{"title":"Special Export","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"special-export-30pk","title":"Special Export 30Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Export 30Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 30-pack of the slow-brewed American lager from Pabst Brewing, bottled at 5% ABV in 12 oz cans. Marketed for its European-style taste profile, Special Export has carved out a loyal following across the Upper Midwest as a budget-friendly lager with more character than most in its tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5%  |  Origin: United States (Contract-Brewed for Pabst Brewing, San Antonio, TX)  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brand Owner: Pabst Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial Export has roots in the classic American lager tradition, originally produced by Heileman Brewing before the brand eventually landed under the Pabst Brewing umbrella. Since 2001, Pabst has operated as a brand-management company without its own brewery, so Special Export is contract-brewed. The recipe uses all-American northern barley and northwestern hops, blended with malted barley and a special corn syrup adjunct (not high-fructose corn syrup), filtered water, and cultured yeast. The brand has long marketed itself on the promise of a \"slow-brewed\" process intended to deliver a smoother, more European-leaning lager character compared to typical domestic macro lagers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose is subtle, opening with a faint sweetness and light cereal grain. Behind that, a delicate suggestion of old-world grassy hops emerges, though the overall aromatic intensity remains restrained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is marked by a gentle sweetness — reviewers have noted toffee and candy corn qualities — that recedes quickly to reveal dry, earthy grain flavors. Mid-palate, lemon and corn notes surface alongside a generous effervescence. The mouthfeel leans slightly heavier and sweeter than many peers in the American lager category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish carries a modest bitterness in a Euro-lager fashion, distinguishing it from stablemate Old Style. Carbonation fades fairly quickly, leaving behind a clean, slightly grainy dryness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Special Export\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest served cold, straight from the can or poured into a pilsner glass to appreciate its deep gold color and lively carbonation. Its clean, approachable profile also makes it a solid choice for beer-based mixed drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from its subtle sweetness balancing the tomato and lime. A \u003cstrong\u003eShandy\u003c\/strong\u003e (half beer, half lemonade) plays well off its existing lemon and grain notes. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eBoilermaker\u003c\/strong\u003e alongside a shot of bourbon works here too, as Special Export's mellow body won't overpower the whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking the cooler for a backyard cookout or tailgate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasual weeknight drinking when you want something with a touch more character than a standard light lager\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplying a house party where quantity and drinkability both matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpper Midwest gatherings where the brand carries regional nostalgia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Special Export taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Special Export is a golden American lager with a mild sweetness up front — think toffee and light grain — followed by dry, earthy flavors and a subtle hop bitterness on the close. It drinks slightly fuller-bodied than many comparable domestic lagers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Special Export compare to Pabst Blue Ribbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are owned by Pabst Brewing and occupy a similar price tier, but PBR tends to be a touch hoppier and drier, while Special Export leans sweeter with a heavier mouthfeel and a more European-influenced finish. Many drinkers consider them close siblings, with Special Export positioned as the slightly richer option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Special Export good for casual drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e At 5% ABV with a clean, easy-going profile, Special Export is built for session drinking — the 30-pack format reinforces that it is designed for low-key, social occasions rather than contemplative sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Special Export made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Special Export is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and has been contract-brewed since 2001 when Pabst ceased operating its own breweries. The brand's heritage traces back to the G. Heileman Brewing Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Special Export?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled bratwurst or hot dogs complement the beer's malty sweetness. Fried cheese curds echo its Midwestern roots and match the carbonation. A classic cheeseburger works alongside its grainy, clean body. Salted pretzels highlight the subtle hop bitterness. Light fish tacos with lime pair naturally with its faint citrus and crisp finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Special Export come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Special Export is commonly available in 30-packs of 12 oz cans, as well as individual 12 oz cans, 6-packs, and 12-packs depending on the market and retailer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Special Export worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Special Export sits squarely in the value tier of American lagers, competing directly with PBR, Old Style, and similar Pabst-family brands. For the price, it delivers slightly more body and sweetness than many direct competitors, making it a strong pick for drinkers who want a step up in flavor without leaving the budget category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Special Export?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial Export's calling card is its claim to a slow-brewed process and European-inspired flavor profile — an unusual pitch in a segment dominated by ultra-light, highly neutral lagers. The use of northern barley and northwestern hops, combined with a corn adjunct that adds subtle sweetness rather than hollow body, gives it a slightly fuller, more distinctive character than most shelf neighbors. Its deep regional loyalty in Wisconsin and the broader Upper Midwest reflects a beer that has outlasted trendier competitors through consistency and unpretentious drinkability. In the value-lager landscape, Special Export remains a reliable option for drinkers who want flavor without fuss.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Special Export","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838317228201,"sku":"27044","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/SpecialExport30Pk.webp?v=1741479512"},{"product_id":"special-export-6pk","title":"Special Export 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Export 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Milwaukee \u0026amp; Michigan, United States  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brand Owner: Pabst Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Special Export\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMichelada:\u003c\/strong\u003e The corn-forward, mildly sweet base holds up well against tomato juice, lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a savory beer cocktail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShandy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixing with fresh lemonade complements the existing citrus and grain character, making a crisp summer drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeer-a-Rita:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blending with frozen limeade concentrate and a splash of tequila leans into the lager's clean, neutral backbone for a laid-back party serve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard cookouts and tailgating where a dependable, sessionable lager is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMidwest beer enthusiasts seeking a regional heritage brand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasual weeknight drinking without the complexity of craft beer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a cooler for group gatherings where broad appeal matters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Special Export taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Special Export compare to Pabst Blue Ribbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Special Export good for casual drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Special Export made?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Special Export?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Special Export come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Special Export worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Special Export?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Special Export","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838317326505,"sku":"13170","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/special-export.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}