Steel Reserve

Steel Reserve
Manufacturer SABMiller
Introduced 1998
Alcohol by volume 6.0-8.1
Style Malt Liquor

Steel Reserve is an American lager brand owned and produced by Steel Brewing Company, which is owned by Miller.[1] The drink comes in "Black" and "Silver" varieties, also known as "Triple Export Malt Liquor" and "High Gravity Lager", respectively. It is noted for its high alcohol content (typically 8.1% ABV) and low price. It was introduced in 1998.

General

Steel Reserve is sold in 40 US fl oz (1.2 l) bottles. It also is distributed in 24 US fl oz (710 ml) cans, 22 US fl oz (650 ml) bottles, 16 US fl oz (470 ml) cans in packs of four or six, and 12 US fl oz (350 ml) cans in packs of six or twelve. In 2016 the company replaced its 40 oz. narrow-neck glass bottles with wide-neck, shatterproof plastic bottles.[2]

Steel Reserve labels are emblazoned with a stylized "211" representing the medieval symbol for steel.

Availability

The 40-ounce, 8.1% ABV variety is most widely available. In some states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Vermont, the beverage is sold at a diluted 6.0% ABV (Utah 3.0% ABV) in accordance with state law. Steel Reserve 8.1% ABV is now available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Wisconsin among other states. HG & also Berry Flavor (as of 2/2014), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Florida & Texas. Although the "High Gravity Lager" is more widely available than the "Triple Export Malt Liquor", it has yet to find availability in all 50 US states.

Accolades

In 2012, Steel Reserve received the Gold medal in the category of 'American-Style Premium Lager or Specialty Lager' at the World Beer Cup.

Alloy Series

In 2015 Steel Reserve released the "Alloy Series" which featured flavors such as Spiked Punch, Black Berry, Hard Pineapple, Spiked Limeade and Margarita. The release of the Alloy Series was met with criticism from 211 purists who claimed the company had gotten away from its "Steel Roots".

Competitor response

Anheuser-Busch also adopted the "High Gravity" nomenclature, referring to the term specific gravity, a measurement used to quantify the sugars available to produce alcohol in a fermented beverage, which may give an indication of alcohol content, and released Hurricane High Gravity Lager with the same alcohol content, container sizes, and similar price point.

Advertising

Reverend Horton Heat and the Ramones[3] were commissioned to release several radio jingles for the beverage in the 1990s.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Fredrix, Emily (July 4, 2006). "Miller dives into caffeinated drinks with $215 million deal". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  2. ↑ http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140301/ISSUE01/303019983/millercoors-lightens-up-by-subbing-plastic-bottles-for-glass
  3. ↑ YouTube | Ramones 1995 Steel Reserve audio only
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