Steel Reserve, also known as 211, is an American lager brand owned and produced by Steel Brewing Company, which is owned by Miller, a subsidiary of Molson Coors.[1] The drink comes in "Black" and "Silver" varieties, also known as "Triple Export Malt Liquor" and "High Gravity Lager", respectively. It has a high alcohol content (typically 8.1% ABV). It was introduced in 1994.[2]
 | |
| Manufacturer | Molson Coors |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1994 |
| Alcohol by volume | 6.0-8.1 |
| Style | Malt liquor |
General
editSteel Reserve is sold in 42 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 42 oz. wide-neck, shatterproof plastic bottles.[3]
Availability
editThe 40-ounce, 8.1% ABV variety is widely available throughout the US; however, some states require the beverage to be sold as a diluted 6.0% ABV and in Utah 5.0% ABW within accordance of state law.
Awards and ratings
editIn 2012, Steel Reserve 8.1% ABV received the gold medal in the category of 'American-Style Premium Lager or Specialty Lager' at the World Beer Cup. Additionally, the American malt liquor style ale has been rated within the 83 percentile[4] earning the good rating by Beeradvocate, while users of the site have accumulated a rating of 60 - poor (2017). Alternatively, Ratebeer has given an accumulative rating of 0 overall and 10 for overall style.[5]
Competitor response
editAnheuser-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.
Advertising
editReverend Horton Heat and the Ramones[6] were commissioned to release several radio jingles for the beverage in the 1990s.
References
edit- ^ Fredrix, Emily (July 4, 2006). "Miller dives into caffeinated drinks with $215 million deal". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- ^ "STEEL RESERVE Trademark of MILLERCOORS LLC Serial Number: 74439790". uspto.report.
- ^ "For Miller, one word: Plastics". Crain's Chicago Business. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ "Steel Reserve 211 (High Gravity) | Steel Brewing Company". BeerAdvocate. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ "Steel Reserve 211 High Gravity". www.ratebeer.com. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ YouTube | Ramones 1995 Steel Reserve audio only