Introduction : Strongest Beer In The World
Beer, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, comes in various styles, flavors, and strengths. While many beer enthusiasts appreciate a refreshing lager or a flavorful IPA, some seek out a different kind of experience: the world’s strongest beers. These potent brews push the boundaries of alcohol content, offering a unique taste and a potent kick that appeals to adventurous drinkers. In this article, we delve into the realm of the strongest beers in the world, exploring their origins, brewing techniques, and the allure they hold for enthusiasts.
What Defines the Strength of Beer?
Before diving into the specifics of the world’s strongest beers, it’s essential to understand how beer strength is measured. The strength of beer is typically indicated by its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, which represents the amount of alcohol present in the beverage compared to its total volume. Standard beers usually range from 4% to 6% ABV, while stronger beers can reach ABV levels of 10% or higher.
The Quest for Strength: Brewing Techniques
Brewing high-alcohol beers requires skillful craftsmanship and specialized techniques. Brewers achieve higher ABV levels by manipulating the brewing process, particularly focusing on the amount of fermentable sugars available for yeast to convert into alcohol. Here are some common techniques used to create strong beers:
1. Increased Grain Bill: Brewers use larger quantities of malted barley or other grains rich in fermentable sugars. These sugars provide food for yeast during fermentation, resulting in higher alcohol content.
2. Extended Fermentation: Some brewers allow the fermentation process to continue for longer periods, giving yeast more time to convert sugars into alcohol before reaching its alcohol tolerance limit.
3. Freeze Distillation: In some extreme cases, brewers employ freeze distillation, a process where the beer is partially frozen and the ice (which contains less alcohol) is removed, concentrating the alcohol content of the remaining liquid.
4. Specialty Yeasts: Certain strains of yeast can tolerate higher alcohol levels, allowing brewers to ferment beer to ABV percentages beyond what standard yeast strains can achieve.
The Strongest Beers in the World
Now, let’s explore some of the strongest beers ever brewed, each known for pushing the limits of alcohol content and captivating the curiosity of beer enthusiasts worldwide:
1. BrewDog “The End of History”
BrewDog, a renowned Scottish brewery known for its innovative and bold creations, produced “The End of History” in 2010. This beer, packaged in a taxidermied squirrel or stoat, holds the record for its extreme ABV. It reached an astonishing 55% ABV, making it one of the strongest beers ever commercially produced. The limited-edition nature and unique packaging made it a collector’s item among beer aficionados.
2. Schorschbock 57
Schorschbock 57, brewed by Schorschbräu in Germany, is another contender for the title of strongest beer. This Eisbock-style beer boasts an ABV of 57.5%, achieved through freeze distillation techniques. Its intense alcohol content is balanced by rich malty flavors, creating a beer that is both potent and surprisingly smooth.
3. Snake Venom
Brewed by Brewmeister in Scotland, Snake Venom is renowned for its high alcohol content. This beer pushes the boundaries with an ABV of around 67.5%, making it one of the strongest beers available. Despite its strength, Snake Venom is crafted to maintain a balanced flavor profile, combining malt sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
1. 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.
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.
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.