Special Export 6Pk

Special Export 6Pk is a 5% ABV American-style lager sold in a six-pack of 12 oz containers, rooted in a brewing heritage dating back to the 1930s. Originally formulated as a higher-strength lager — reportedly above 6% ABV at its inception — the recipe has since settled into a smooth, sessionable profile that remains a regional staple across the Upper Midwest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Milwaukee & Michigan, United States  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brand Owner: Pabst Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Special Export traces its origins to the 1930s, when it was introduced as a full-bodied lager with a notably higher alcohol content than many domestic competitors of the era. Today, the beer is contract-brewed on behalf of Pabst Brewing Company, which is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and no longer operates its own brewing facilities. Production takes place in Milwaukee and Michigan, maintaining a geographic link to the brand's Midwestern identity. The grain bill relies on malted barley and corn syrup alongside hops, filtered water, and cultured yeast — a straightforward American adjunct lager formulation designed for clean, approachable drinking.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with light bready malt and dry hay. Underneath, a faint sweetness from the corn adjunct rounds things out, with minimal hop presence on the aromatics.

Taste: The first sip brings a mild sweetness that quickly transitions into flavors of lemon, grain, and corn at mid-palate. Grassy, slightly malty notes emerge alongside a subtle fruitiness, giving it more dimension than many mass-market American lagers. The overall impression is crisp and clean with restrained bitterness.

Finish: The finish is somewhat dry and moderately short, with lingering bread and faint grass. The light-to-medium body carries enough carbonation to keep the close refreshing without any residual heaviness.

How to Drink Special Export

Special Export drinks best served cold — straight from the refrigerator in its original can or bottle, or poured into a chilled pint glass to appreciate the clear, light-golden color and lively white head. It pairs well with casual, warm-weather drinking and doesn't demand much ceremony.

• Michelada: The corn-forward, mildly sweet base holds up well against tomato juice, lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a savory beer cocktail.
• Shandy: Mixing with fresh lemonade complements the existing citrus and grain character, making a crisp summer drink.
• Beer-a-Rita: Blending with frozen limeade concentrate and a splash of tequila leans into the lager's clean, neutral backbone for a laid-back party serve.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and tailgating where a dependable, sessionable lager is needed
• Midwest beer enthusiasts seeking a regional heritage brand
• Casual weeknight drinking without the complexity of craft beer
• Stocking a cooler for group gatherings where broad appeal matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Special Export taste like? Special Export delivers a clean, lightly sweet profile driven by corn and grain, accented with subtle lemon and grass notes. The finish is dry and refreshing with a light-to-medium body.

How does Special Export compare to Pabst Blue Ribbon? Both are American adjunct lagers produced under the Pabst Brewing umbrella, sharing a similar grain-forward character. Side-by-side, PBR tends to show slightly more hop bitterness, while Special Export leans toward a smoother, sweeter malt profile.

Is Special Export good for casual drinking? Special Export is built for exactly that — its 5% ABV and straightforward flavor profile make it a reliable, easy-drinking lager for extended sessions without palate fatigue.

Where is Special Export made? Special Export is contract-brewed in Milwaukee and Michigan on behalf of Pabst Brewing Company, which is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Pabst does not own or operate its own brewery.

What foods pair well with Special Export? Grilled bratwurst and mustard echo its Midwestern roots and complement the malty grain notes. Classic burgers and cheddar benefit from the beer's carbonation cutting through fat. Fish fry — particularly beer-battered cod — is a natural regional pairing. Salted pretzels and mild cheeses like colby jack work well with the subtle corn sweetness. Spicy wings find a refreshing counterpoint in the lager's crisp, dry finish.

What sizes does Special Export come in? This listing is for the standard six-pack of 12 oz cans or bottles. Special Export is also commonly found in larger pack formats typical of American macro lagers.

Is Special Export worth the price? Special Export positions firmly in the value tier of American lagers, competing directly with other heritage budget brands. For drinkers who appreciate a slightly maltier, smoother alternative to the most widely distributed domestic lagers, it delivers solid quality at an accessible price point.

Why Special Export?

Special Export occupies a distinctive niche as a Midwestern legacy lager with genuine history — its 1930s origins predate the homogenization of the American beer market, and its original higher-ABV formulation points to a time when regional brewers competed on flavor and strength. While the modern recipe has been dialed back to a standard 5% ABV, it retains a slightly richer malt character and more noticeable corn sweetness than many of its shelf neighbors. For drinkers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and surrounding states, Special Export is less a commodity and more a point of regional pride — a beer that has quietly outlasted trends while staying true to its unpretentious, all-purpose identity.