Olde English 4Pk Cans

Olde English 4Pk Cans is a four-pack of the iconic American malt liquor lager brewed at 5.9% ABV by Molson Coors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A four-time Gold Medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival (1991, 1992, 1994, 1995) in the American-Style Malt Liquor category, Olde English 800 has been a defining name in its class since its introduction in 1964.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.9% (7.5% in select markets)  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: American Malt Liquor  |  Brewery: Miller Brewing Company (Molson Coors)

Production & Heritage

Originally launched in 1964, Olde English 800 stands as one of America's earliest purpose-built malt liquor brands. It is brewed by Miller Brewing Company — now part of the Molson Coors portfolio — in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The recipe relies on a base of barley malt supplemented with corn syrup (dextrose and maltose), fermented with lager yeast, and finished with hop extract for a restrained bitterness. This straightforward grain bill and lager fermentation produce the smooth, malt-forward profile that has kept the brand relevant across six decades of competition in the malt liquor segment.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light fruity sweetness opens first, followed by toasted grain and a mild corn-cereal note. The hop presence on the nose is minimal, letting malt lead.

Taste: The entry is surprisingly smooth, with sweetness from corn and malt surfacing immediately. At mid-palate, a broader grain character develops alongside subtle fruitiness. The finish of each sip brings a mild hop bitterness that offsets the residual sweetness without overpowering it.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly dry close. Lingering corn and malt notes taper off with a light, grainy aftertaste.

How to Drink Olde English

Olde English 800 is traditionally served well chilled, straight from the can or poured over ice. Its malt-forward sweetness and moderate body also make it a functional base in casual mixed drinks. A Brass Monkey — equal parts malt liquor and orange juice — is the classic pairing, playing the corn sweetness against bright citrus. A Shandy made with lemonade lightens the body for warm-weather drinking. For a simple highball, combine with ginger ale to add effervescence and spice that balances the malt character.

Best For

• Casual cookouts and backyard gatherings where easy-drinking beer is the priority
• Exploring the American malt liquor category with a historically significant brand
• Game-day sessions that call for a bold, full-flavored lager at an accessible price point
• Mixing Brass Monkeys and other malt liquor cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Olde English taste like? Olde English 800 delivers a smooth, malt-and-corn-driven flavor with a touch of fruity sweetness and a mild hop bitterness on the close. It drinks sweeter and fuller-bodied than a standard American lager.

How does Olde English compare to Steel Reserve? Steel Reserve is typically higher in alcohol (8.1% ABV) and has a more aggressive, boozy character, while Olde English 800 at 5.9% ABV is smoother and leans more toward malt sweetness than raw strength. Olde English also carries stronger historical credentials, having won four GABF Gold Medals in the early 1990s.

Is Olde English good for sipping on its own? Yes — when served ice-cold, Olde English 800 is a straightforward, drinkable malt liquor with enough sweetness and body to stand on its own without mixers.

Where is Olde English made? Olde English 800 is brewed by Miller Brewing Company, now part of Molson Coors, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The brand has been produced there since its 1964 debut.

What foods pair well with Olde English? Grilled burgers and hot dogs complement the malt sweetness with char and fat. Spicy buffalo wings work well, as the beer's corn sweetness tempers capsaicin heat. Barbecue ribs with a sweet-tangy sauce echo the malt character. Salted pretzels or roasted peanuts provide a classic salty counterpoint. Fried chicken benefits from the carbonation cutting through the oil.

What sizes does Olde English come in? Olde English 800 is widely available in a range of formats including this 4-pack of cans, as well as single 24 oz and 40 oz bottles, and individual 16 oz and 24 oz cans depending on the market.

Is Olde English worth the price? Olde English 800 positions firmly in the value tier of the American malt liquor category, delivering more flavor and body than most budget lagers at a comparable or lower cost per ounce — especially in the convenient 4-pack format.

Why Olde English?

Introduced in 1964, Olde English 800 is one of the founding brands of the American malt liquor category — not a follower, but an originator. Its four consecutive Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival between 1991 and 1995 remain a benchmark achievement in the style, validating its recipe against all comers in blind judging. The Molson Coors pedigree ensures consistent quality and nationwide distribution that many competitors cannot match. For anyone exploring malt liquor or simply looking for a full-flavored, affordable lager with genuine history behind it, this 4-pack represents the category standard.