Battle of the beers.(UP FRONT)(Product/service evaluation)

If you've seen the recent ads for Miller's MGD 64, you know that it has 64 calories per 12 ounces, far fewer than most other beers. (In a typical pitch, a woman asks a bartender for "64 calories of Michelob Ultra." He responds by pouring out some of the bottle's contents and handing her the remainder.) But how do MGD's 64 calories taste?

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We asked three experienced beer tasters (seriously, they actually spit out the beer between tastes) to conduct blind taste tests of Miller Lite and MGD 64. Looking ahead to summer, or for people who plan to serve Mexican food at their Super Bowl party, we also had tasters try two beers with a hint of lime: Bud Light Lime and Miller Chill. Here's the lowdown on the brews, without the froth:

Miller MGD 64 vs. Miller Lite. Tasters said that the beers have similar flavor and seem related to each other, but Miller Lite is slightly more complex and heavier-bodied, with a more intense flavor. MGD 64 is refreshing but seems much lighter in flavor and is a little watery. MGD 64's Web site cites malt and hop "cues." "Cue" is about right--it has little of the malty taste that defines beer. It also feels a little different, with lots of very small bubbles and lighter foam than Miller Lite.

Bud Light Lime vs. Miller Chill. They are based on the Mexican chelada--beer ...