Magnum Malt Liquor

Magnum Malt Liquor was introduced by Miller Brewing Company in 1981.  Until 1999, which the acquisition of the Mickey's brands, this was Miller's only malt liquor offering.  According to their
website, "Magnum delivers smooth, refreshing beer taste and enjoyment in a malt liquor."  Miller
provides absolutely no television or radio advertising for this product, but you might occasionally
see some point-of-sale advertising at liquor stores.  In paper literature from Miller, which I have in
my beer files, it is stated "Most larger American breweries include a malt liquor in their menu of
products.  Malt liquors are beers with a distinctive taste profile and slightly higher alcohol content.
Malt liquor shipments represent a relatively small segment of the beer industry."  That is about as
to-the-point and non-hyped a description of a product as you'll ever see.  Magnum is certainly low
on the Miller sales chart, but for over thirty years it has remained a steady-selling beer, and it does
have its followers. 

In my opinion, Magnum holds its own against other brands in the malt liquor sub-genre of
American-style adjunct lagers.  Magnum is a smoother and more easy-drinking beer than others
of its ilk, but it does have the requisite kick one expects from extra-strong beers.  The corn
ingredient does shine through in the color (golden) and taste (corny/grainy).  But, if you like a
full-bodied beer flavor, you might just enjoy this.  It should go especially well with cheese and
crackers or pizza.  It's a beer that one would expect to see at parties or at a ball-game watching
get-together.  I doubt many would bring this to a dinner party, though. 

Magnum is most commonly sold in 40 oz. "party size" bottles, but I have seen it in 22 oz. bottles,
18 oz. bottles, 16 oz. cans, and even 12 oz. cans (in 6 or 12 packs). 

A NOTE:  It is recommended that Magnum Malt Liquor be drunk poured from cans or on draft
(which you'll never see), as the clear glass bottles may allow light to spoil it.