Special Export 30Pk

Special Export 30Pk 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: United States (Contract-Brewed for Pabst Brewing, San Antonio, TX)  |  Style: American Lager  |  Brand Owner: Pabst Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Special 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Special Export

Best 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 Michelada benefits from its subtle sweetness balancing the tomato and lime. A Shandy (half beer, half lemonade) plays well off its existing lemon and grain notes. A classic Boilermaker alongside a shot of bourbon works here too, as Special Export's mellow body won't overpower the whiskey.

Best For

• Stocking the cooler for a backyard cookout or tailgate
• Casual weeknight drinking when you want something with a touch more character than a standard light lager
• Supplying a house party where quantity and drinkability both matter
• Upper Midwest gatherings where the brand carries regional nostalgia

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Special Export taste like? 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.

How does Special Export compare to Pabst Blue Ribbon? 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.

Is Special Export good for casual drinking? 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.

Where is Special Export made? 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.

What foods pair well with Special Export? 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.

What sizes does Special Export come in? 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.

Is Special Export worth the price? 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.

Why Special Export?

Special 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.