4 men decided to kick-off this semi-frequent feature with a brief history of malt liquor. First marketed to middle-class white in the 50's, malt liquor is by definition any type of malted beverage with an alcohol content by volume greater than 5%. Technically this puts many micros in the malt liquor category. Them ain't our focus. We're focused on the get-fugged-up-quick-and-cheap varietals (props, N.Mailer), generally those that use sugar or syrup during the fermentation process to increase the alcohol content.
The 24 oz. can of Steel Reserve 211 claims it is "Slow-brewed in limited batches...we believe this to be one of the very best beers in the world." From this hyperbolically-adorned vessel we poured small samples.
First reaction--Gabe: "This is the most piss-colored beer I've ever drank." Luckily it only underwhelms. Not nearly as bad as we thought it would be. There is a syrupy quality, very much, as Mike described, "like a pinot gris." Actually, he couldn't believe that it was malt liquor. I thought it might be good as a base for a spritzer. When adulterated with diet Sierra Mist it was indistinguishable from a cheap bottle of Trader Joe's most middling white. I think the true killer app for this brew is a brass monkey. This would make a powerful good mimosa-style orange beverage.
Bryan's reaction was perhaps the most nuanced. The 8.1% ABV put him in the mood for water skiing. "Kind of refreshing, somehow, and would get you drunk fast, so perfect for boating. It's like drinking while dehydrated in the sun, without the sun."
Next in the proverbial chute: Camo or any label that features an animal. Cat, Bull, Bear--any of these will do.
Entertaining. Colt 45 anyone?
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