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What is the Highest Proof Whiskey? Top 15 Picks (2024)

what is the highest proof whiskey

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Alcohol strength is often undervalued as flavor, texture, and price are the basis of a buyer’s choice. The assumption is that high levels of ethanol translate to harsh flavor and pungent aroma.

On that note, find out what is the highest proof whiskey and get to know the strong points in this review. 

Top 15 Highest Proof Whiskeys To Try

15. Clyde May’s 12-Year Alabama Style Cask Strength Whiskey 

Clyde May’s 12-Year Alabama Style Cask Strength on desk with glass

Alcohol Proof: 120 

Average Price: roughly $115 per 750 ml

Distillery: Conecuh Ridge Distillery

This 12-year-old bottle is a limited edition high-proof whiskey with a very enticing aroma, but the palate is not disappointing as well.

It may have higher alcohol content than common whiskeys, but you won’t grimace upon swallowing the liquid. It is smooth with a balanced tastiness. 

14. Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 

Knob Creek Single Barrel

Alcohol Proof: 120 

Average Price: roughly $55 per 750 ml

Distillery: Jim Beam 

We always appreciate bottles from Knob Creek, and this barrel-strength whiskey is no exception.

The palate doesn’t go far as the taste of oak and vanilla is strong but with caramel undertones. You will enjoy drinking this barrel-proof bourbon straight or with ice. 

13. Laphroaig Ten Year Old Cask Strength 

Laphroaig Ten Year Old Cask Strength

Alcohol Proof: 114.6 

Average Price: roughly $ per 750 ml

Distillery: Laphroaig distillery

Laphroaig is an Islay malt Scotch whisky that we enjoy. The bold and rich smoky palate is a trademark of this brand. The full-bodied finish is long and smooth, perfect for a relaxing evening of whisky sipping. 

12. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon 

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Alcohol Proof: 121 

Average Price: roughly $87 per 750 ml

Distillery: Heaven Hill

Elijah Craig barrel proof bourbon is one of our favorite high-proof whiskeys. We love the strength of ethanol (1) in this bottle less its harshness. Despite the high strength, Elijah Craig is flavorful to the nose and mouth.

11. Kings County Distillery Barrel Strength Bourbon 

Kings County Distillery Barrel Strength

Alcohol Proof: 116-128 

Average Price: roughly $56 per 375 ml

Distillery: Kings County Distillery

Kings County Barrel Strength Bourbon is plucked out from the brand’s oldest batches of spirits. Each bottle contains bourbon aged no less than nine years.

This is a savory sweet, oaky spirit with just enough spice to complete its rounded savoriness. 

10. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey 

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength

Alcohol Proof: 120.7

Average Price: roughly $363 per 750 ml

Distillery: Louisville Distilling Company

Angel’s Envy is one of our favorite high-proof whiskies because of its well-rounded savoriness.

Most cask strength whiskies have the burn, but Angel’s Envy bourbon eliminated that part. This high-proof whiskey is good to sip or on the rocks. 

Read: Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour

9. Redemption 7-Year Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 

Redemption 7-Year Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey on table with glass

Alcohol Proof: 122.6

Average Price: roughly $ 75 per 750 ml

Distillery: Bardstown Barrel Selections

Redemption whiskey is a small batch of distilled bourbon made ten casks at a time. What makes this high-proof whiskey special is its unique fruity profile. You will savor ripe peaches, raspberries, rye, and cashews. 

You will also enjoy a touch of pepper and allspice balancing the palate. 

8. Larceny Barrel Proof

Larceny Barrel Proof

Alcohol Proof: 61.9

Average Price: roughly $88 per 750 ml

Distillery: Heaven Hill

Larceny Barrel Proof is one of Heaven Hill’s high-proof whiskeys. These are allocated bottled spirits which are only produced a year thrice, in January, May, and September. 

This special release variant has extraordinary smoothness, which makes it a great whiskey to sip. 

7. 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

1792 Full Proof

Alcohol Proof: 125

Average Price: roughly $58 per 750 ml

Distillery: Buffalo Trace

1792 Kentucky Straight Bourbon has remarkable tasting notes. You can distinguish fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, orange, and licorice wrapped in a deliciously warm heat uncommon in bourbons. 

6. Highland Park Single Cask Series 2004 Single Cask 

Highland Park Single Cask

Alcohol Proof: 129

Average Price: roughly $200 per 750 ml

Distillery: Highland Park

We always love limited edition liquors, and this one is one of Scotland’s finest. It was aged in an ex-sherry barrel and developed a layered tastiness and deep character.

The heat was also warm and tingly, which is unusually good from a barrel-proof spirit.

5. Booker’s Bourbon 

Booker’s Bourbon

Alcohol Proof: 127.9

Average Price: roughly $100 per 750 ml

Distillery: Jim Beam

Booker’s bourbon is a special expression from Jim Beam distillers, and this high-proof bourbon is a special breed.

They use the same mash bill with other variants from the brand, but precise processes are used to create this small batch, cask strength expression.

We love what it sends to the nose and the savoriness it leaves on the tongue. 

4. Spec’s Cask Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof 

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof

Alcohol Proof: 129

Average Price: roughly $66 per 750 ml

Distillery: Brown–Forman

This single barrel is different from Jack Daniel’s ‘Single Barrel’ Coy Hill High Proof Whiskey though the two are high-proof whiskeys from Brown Forman.

This single barrel release has a lower proof than Coy Hill, but the delicate and round palate is not far behind. It holds the staple toasted oak and vanilla savor.

3. George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

George T. Stagg

Alcohol Proof: 116.9

Average Price: roughly $ 600 –  $1149.99 per 750 ml

Distillery: Buffalo Trace

George T. Stagg Jr is one of the best-tasting bourbon variants. This bourbon developed a balanced profile and character inside new charred American oak barrels no less than 15 years. 

Stagg Jr has the sweetness of fudge brownies, chocolates, and molasses balanced with vanilla, spearmint, and tobacco. 

2. Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye

Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye Whiskey

Alcohol Proof: 127.4

Average Price: roughly $80 per 750 ml

Distillery: Alberta Distillers

This authentic Canadian Prairie rye whiskey is one of the best-tasting high-proof bottles. Considered over-proofed when bottled, the ethanol smell is quite evident, but the harshness is almost non-existent. 

1. Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Scotch Whisky

Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Scotch Whisky on desk with box

Alcohol Proof: 180

Average Price: roughly $258 per 750 ml

Distillery: Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich X4 is a special Islay whisky with a flavor profile that is well-rounded and flavorful. The scent is intoxicatingly delicious. The marriage of flavors is indescribably good. 

It is smooth, and the tastiness of malt with caramel, black pepper, brown sugar, and mint reminds you of bourbon. This has a great nose as well. 

Read: What’s 100 Proof in Whiskey?

FAQs Related to What is the Highest Proof Whiskey?

Is 200-proof whiskey possible?

No, 200-proof whiskey is not possible since TTB has limits of 190° during distillation. Whether this is bourbon, or any other variant, producing beyond that limit is against the government’s mandate.

Is having the highest-proof whiskey dangerous to health?

Yes, having the highest-proof whiskey is dangerous to health, especially if you consume it fast and out of moderation. The body’s capability [2] to process alcohol has a limit. 

How does high proof affect the taste of whiskey?

High-proof whiskey tends to have a more intense flavor profile, with stronger alcohol heat and greater concentration of flavors from the barrel. It can exhibit robust characteristics such as spice, oak, and caramel, but may also require dilution with water to fully appreciate its complexity.

Are there any risks associated with drinking high-proof whiskey?

Drinking high-proof whiskey in excess can lead to intoxication more rapidly than lower-proof spirits. It’s important to consume high-proof whiskey responsibly and in moderation to avoid adverse effects.

Can high-proof whiskey be used in cocktails?

Yes, high-proof whiskey can be used in cocktails, but it may require adjustments to recipes to balance the flavors and alcohol content. Bartenders often use high-proof whiskey to add depth and intensity to cocktails.

Is high-proof whiskey more expensive than lower-proof options?

High-proof whiskey may be priced higher than standard-proof expressions due to factors such as increased aging time, evaporation loss (known as the “angel’s share”), and limited availability. However, pricing can vary depending on the brand and market demand.

What is the appeal of high-proof whiskey to enthusiasts?

High-proof whiskey is often sought after by enthusiasts for its bold flavors, complexity, and the challenge it presents in tasting and appreciating its nuances. It’s also prized for its ability to stand out in cocktails and its potential for aging.

In Summary 

Bruichladdich X4 has the highest proof whiskey. The remarkable part of this product is the smoothness rarely found in a high-alcohol distilled spirit. 

Islay whiskies are a special breed, but this one was distilled four times, thus garnering the name usquebaugh-baul or ‘perilous whisky.’ 

Production was difficult and meticulous to ensure this was a complete package. This bottle is worthy of being on the top of the list among its equally deserving runners-up

References:

  1. Ethanol
  2. How is alcohol metabolized by the body?
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