Steel Reserve Triple Export 24OZ

Steel Reserve Triple Export 24OZ is a high gravity American lager brewed to 8.1% ABV, sold in a 24-ounce can. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup in the American-Style Premium Lager or Specialty Lager category, following a prior Gold Medal at the 2008 World Beer Cup — a distinction that separates it from most beers in the high gravity segment.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.1%  |  Origin: United States  |  Style: High Gravity Lager  |  Producer: Steel Brewing Company (Molson Coors)

Production & Heritage

Steel Reserve is produced by Steel Brewing Company, a brand owned by Miller Brewing Company, itself a subsidiary of Molson Coors. The Triple Export undergoes a notably long brewing cycle averaging 55 days — roughly twice the duration of many mainstream lagers — using extra malted barley and select hops to achieve its high gravity profile. Production takes place across various Molson Coors brewing facilities throughout the United States, and the extended fermentation and conditioning period is the primary driver behind the beer's fuller body and elevated alcohol content compared to standard lagers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet grain and bread form the foundation, joined by corn and a faint banana-like ester. Some drinkers detect subtle clove notes alongside a mild syrupy sweetness.

Taste: The entry delivers an initial hop presence that quickly gives way to a thick, syrupy mouthfeel dominated by malt sweetness. The mid-palate carries white bread and a faintly vinous, Chardonnay-like character backed by robust malt, with noticeable alcohol warmth building toward the peak.

Finish: An assertive burst of malt and white bread lingers, tapering with residual sweetness and a distinct alcohol burn. The finish is medium-long for the style, leaving a warm, grainy impression.

How to Drink Steel Reserve Triple Export

This high gravity lager is most commonly served cold straight from the can, and chilling it thoroughly tames the alcohol warmth while letting the malt sweetness come through cleanly. It works in a Michelada, where the tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce cut through the beer's sweetness for a savory balance. A Shandy built with fresh lemonade lightens the body and offsets the higher ABV. A simple Boilermaker pairing with bourbon amplifies the malt-forward character for those who enjoy bold flavor combinations.

Best For

• Tailgating and outdoor gatherings where a single 24-ounce serving goes the distance
• High gravity lager enthusiasts exploring award-winning expressions in the category
• Budget-conscious drinkers seeking strong flavor and ABV per ounce
• Casual cookouts where a bold, malt-forward beer stands up to grilled and smoked foods

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Steel Reserve Triple Export taste like? It delivers a sweet, malt-heavy profile with bread and corn notes, a syrupy mouthfeel, and a warm alcohol finish at 8.1% ABV. The flavor leans toward bold grain sweetness rather than hop bitterness.

How does Steel Reserve Triple Export compare to Hurricane High Gravity? Both are American high gravity lagers sold in similar sizes at comparable price points, with Hurricane High Gravity also sitting around 8.1% ABV and produced by Anheuser-Busch. Steel Reserve distinguishes itself with its 55-day brewing process and back-to-back World Beer Cup Gold Medals in 2008 and 2012, giving it stronger competition credentials in the category.

Is Steel Reserve Triple Export good for sipping? When served well-chilled, the Triple Export is drinkable on its own, though the elevated ABV and malt sweetness make it a beer best enjoyed slowly rather than quickly consumed.

Where is Steel Reserve Triple Export made? It is brewed by Steel Brewing Company across multiple Molson Coors facilities throughout the United States, under the Miller Brewing Company umbrella.

What foods pair well with Steel Reserve Triple Export? Grilled bratwurst matches the beer's malty sweetness; spicy Buffalo wings benefit from its full body to temper heat; smoked pulled pork echoes the grainy depth; sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the sweetness; and barbecue ribs with a sweet glaze complement the beer's own sugary malt backbone.

What sizes does Steel Reserve Triple Export come in? The Triple Export is widely available in 24-ounce single-serve cans, which is the flagship format for the expression.

Is Steel Reserve Triple Export worth the price? Steel Reserve Triple Export positions as a value-tier high gravity lager, delivering significant ABV and flavor per ounce at one of the most accessible price points in the category — making it a strong pick for drinkers who prioritize bold character without a premium spend.

Why Steel Reserve Triple Export?

Two World Beer Cup Gold Medals — in 2008 and 2012 — place this beer in rare company among high gravity lagers, validating its quality in blind professional judging against the broader American specialty lager field. The 55-day brewing process is roughly double that of many comparable beers, and the extended time with extra malted barley produces a noticeably fuller body and more complex grain profile than most competitors at this ABV. In a segment often dismissed by craft enthusiasts, those awards represent genuine peer-reviewed recognition. For anyone exploring the high gravity lager category, the Triple Export stands as one of the few expressions that can point to verified competition pedigree alongside its bold, malt-driven character.