Olde English 800

Tasting Notes

The aroma is grainy and faintly sweet, with corn adjunct notes and a mild yeasty edge — not much complexity, but nothing actively off-putting at its best. Flavor follows suit: sweet malt upfront, a thin middle, and a finish that turns slightly harsh and medicinal as the beer warms. Body is lighter than you'd expect from the style's reputation, watery rather than full. It's built for cold consumption; the flaws become more apparent as temperature rises.

About the Brewery

Olde English 800 is owned by Miller Brewing Company, now part of the Molson Coors portfolio following the 2002 SABMiller merger. Miller is headquartered in Milwaukee and is one of the largest commercial brewers in the United States. OE 800 has been produced since 1964 and is one of the most recognized American malt liquor brands, particularly associated with 40-ounce bottle format sales in urban markets.

Food Pairings

Spicy fried chicken works here because the beer's sweetness tempers heat without competing with bold seasoning. Greasy pizza — especially pepperoni or sausage — is a natural match since the carbonation cuts through fat. Salty snacks like chips or pretzels play to the beer's sweet-and-salty contrast. Barbecue ribs with a sugary sauce echo the malt's own sweetness and make the pairing feel intentional rather than accidental.

Style Guide

American malt liquor is a high-adjunct lager brewed to a slightly elevated alcohol content — typically between 5.5% and 8.5% — using corn or rice in addition to barley malt to lighten body while boosting fermentable sugars. The style emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century and was positioned as a stronger, cheaper alternative to standard American lagers. It differs from standard adjunct lager mainly in ABV and a more pronounced sweetness, and from craft high-gravity ales in its use of cheap adjuncts and intentional flavor minimalism.