasting legacy. In the 1950s, Owades joined the Rheingold Brewery in Brooklyn, New York, where he worked as a biochemist. It was here that his extensive knowledge of biochemistry and brewing processes would come together to produce a revolutionary new product.

(Original Gablingers can: courtesy vintagecans.com)

The Birth of Light Beer

During his tenure at Rheingold Brewery, Owades became intrigued by the idea of creating a beer that was lower in calories but still retained the flavor and enjoyment of traditional beer. This interest led him to experiment with various brewing techniques and ingredients that culminated in 1967 with the release of Gablinger’s Diet Beer, the world’s first commercially successful light beer.

The key to Owades’ success lay in his understanding of the biochemical processes involved in brewing.

He developed an innovative method to reduce the calorie content of beer by breaking down the starches into fermentable sugars more efficiently. This process allowed the yeast to consume more sugars, resulting in a lower-calorie beer without compromising on taste.

Industry Impact

The introduction of Gablinger’s Diet Beer marked a turning point in the brewing industry. While it initially faced skepticism from traditional beer drinkers, the demand for light beer steadily grew, especially among health-conscious consumers and those looking to moderate their alcohol intake.

The success of Gablinger’s Diet Beer inspired other breweries to develop their own light beer variants, leading to a proliferation of options in the market and the dominance of Light Beer today.

In the years that followed, Owades’ pioneering work continued to influence the industry. He shared his knowledge and techniques with numerous breweries, including the Miller Brewing Company, which launched Miller Lite in 1975, a product that became one of the most successful light beers in history.

Today, light beer accounts for about 40% of all beer consumed across the nation, according to Beer Marketer’s Insights.

Jim Koch: Courtesy Boston Beer Company)

Owades’ contributions to the brewing industry earned him recognition and respect as a visionary innovator. “As a consultant since the mid-1970s, he helped craft formulas for Samuel Adams, New Amsterdam Beer, Pete’s Wicked Ale and Foggy Bottom Beer,” according to the Seattle Times.

“He was present at the creation of craft brewing,” Samuel Adams founder Jim Koch told Fox News Digital. Koch called Owades “a mentor” and when Owades passed away, Koch flew across the country to speak at the funeral in Sonoma, Calif.

Legacy

Joseph L. Owades passed away on December 16, 2005, but his legacy lives on in every can and bottle of light beer enjoyed around the world.

And we can thank one man, Joseph L. Owades, for that…