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What’s the Strongest Beer in the World? Our 12 Picks (2024)

What's the Strongest Beer in the World

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Compared to wine or hard liquor, beer is less alcoholic. The average beer bottle has a maximum ABV of around 11%.

While some varieties go up to 14% or 15%, they’re still below the average distilled spirit’s alcoholic content of around 35 to 50%.

If you want to get drunk with beer, a few beers are reaching high alcoholic peaks.

But what’s the strongest beer in the world? Keep reading as we list the strongest beers you can ever have.

Top 12 World’s Strongest Beer Brands

12. BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin

Man Holding Bottle of BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin

Alcohol Content:  32% ABV

Average Price: approx. $381/750ml

Why We Like It: In 2009, BrewDog released Tactical Nuclear Penguin, their first real attempt at making a high-alcoholic beverage. It became a cult favorite and started the discussion about big beer.

This beer was distilled three times before being bottled, giving a thick and fragrant ice beer with notes of chocolate and roasted coffee.

This high-ABV beer is the only double-cask aged Imperial Stout of the BrewDog Brewery. It’s matured in an Isle of Arran and an Islay whisky cask for over eight months.

The final aging process occurs at frigid temperatures, creating a combination of flavors that include caramel, peat, and Scotch.

Read: Best Beers For People Who Don’t Dig Beers

11. Struise Black Damnation VI – Messy

Struise Black Damnation VI Messy with Glass on a Wooden Table

Alcohol Content: 39% Belgium ABV

Average Price: approx. $46/750ml

Why We Like It: Struise Black Damnation VI – Messyis an Imperial Stout brewed with a high ABV to enhance its flavor.

This dark brew with a robust nose with dark chocolate, peat, and coffee notes. It is aged in oak barrels, giving an almost whiskey-like texture.

Despite the addition of these elements, Struise Black Damnation VI still manages to be one of the strongest beers in the world.

This beer has a full-bodied flavor with hints of espresso and caramel and is one of the samples of strong beers with carbonation.

10. Bcaladin Esprit de Noel

Bcaladin Esprit de Noel Bottle

Alcohol Content: 40% Italy ABV

Average Price: approx. $40/750ml

Why We Like It: Italy is known for its fine wines and exquisite liqueurs, right? But did you know it’s also a contender when it comes to craft beers?

One of the breweries in the country is Baladin, and their flagship product is the Esprit de Noel beer. This elegant beer is aged in oak barrels, giving lovely dark chocolate and wood aroma.

We like the warm and smooth finish, making it a great beer during the holiday season.

And just a quick fact: the name of this beer, “Esprit de Noel,” refers to the season’s spirit.

Read: Light Beer vs Dark Beer

9. BrewDog Sink The Bismarck

Woman Holding Bottle of BrewDog Sink The Bismarck

Alcohol Content: 41% ABV

Average Price: approx. $230

Why We Like It: BrewDog Sink the Bismarck is a quadruple IPA unique to most beers in the world. However, Sink the Bismark is different from your run-of-the-mill beer.

This strong brew is surprisingly popular as BrewDog managed to create this beer that’s both high in taste and ABV.

We like its resinous, spicy, and fruity aroma. This beer has a rich flavor profile, including bitter hops, honey, and malt, which satisfies the taste buds.

8. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 43

Three Bottles of Schorschbrau Schorschbock 43

Alcohol Content: 43% ABV

Average Price: approx. $100/200ml

Why We Like It: The Schorschbrau Schorschbock 43is from a German microbrewery that produces some of the strongest beers in the world.

While this beer [1] is lighter compared to the Schorschbock 57, it has a strong spicy flavor. But despite its high ABV and complexity, this is still a cult favorite.

If you prefer something other than carbonated drinks, this is the perfect beer for you. This beer is not carbonated but can still have a thin head.

The color of this brew is dark amber, and we like its nose full of nuts, tobacco, leather, dark fruit, and passion fruit aromas.

7. Koelschip Obilix

Alcohol Content: 45% Netherlands ABV

Average Price: approx. $25/bottle

Why We Like It: Koelschip Obilix is the company’s first big release before the Koelschip Start the Future. Obilix sets the tone for its push into the world of strong beer.

Although this limited-edition, high ABV rew only lasted for a couple of months, it quickly established Koelschip’s reputation as a pioneering brand in the industry.

Its light amber color can fool anyone into thinking it’s an ordinary craft beer. Actually, it’s not that sweet, and it gives the cough syrup taste.

The subtle sweetness of this beer is syrupy that lingers in the mouth.

6. BrewDog End Of History

Alcohol Content: 55% Scotland ABV

Average Price: approx. $20,000/bottle

Why We Like It: BrewDog, a Scottish brewery, has established its name within the realm of strong beer – producing some of the most prominent and strongest beers in the world.

BrewDog End of History is a limited edition brew bottled and wrapped in a dead squirrel [2]. This great beer has hints of mead, nettles, and juniper berries.

Unfortunately, only 12 bottles are released. So, it’s tough to find this Scottish beer nowadays, and it’s expensive.

5. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57

Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57 Bottle with Wooden Box

Alcohol Content: 57% German ABV

Average Price: approx. $300/400ml

Why We Like It: One of the prominent breweries in Germany and the craft beer world is Schorschbrau. This brewery is known for making some of the strongest beers in the world.

While their high alcohol-content beers are typically available in a range of 13 to 16%, they’ve created limited-edition variants with more alcohol.

“Like a tempest in a pint glass, the strongest beer in the world defies boundaries, unleashing a gust of potent flavors that push the limits of brewing artistry and thrill adventurous souls.”

– Liquor Laboratory

The strongest beer that Schorschbock has produced so far is their 57. It has a dark amber color that makes it look way more enticing than it actually is.

Its nose is full of booze, and its palate is full of flavors similar to a whisky. While the taste of this brew is excellent, we find its texture oily and thick, which feels heavy.

4. BrewDog and Schorschbräu Strength in Numbers

Man Holding Bottle of BrewDog and Schorschbräu Strength in Numbers

Alcohol Content: 57.8% Germany ABV

Average Price: approx. $39.99/50ml

Why We Like It: The first collaboration between two of the world’s most prominent breweries, Scotland’s BrewDog and Schorschbräu Brewery, to make a list is Strength in Numbers, which has a 57.8% German ABV.

The two breweries utilized the traditional method of eisbocking, involving freezing the beer and then re-blending it.

This beer blends the Belgian golden ale aged in whisky casks for ten years, creating a recipe claimed to be the world’s strongest beer.

While it still hasn’t reached the heights of Snake Venom’s peak alcohol levels, it’s really a strong beer, not just in ABV but also in taste.

3. Koelschip Start the Future

Bottle of Koelschip Start the Future with hops and barley on a table

Alcohol Content: 60% Netherlands ABV

Average Price: approx. $46/330ml

Why We Like It: The quest for stronger beers is being driven by European microbreweries. Each year, these passionate brewers push the limits of what is possible.

After the success of Obilix, Koelschip decided to create Start of the Future, one of the highest alcohol-content beers that hit hard at night and in the morning.

This pale ale is made with classic beer ingredients like hops, yeast, and water. On the nose, it has a soapy and spicy aroma with hints of black pepper.

2. Brewmeister Armageddon

Woman Holding Bottle of Brewmeister Armageddon World's Strongest Beer

Alcohol Content: 65% Scotland ABV

Average Price: approx. $65/330ml

Why We Like It: Before Snake Venom hit the scene, beer drinkers were rocked by the release of Brewmeister Armageddon, an offering from the Brewmeister Brewery.

This 65% alcohol beer is an ideal blend of peaty whisky and beer, hitting that sweet spot everyone has longed for.

Armageddon is flaked oats, wheat, and crystal malt beer – more akin to a traditional Scottish brew than the Snake Venom.

It’s a true assault on the senses and easily one of the highest alcohol-content beers we’ve ever had.

1. Brewmeister Snake Venom

Person Holding Bottle of Brewmeister Snake Venom

Alcohol Content: 67.5% Scotland ABV

Average Price: approx. $76/330ml

Why We Like It: BrewmeisterSnake Venom is deadly, though it doesn’t contain real venom. This strong brew has a staggering 67.5% alcohol content, making it one of the world’s strongest beers.

“Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer.”

– Frederick the Great, Former King of Prussia

It contains smoked peat malt and yeast, and its high alcohol content was achieved by repeatedly freezing the brew.

If you’re planning on having one beer, the Snake Venom is a must-have. You can use this beer instead of vodka in a Molotov Cocktail.

But if you like to drink more, Brewmeister Snake Venom, the world’s strongest beer, is a pass unless you want to pass out.

FAQs Related to What’s the strongest beer in the world?

What is the strongest beer in the world?

As of current records, the title of the world’s strongest beer is held by Brewmeister’s “Snake Venom,” which boasts an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 67.5%.

How is the strength of beer measured?

The strength of beer is typically measured by its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, which indicates the amount of alcohol present in the beverage relative to its total volume.

What makes Snake Venom the strongest beer?

Snake Venom earns its title as the strongest beer due to its exceptionally high alcohol content, achieved through a combination of fermentation and freeze distillation processes.

Are there other contenders for the title of strongest beer?

Yes, there are other contenders for the title of strongest beer, including BrewDog’s “The End of History” and Schorschbräu’s “Schorschbock 57.” However, records may change over time as breweries continue to experiment and push the boundaries of beer strength.

Is Snake Venom widely available for purchase?

While Snake Venom and other strong beers may be available for purchase online or in select specialty beer shops, they are often produced in limited quantities and may be challenging to find outside of certain regions.

What are the flavor characteristics of Snake Venom and other strong beers?

Strong beers like Snake Venom often have intense flavors, with noticeable alcohol heat and sweetness. However, individual taste experiences may vary due to personal preferences and differences in brewing techniques.

Are there any risks associated with consuming strong beers like Snake Venom?

Consuming strong beers with very high ABV percentages carries inherent risks, including rapid intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and adverse health effects. It’s essential to drink such beverages responsibly and in moderation.

In Summary 

Only a handful of breweries are known to produce highly alcoholic beers. You can find them mainly in the European region – Scotland, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Each brewery uses the Eisbock technique to craft beer with the highest ABV possible.

So, if you’re looking for great booze in beer, try these beers – from the Struise Black Damnation VI – Messy to BrewDog Sink the Bismarck, to the Brewmeister Snake Venom.

References:

  1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/beer
  2. https://www.vice.com/en/article/ypeb97/this-dead-squirrel-filled-with-55-abv-beer-only-costs-20k
  3. https://www.today.com/food/new-sam-adams-beer-so-strong-it-s-illegal-15-t231614
  4. https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/beer/probiotics-gut-benefits-belgian-beer
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