Dale Earnhardt Jr. may be a NASCAR Hall of Famer, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, and one of the sport’s most iconic names. However, fame and fortune haven’t changed one thing about him: his taste in beer. While many might assume a man of his stature would lean toward expensive, niche, or trendy beverages, Dale Jr. remains fiercely loyal to something a little more down-to-earth. However, there’s one aspect of his beer preference that he can’t stand—a pet peeve that’s as surprising as it is relatable.

During an episode of his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Jr. let loose on what really grinds his gears, especially when it comes to beer culture.

The 55 Life: Dale Jr.’s go-to beer and why craft brews annoy him

Dale Jr. has never been shy about his love for Budweiser Select 55, a light beer that’s often the target of criticism among beer enthusiasts. But for Dale, it’s not about impressing anyone—it’s about enjoying life the way he sees fit.

“I cannot stand craft beer,” Dale Jr. candidly shared on his podcast. “When I go to the craft beer places that serve only the craft beers… And I know this annoys the hell out of the bartender. I’m the guy that’s like, ‘You got anything that’s kind of like a domestic light?’”

According to Dale Jr., this request often earns him glares from bartenders and craft beer enthusiasts. “They hate me,” he admitted. “‘You come in here and ask for that?’ Yeah, but that’s who I am… And I’m not ashamed.”

Dale Jr.’s disdain for craft beer stems from its perceived pretentiousness and lack of practicality for his lifestyle. One of the co-hosts on the podcast humorously mocked the alternatives offered to him: “[They’ll be like] ‘We’ve got this dandelion light that you can have, I guess.’” Laughing, Dale Jr. concluded, “I’m gonna drink some 55s today, and I don’t give a s—t who cares.”

His allegiance to Budweiser Select 55 is practical, too. As a dad and someone conscious of his health, Dale Jr. appreciates its low-calorie count and alcohol content. “When I became a dad and got a little bit older, I still love to drink beer,” he explained. “But I didn’t always want to be intoxicated, not all the time. Miller has the 64, and Bud has the 55. I’m thinking, man, I can have two 55s to one Bud Light.”

The light beer allows Dale Jr. to enjoy himself all day without the consequences of stronger drinks. “I’ll get up in the morning when I’m on vacation, and I’ll have a beer at 10:00 in the morning,” he said unapologetically. “You can drink those 55s from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. They have half the alcohol and half the calories, and you’ll still be functional in the back half of the day.”

Beer and celebration: A lifelong love affair

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s love for beer isn’t just about taste; it’s deeply tied to his most cherished memories, both on and off the track. From his famous quip after winning at Martinsville in 2014 (“We’re gonna drink a lot of beer tonight!”) to celebrating victories with his friends and family on pit road, beer has always been a part of his story.

One of the most notable moments came earlier this year as Dale Jr. celebrated his 50th birthday. NASCAR’s official social media humorously suggested he commemorate the milestone by chugging 50 beers, a playful nod to his well-known affection for the beverage.

Dale Jr.’s history with beer dates back to his early years in the sport, when his partnership with Budweiser became iconic. Working with the brand for nearly a decade, Dale Jr. developed a bond with the company that still rewards him to this day. “When you have that kind of relationship with Budweiser,” he explained, “they put me on this deal where I still get beer. The beer truck comes by every so often, once a month or whatever, and drops off a few cases.”

Even though Budweiser Select 55 is ranked as one of the worst beers in the world by Beer Advocate, Dale Jr. couldn’t care less. “That’s amazing,” he said of the ranking. He even joked about the criticism he receives from friends for his choice. “Some of my friends tell me that I shouldn’t even talk about it, but I don’t have no shame.”

Beyond the track and the critics, Dale Jr. has always made beer about camaraderie and joy. From cracking open a cold one after a grueling race to enjoying leisurely beers on vacation, it’s clear that beer—particularly his beloved 55s—isn’t just a drink to him; it’s a lifestyle.

So, while beer aficionados might turn their noses up at Dale Jr.’s preferences, he’s not bothered. After all, he’s the guy who drinks what he likes and doesn’t care what anyone thinks—and that’s why fans love him.