Olde English 800, commonly shortened to OE800, is one of the original American malt liquor brands, first introduced in 1964. It has been made by Miller Brewing Company since 1999, and today the brand sits under Molson Coors alongside sibling brands like Henry Weinhard’s. Strength varies significantly by region and package, ranging from about 4.2% ABV in Texas to a 7.5% or 8.0% ABV high-gravity version elsewhere.
At a Glance
| Style | Malt liquor |
| ABV (this bottle) | 7.5% (42oz West Coast variant) |
| Calories | About 85 per 5oz serving (roughly 720 for the full 42oz bottle) |
| Introduced | 1964 |
| Brewer | Miller Brewing Company / Molson Coors |
| ABV range by region | 3.2% ABW in Texas up to 8.0% ABV in some markets and Canada |
| Typical price | Around $3 to $4 for a 40 to 42oz bottle |
How it tastes, by the numbers
OE800 is a high-strength malt liquor built for value and potency rather than balance or nuance.
The full review
OE800 pours a clear amber-gold with minimal head and light carbonation. The aroma is sweet and boozy up front, with a faint fruity note that reviewers consistently point to as its most recognizable trait.
On the palate it is sweeter and heavier than a standard lager, with corn-adjunct grain flavor and noticeable alcohol warmth from the 7.5% ABV in this bottle. Bitterness is almost absent, so the sweetness and alcohol heat carry the whole experience.
This is not a beer built for slow sipping or food pairing. It reads closer to a value spirit substitute than a craft or even standard domestic lager, which lines up with its decades-long positioning as a budget high-ABV option.
“It tastes like exactly what a 1964-era malt liquor recipe still tastes like today: sweet, strong, and unapologetically built for strength over subtlety.”, Beer Is My Life
- Very cheap for the alcohol content delivered
- Long-standing, recognizable brand with over 60 years of history
- Higher ABV means fewer drinks needed for the same effect
- Sweet, boozy flavor won’t appeal to traditional beer drinkers
- ABV and calorie content vary confusingly by region and package
- Minimal bitterness and complexity compared to a standard lager
Who it is for
Drinkers looking for a cheap, high-strength malt liquor and curious about one of the category’s longest-running brands, not anyone wanting a balanced sipping beer. New to the category? Our What Is Malt Liquor? explainer breaks down how it differs from regular beer.
Where to buy Olde English 800
Olde English 800 is not currently stocked on major US beer delivery apps in most areas, though it is widely available at liquor stores and some grocery chains. Colt 45 is a comparable classic American malt liquor you can get delivered right now. Use the button above to check availability and pricing near you.
FAQs
What is Olde English 800?
An American malt liquor brand first introduced in 1964, commonly known as OE800, now made by Miller Brewing Company under Molson Coors.
How strong is Olde English 800?
It varies by region and package, from about 4.2% ABV in Texas up to 7.5% or 8.0% ABV in the higher-gravity West Coast and Canadian versions.
How many calories are in Olde English 800?
About 85 calories per 5oz serving in the standard version, meaning a full 40 to 42oz bottle contains several servings’ worth.
Who makes Olde English 800 today?
Miller Brewing Company has produced it since 1999; the brand now sits within the Molson Coors portfolio.
Is Olde English 800 the same strength everywhere?
No, ABV differs significantly by market, which is one of the more confusing aspects of the brand for consumers comparing labels.
