Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Olde English "800"







Olde English "800" Malt Liquor was acquired by Miller Brewing Company in 1999 from Pabst
Brewing Company as part of their blockbuster deal.  Olde English was placed on the market in
1964 by the small People's Brewing Company and was originally called Olde English "600"
Malt Liquor.  It was acquired by Pabst in the early 1970s and turned over to Miller Brewing in
1999.  Olde English "800" has 5.6% alcohol, which is high for beer, but relatively low for the
malt liquor subsection.  OE 800 High Gravity, with 8% alcohol was introduced in 2001, but it
is only available in select areas around the nation.  Olde English is sold in 12 oz, 16 oz., and 24
oz. cans and in 18 oz., 22 oz., 32 oz., and 40 oz. bottles.  This is a fairly steady-selling Miller
brand, and it is pretty commonly sold around the USA.  Although Miller provides no television
advertising, one will occasionally hear radio commercials for the product.  Also, point-of-sale advertisements are not unusual.  Nicknamed "Eight Ball," Olde English has it's place in the beer
world and is respected by many, including this writer.  For a smooth, yet full-bodied beer, with
a fruity, semi-sweet presentation, go for OE 800.  This is an excellent drink for friends getting
together to watch a game or play a round of darts or pool.  A friend of mine described it as a
"working-class beer," and I thought that was an accurate understanding of what it is.
A NOTE:  It is recommended that Olde English "800" be drank poured from a can rather than
the bottle as the clear glass may allow light to spoil the drink.

No comments:

Post a Comment