If you’re looking for a cheap and strong alcoholic drink, you might have come across 211 Steel Reserve.
This malt liquor brand, also known as “Two Eleven” or simply “Steel”, has been around since 1994 and is owned by Molson Coors.
It comes in two varieties, the “Black” and the “Silver”, which have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 8.1% and 6.0%, respectively.
But is 211 Steel Reserve bad for you?
What are the pros and cons of drinking this beverage? And how does it compare to other types of alcohol?
In this blog post, we will review 211 Steel Reserve based on customer reviews and ratings from various sources.
We will also discuss the pros and cons of drinking this beer and some tips on how to enjoy it safely and responsibly.
What is 211 Steel Reserve?
211 Steel Reserve is a malt liquor, which is a type of beer that has a higher alcohol content than regular beer.
Malt liquor is made by adding sugar, corn, rice, or other adjuncts to the brewing process, which increases the amount of fermentable sugars and boosts the alcohol level.
Malt liquor is usually sold in large cans or bottles, ranging from 22 to 42 ounces, and is often marketed to young and low-income drinkers.
The name “211” has two meanings. First, it is said to be the medieval symbol of steel, which represents the strength and quality of the drink. Second, it is also the criminal code for a robbery, which implies a rebellious and edgy image. The brand slogan is “Brewed for a smooth, bold taste”.
Is 211 Steel Reserve Bad for You?
Like any alcoholic beverage, 211 Steel Reserve can have negative effects on your health if you drink it excessively or irresponsibly.
Some of the possible side effects are:
Nausea and vomiting: Drinking too much 211 Steel Reserve may cause you to feel sick and throw up.
This can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and stomach irritation.
Headaches: Some people may experience mild headaches after drinking 211 Steel Reserve.
This can be due to dehydration, the high sugar content, or the hangover effect of alcohol.
Liver damage: Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and drinking too much of it can overload the liver and cause inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis.
This can impair the liver’s ability to filter toxins and regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and hormones.
Weight gain: 211 Steel Reserve is high in calories and carbohydrates, and drinking it regularly can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
This can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Addiction: Alcohol is an addictive substance, and drinking it frequently can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
This can affect your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships, work, and finances.
Here is a table for the nutrition facts of Steel Reserve High Gravity, one of their products, based on a 12-ounce serving:
Nutrition
Amount
Calories
222
Total Fat
0g
Carbs
16g
Protein
1.7g
Alcohol
21.6g
Sodium
14mg
Sugar
<5g
What are the Pros and Cons of Drinking 211 Steel Reserve?
Like any alcoholic drink, 211 Steel Reserve has some pros and cons that you should be aware of before consuming it.
Here are some of the main ones:
Pros
It is cheap. You can get a 24-ounce can of 211 Steel Reserve for about $1.50, which is much cheaper than most beers or liquors.
It is strong. With an ABV of 8.1%, 211 Steel Reserve can get you drunk faster and with less volume than regular beer, which has an average ABV of 4.5%.
It is widely available. You can find 211 Steel Reserve in most convenience stores, gas stations, and liquor stores across the US.
It has won some awards. In 2012, 211 Steel Reserve 8.1% ABV received the gold medal in the category of ‘American-Style Premium Lager or Specialty Lager’ at the World Beer Cup. It also has a decent rating of 2.43 out of 5 on BeerAdvocate.
Cons
It is unhealthy. 211 Steel Reserve has a high amount of calories, carbohydrates, and alcohol, which can lead to weight gain, dehydration, and hangovers.
A 24-ounce can of 211 Steel Reserve has 444 calories, 32 grams of carbs, and 19.4 grams of alcohol.
That’s equivalent to eating 3 slices of pizza, drinking 2 cans of soda, and taking 4 shots of vodka.
It is low-quality. 211 Steel Reserve is made with cheap ingredients and additives, which can affect the taste and freshness of the drink.
Many people describe 211 Steel Reserve as having a metallic, sweet, or corny flavor, and a harsh or syrupy mouthfeel.
It is stigmatized. 211 Steel Reserve has a negative reputation among many drinkers, who associate it with low-class, binge-drinking, or homeless people.
It is often considered a “bum beer” or a “malt liquor of last resort”.
It is dangerous. 211 Steel Reserve can impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, which can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, or violence.
It can also interact with medications, worsen existing health conditions, or cause alcohol poisoning or addiction.
How Does 211 Steel Reserve Compare to Other Types of Alcohol?
211 Steel Reserve is not the only malt liquor on the market. There are other brands, such as Colt 45, Olde English 800, Mickey’s, and Hurricane, that have similar characteristics and effects.
However, 211 Steel Reserve is one of the strongest and cheapest malt liquors available, which makes it more appealing to some drinkers.
211 Steel Reserve is also different from other types of alcohol, such as wine, spirits, or hard seltzers, that have varying alcohol contents, flavors, and prices.
Here is a table that compares 211 Steel Reserve to some of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the US:
Drink
ABV
Calories per 12 oz
Carbs per 12 oz
Price per 12 oz
211 Steel Reserve
8.1%
222
16 g
$0.75
Bud Light
4.2%
110
6.6 g
$1.00
Corona Extra
4.6%
149
14 g
$1.50
Heineken
5%
150
11.3 g
$1.75
Guinness
4.2%
125
10 g
$1.75
Miller High Life
4.6%
143
13.1 g
$0.75
Coors Light
4.2%
102
5 g
$1.00
Blue Moon
5.4%
170
13.7 g
$1.50
Sam Adams Boston Lager
5%
175
18.1 g
$1.75
Stella Artois
5%
153
12.8 g
$1.75
Red Wine
12%
125
3.8 g
$1.50
White Wine
12%
121
3.8 g
$1.50
Champagne
12%
91
2.6 g
$2.00
Vodka
40%
97
0 g
$1.00
Whiskey
40%
105
0 g
$1.00
Rum
40%
97
0 g
$1.00
Gin
40%
97
0 g
$1.00
Tequila
40%
104
0 g
$1.00
Hard Seltzer
5%
100
2 g
$1.50
As you can see, 211 Steel Reserve has more alcohol, calories, and carbs than most beers, wines, and hard seltzers, but less than spirits.
It also has one of the lowest prices per ounce of alcohol, which makes it a cheap way to get drunk.
What Do Customers Say About 211 Steel Reserve?
To get a better idea of what customers think of 211 Steel Reserve, we searched the web for some reviews from different sources.
Here are some of the most common themes and opinions that we found:
The Good
Many customers like the price and the alcohol content of 211 Steel Reserve. They say that it is a good value for money and that it can get them drunk quickly and easily.
Some customers even say that they can get a decent buzz with just one can.
Some customers also enjoy the taste and the smell of 211 Steel Reserve. They say that it is not as bad as they expected and that it has a smooth and refreshing flavor.
They also like the fact that it is not too carbonated and that it does not leave a bad aftertaste.
Some customers appreciate the packaging and the design of 211 Steel Reserve. They say that the cans are sturdy and easy to open and that the logo and the name are cool and catchy.
They also like the fact that the cans have a resealable cap that can prevent spills and keep the beer fresh.
The Bad
Many customers dislike the taste and the smell of 211 Steel Reserve. They say that it is too sweet and syrupy and that it tastes like fermented corn or gasoline.
They also complain that it has a strong and unpleasant odor that can make them nauseous or give them a headache.
Some customers also experience negative effects from drinking 211 Steel Reserve.
They say that it can cause them to have a hangover, a stomach ache, diarrhea, or a blackout.
They also warn that it can be dangerous to drink too much of it or to mix it with other substances.
Some customers criticize the quality and the reputation of 211 Steel Reserve.
They say that it is a low-quality beer that is only meant for people who want to get wasted or who have no taste.
They also say that it is associated with negative stereotypes and that it can attract unwanted attention or judgment from others.
How To Enjoy 211 Steel Reserve Safely and Responsibly?
211 Steel Reserve is not a beer for everyone. It is a beer for those who want to get drunk fast and cheap, or who enjoy a strong and sweet malt liquor.
However, if you decide to try 211 Steel Reserve, you should follow some tips to enjoy it safely and responsibly:
Drink it cold. 211 Steel Reserve tastes better when it is chilled, as it reduces the sweetness and enhances the crispness.
Some customers suggest putting it in the freezer for a while before drinking it or adding some ice cubes to it.
Drink it slowly. 211 Steel Reserve is not a beer to chug or gulp. It is a beer to sip and savor. Drinking it too fast can make you feel sick or drunk too quickly.
Drinking it too slowly can make you lose the carbonation and flavor. Find a moderate pace that suits you and your tolerance level.
Drink it with food. 211 Steel Reserve is not a beer to drink on an empty stomach. It is a beer to drink with food, especially spicy or salty food.
Eating food can help you absorb the alcohol better, balance the sweetness, and prevent nausea.
Drink it moderately. 211 Steel Reserve is not a beer to drink excessively. It is a beer to drink moderately, or even sparingly.
Drinking too much 211 Steel Reserve can cause serious health problems, such as alcohol poisoning, liver damage, or addiction.
Summary
211 Steel Reserve is a malt liquor that has a high alcohol content, a low price, and a mixed reputation.
Some people drink it for its strength, affordability, and availability, while others avoid it for its taste, quality, and image.
Whether you choose to drink 211 Steel Reserve or not, you should be aware of the pros and cons of this beverage, and how it compares to other types of alcohol.
You should also drink responsibly, and limit your intake to avoid negative consequences for your health and safety.
The Bottom Line
I hope this blog post was helpful and informative for you and helped you learn whether 211 Steel Reserve is bad for you.
If you have any experience with 211 Steel Reserve, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.