Mickey’s is Miller Brewing’s malt liquor, best known for its bright green, barrel-shaped “grenade” bottle with a hornet on the label and a rebus puzzle under the cap. It has been a fixture of the malt liquor category since the 1960s, sitting a notch above a standard lager in both strength and sweetness.
At a Glance
| Style | Malt liquor |
| ABV | 5.6% |
| Calories | About 157 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | About 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Miller Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Molson Coors |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, corn, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $8 to $10 for a 6-pack of 12oz bottles in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Mickey’s carries more sweetness and body than a light lager, with a warming finish from the higher ABV.
The full review
Mickey’s pours a deep golden color with a modest, quick-fading head. The aroma leans sweet, corn syrup and malt with a faint fruity note, more like a stronger adjunct lager than a true craft malt liquor.
The taste follows the nose: sweet malt up front, a light fruitiness in the middle, and a dry, slightly boozy finish that gives away the higher ABV. It is heavier than a standard American lager but not as sharp or metallic as some cheaper malt liquors.
The grenade bottle is arguably as much a part of the appeal as the beer itself. It holds a chill well and pours differently than a standard bottle, which is part of why Mickey’s has kept a loyal following for decades.
“Sweet, malty and a little stronger than it looks, best known for the bottle it comes in.”, Beer Is My Life
- Distinctive green grenade bottle that keeps beer cold longer
- Higher ABV than a standard lager at a similar price
- Sweet, approachable flavor for malt liquor fans
- Widely available across the US
- Sweetness can feel cloying if you are used to lighter lagers
- Not much hop character to balance the malt
- Higher calorie and carb count than a light beer
Who it is for
Drinkers who want more strength and sweetness than a standard lager without moving to a full craft beer. For more on the category, see our explainer on what malt liquor actually is.
Where to buy Mickey’s
Mickey’s is sold at most grocery and liquor stores across the US. Use the button above to check availability and pricing near you.
FAQs
What does Mickey’s malt liquor taste like?
Sweet and malty with a fruity edge and a dry, slightly boozy finish, heavier than a standard American lager.
How much alcohol is in Mickey’s?
Mickey’s Fine Malt Liquor has an ABV of 5.6%.
Who makes Mickey’s?
Mickey’s is brewed by the Miller Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Molson Coors.
Why is Mickey’s bottle shaped like a grenade?
The barrel-shaped, waffle-ribbed bottle is a long-running brand signature meant to stand out on the shelf and hold a chill longer than a standard bottle.
Is Mickey’s gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley malt and contains gluten.
How many calories are in Mickey’s?
About 157 calories per 12 fl oz.
Browse our other beer reviews and guides for more malt liquor and lager options.
