As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and analyze a wide range of beers. It is always interesting to see how the beer industry evolves and how certain products come and go. One major player in the beer market, MillerCoors, has recently made the decision to discontinue several of their beer brands. In this answer, I will provide a detailed list of the beers that MillerCoors is discontinuing, along with some insights into each brand.
1. Keystone Ice: Keystone Ice is a brand that has been around for many years, but unfortunately, it has not gained the popularity that some of its counterparts have. It is a high-gravity lager, known for its strong and robust flavor. While it may not have been a top-seller, it certainly had its loyal fans who appreciated its bold taste.
2. Keylightful: Keylightful was a flavored beer offering from MillerCoors. It was marketed as a light and refreshing option, with a hint of fruit flavor. Although it had a unique concept, it seems that Keylightful did not resonate with consumers as much as other flavored beer options on the market.
3. Milwaukee's Best Premium: Milwaukee's Best Premium, also known as “The Beast,” was a value beer brand that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. It had a light and crisp taste, making it a popular choice for casual drinking occasions. However, with changing consumer preferences and the rise of craft beer, it seems that Milwaukee's Best Premium has lost its place in the market.
4. Miller High Life Light: Miller High Life Light was a lighter version of the classic Miller High Life beer. It aimed to provide a lower-calorie option without compromising too much on flavor. While it had its loyal fan base, it seems that MillerCoors has decided to discontinue this brand, possibly due to declining sales or the need to focus on other products in their portfolio.
5. Hamm's Special Light: Hamm's Special Light was a light beer brand that had a long history dating back to 1865. It was known for its smooth and easy-drinking nature, making it a popular choice for casual beer drinkers. However, with the ever-growing competition in the light beer category, it appears that Hamm's Special Light was not able to keep up and has been discontinued.
6. Steel Reserve 211: Steel Reserve 211 was a high-alcohol malt liquor brand that targeted a specific demographic of consumers looking for a strong and bold beer experience. It had a higher alcohol content than typical beers and was known for its robust flavor profile. However, it seems that MillerCoors has decided to discontinue this brand, possibly due to changing consumer preferences or a need to focus on other product lines.
7. Olde English HG 800: Olde English HG 800, also known as OE, was another malt liquor brand in the MillerCoors portfolio. It had a higher alcohol content and was often associated with urban culture and hip-hop music. While it had a dedicated following, it seems that MillerCoors has made the decision to discontinue this brand, possibly due to a decline in sales or a need to streamline their product offerings.
8. Magnum: Magnum was a malt liquor brand that offered a strong and bold flavor experience. It had a higher alcohol content and was often associated with a “bang for your buck” mentality. While it may have had its loyal fans, it seems that Magnum did not generate enough demand to justify its continued production.
9. Icehouse Edge: Icehouse Edge was a high-alcohol lager that aimed to provide a strong and bold beer experience. It had a higher alcohol content than typical beers and was known for its robust flavor profile. However, it seems that Icehouse Edge has been discontinued, possibly due to changing consumer preferences or a need to focus on other product lines.
10. Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve: Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve was a craft-style beer brand that aimed to capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest brewing tradition. It had a rich and flavorful profile, appealing to beer enthusiasts who appreciated quality and craftsmanship. However, it seems that MillerCoors has decided to discontinue this brand, possibly due to a need to consolidate their craft beer offerings or a decline in demand.
11. Mickey's Ice: Mickey's Ice was a brand that offered a higher-alcohol version of the popular Mickey's Malt Liquor. It had a higher alcohol content and was known for its bold and robust flavor profile. While it had its dedicated fans, it seems that Mickey's Ice has been discontinued, possibly due to changing consumer preferences or a need to streamline the product lineup.
MillerCoors has made the decision to discontinue several of their beer brands, including Keystone Ice, Keylightful, Milwaukee's Best Premium, Miller High Life Light, Hamm's Special Light, Steel Reserve 211, Olde English HG 800, Magnum, Icehouse Edge, Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve, and Mickey's Ice. Each of these brands had its own unique characteristics and target audience, but for various reasons, they did not generate enough demand or fit into MillerCoors' current strategic goals.