The world's highest alcohol content beer is Snake Venom, brewed in Scotland with a staggering 67.5% ABV, while the strongest beer in the USA is The End of History by BrewDog, with 55% ABV. Read ahead to find out about other strong beers with a high ABV percentage!
Beer is a go-to drink for socializing, whether you're out with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home. A pint never hurt anybody, right? It's often thought that beer is a lighter option compared to spirits, but did you know some beers pack a serious punch with their high alcohol content? Indeed, a select few have even earned the title of the strongest beers in the world. In this article, we'll explore five of the most potent beers, each boasting impressive ABV percentages, unique flavors, and brewing origins. Get ready to discover that not all beers are created equal when it comes to strength!
Topping the list is Snake Venom, a beast of a beer brewed by Brewmeister in Scotland. With a staggering ABV of 67.5%, this beer holds the title of the strongest beer in the world. Despite its name, Snake Venom won't paralyze you, but it might leave you breathless with its intense flavor and potency. It boasts a rich golden color with a blend of caramel and malt, delivering a surprisingly smooth taste with a hint of bitterness. Snake Venom is available in select stores and online, but due to its strength, it's often sold with a warning: handle with care!
Crossing the Atlantic, we find the strongest beer brewed in the USA, The End of History. Created by BrewDog, this Belgian-style ale has an ABV of 55%. It gained notoriety not just for its strength but also for its unique packaging—each bottle is encased in a taxidermied animal. The End of History offers a complex taste profile with notes of juniper berries, nettles, and a sharp alcoholic bite. Due to its rarity and high price, this beer is more of a collector's item, available only through special releases and auctions.
Next, we have Sam Adams Utopias, a beer that borders on a spirit with its 28% ABV. Brewed by Boston Beer Company, this American strong ale is released biennially and comes in a collectible ceramic decanter. Utopias offers a unique taste experience, with rich flavors of dark fruits, toffee, and subtle hints of vanilla and oak, thanks to its aging process in various barrels. It’s available in select liquor stores and online, often requiring a bit of a treasure hunt to find a bottle. Drinking Utopias is more akin to savoring a fine cognac than your typical beer.
Another entry from BrewDog, Tactical Nuclear Penguin, once held the title of the world's strongest beer. Although it has since been surpassed, it remains formidable with a 32% ABV. Brewed in Scotland, this imperial stout offers a deep, rich flavor with notes of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of smokiness. It’s aged in whisky casks, adding complexity and depth to its profile. Tactical Nuclear Penguin is available in limited quantities and often requires ordering directly from the brewery. It's a beer for those who appreciate a bold and robust drinking experience.
Rounding out our list is Dogfish Head's 120 Minute IPA, an American Imperial IPA with an ABV of around 15-20%, varying by batch. Brewed in Delaware, USA, this beer is continuously hopped for 120 minutes, resulting in an intense hop flavor balanced by a strong malt backbone. It offers a bold taste with notes of pine, citrus, and caramel, making it a favorite among hop enthusiasts. The 120 Minute IPA is released periodically and can be found in select craft beer shops and online. It's a must-try for those who love big, bold, and bitter brews.