Steel Reserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Steel Reserve is an American lager owned and produced by SABMiller. The drink comes in 'Black' and 'Silver' varieties, also known as 'Triple Export Malt Liquor' and 'High Gravity Lager,' respectively.
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[edit] General
Steel Reserve is usually sold in 40 US fluid ounce (1.183 L) bottles for around two US dollars. It is also distributed in single-serving 24 US fluid ounce (710 mL) cans, 22 US Fluid ounce (651 mL) bottles, 16 US fluid ounce (473 mL) cans in packs of four, and 12 US fluid ounce (355 mL) cans in packs of six or twelve. The manufacturer describes the taste as "exceptionally smooth," however it may be said that its appeal lies in its attractive price, high alcohol content, and stylish packaging.
Steel Reserve labels are emblazoned with a stylized "211"—the medieval symbol for steel. The packaging proclaims that the beverage is brewed for 28 days.
[edit] Availability
The 40 ounce, 8.1% ABV variety is most widely available, although in some states where prohibition era laws still remain, the 6.0% form is sold. Although the 'High Gravity Lager' is currently more widely available than the 'Triple Export Malt Liquor,' it has yet to find availability in all markets.
In the Austin Texas area, Steel Reserve, or 211, is widely available in its full strength 8.1% form. The beverage is sold in many forms of packaging, including single 24 ounce cans (sold in most convenience stores for $1.29) and in 12 packs of 12 ounce cans in most grocery stores (for about $5.99). It is favored by many who prefer a strong beer at a low price. 211 may be sold this way in other markets, information on this is limited. A group of firearm sporting enthusiasts in Austin has incorporated this beer into the theme of their blog at
[edit] Competitor response
Anheuser-Busch also adopted the "High Gravity" nomenclature and released Hurricane High Gravity Lager with the same alcohol content, container sizes, and similar price point.
The term "High Gravity" refers to the increased specific gravity of the wort used to produce high-alcohol beer.
[edit] Popular culture and advertisement
Influential Bay Area rapper E-40 has referenced Steel Reserve in songs such as "If it was a Fifth" in which he raps:
"I never let my right ear know what my left ear done heard
My favorite beer right now is 211 Steel Reserve"
The Ramones have performed songs referencing the beverage for radio advertisements. These include:
- Gimme My Steel Reserve - a different version of All's Quiet on the Eastern Front
- High Gravity Lager
- Fill My Cup - a different version of Real Cool Time
Steel Reserve appears in the films 3 Strikes, Training Day, Grandma's Boy and an episode of Angel.
[edit] External link
Colt 45 | Hurricane | Olde English 800 | Mickey's | St. Ides | Steel Reserve 211
