King Cobra Premium Malt Liquor was introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 1984. This extra-strong
beer, called "malt liquor" in the USA to comply with US government trade regulations, replaced
Budweiser Malt Liquor, which had been launched in 1972. It is not known whether King Cobra
was a new recipe or simply a name change. Whatever the case, King Cobra has been a steady
seller during its 26-year existence. Initially, this beer received strong television, radio, and print
advertising support, but this ended in the late 1980s. However, one may find point-of-sale ads in
liquor stores or other beer outlets. The brand's original tag line was, "Don't let the smooth taste
fool you," meaning that the beer has a smooth taste, but the alcohol level (6%) might overwhelm a
person engaged in volume drinking and not realizing that the mellow-tasting drink packs a strong
alcohol punch. And, the cans and bottles still feature the "Smooth Tasting" blurb.
beer, called "malt liquor" in the USA to comply with US government trade regulations, replaced
Budweiser Malt Liquor, which had been launched in 1972. It is not known whether King Cobra
was a new recipe or simply a name change. Whatever the case, King Cobra has been a steady
seller during its 26-year existence. Initially, this beer received strong television, radio, and print
advertising support, but this ended in the late 1980s. However, one may find point-of-sale ads in
liquor stores or other beer outlets. The brand's original tag line was, "Don't let the smooth taste
fool you," meaning that the beer has a smooth taste, but the alcohol level (6%) might overwhelm a
person engaged in volume drinking and not realizing that the mellow-tasting drink packs a strong
alcohol punch. And, the cans and bottles still feature the "Smooth Tasting" blurb.
According to the Anheuser-Busch website, King Cobra is made with a combination of the finest
six-row barley malts and corn. They say that a warmer fermentation process results in a fruity
aroma, sweet finish, and a bold, full-flavored profile. I believe this to be the case, because King
Cobra does have a full-bodied, yet pleasant taste, without the harshness one finds in some malt
liquors. And, yes, there is an underlying, but not overwhelming, sweetness to the drink. The hop
profile is minimal, as is typical for a malt liquor. One can rest assured that with King Cobra one is
getting a product backed by Anheuser-Busch's fanatical and celebrated quality and consistency
controls.
six-row barley malts and corn. They say that a warmer fermentation process results in a fruity
aroma, sweet finish, and a bold, full-flavored profile. I believe this to be the case, because King
Cobra does have a full-bodied, yet pleasant taste, without the harshness one finds in some malt
liquors. And, yes, there is an underlying, but not overwhelming, sweetness to the drink. The hop
profile is minimal, as is typical for a malt liquor. One can rest assured that with King Cobra one is
getting a product backed by Anheuser-Busch's fanatical and celebrated quality and consistency
controls.
King Cobra is available in cans (usually 16 oz.) and bottles (usually 40 oz.). I would strongly
recommend avoiding sampling this brand from the bottle, as the clear glass may allow light to spoil
the beer. The canned version is the safe bet.
recommend avoiding sampling this brand from the bottle, as the clear glass may allow light to spoil
the beer. The canned version is the safe bet.
Overall, King Cobra is a delicious, high-quality malt liquor and stands as one of the strongest brands
in that sub-genre. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
in that sub-genre. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
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