Exploring The Strongest Commercial Beers: A Guide

Beer lovers are always on the lookout for the next best brew, and for some, that means finding the strongest beer available. While the pursuit of a brew with a high alcohol content may be an enticing adventure, it is important to approach these beers with caution. The strongest beers in the world have alcohol levels exceeding 60%, which is no joke! So, if you are curious about the strongest beers out there, read on, but remember to consume these beverages responsibly and in moderation.

Brewmeister Snake Venom, 67.5% ABV

If you're looking for the strongest beer commercially available, look no further than Brewmeister Snake Venom, which packs a staggering punch at 67.5% ABV. This beer is not for the faint-hearted, and its manufacturer recommends it be consumed in small doses of no more than 35ml per sitting—the equivalent of just one shot glass. In fact, due to its high ABV, some sources even refer to it as unratable.

Brewed in Moray, Scotland, Snake Venom is crafted from smoked peat malt and two types of yeast—one beer and one champagne. The result is a hoppy, malty, carbonated beast of a beer with a flavour profile that can still be detected despite its high alcohol content. Hints of malt, hops and caramel come through, with a style that sits somewhere between a brown beer and a lager.

To achieve such a high ABV, the brew is frozen multiple times during fermentation. This concentrates the alcohol, flavour and body of the beer as water is removed each time, and it is then fortified with additional alcohol. The process also removes carbonation, resulting in a thick, viscous liquid that is more akin to a spirit than a beer.

Brewmeister Snake Venom is a beer that truly lives up to its name. With its intense flavour and ABV that rivals many spirits, it's a beer that demands respect and should be approached with caution.

Brewmeister Armageddon, 65% ABV

Brewmeister Armageddon is a strong beer, with an ABV of 65%. It was the first beer produced by the Keith Brewery LTD, a Scottish brewery based in Keith, Moray, founded in 2012. Armageddon was designed as a cross between beer and whisky, and is crafted from wheat, crystal malt, flaked oats, and 100% Scottish spring water.

The beer has a strong, smoky aroma, with a powerful taste of malt and alcohol. It has been described as "a true assault on the taste buds". Some reviewers have noted that it is surprisingly smooth for a 65% ABV beer, and that the alcohol is "very well hidden". However, others have been more critical, describing it as "bland and unexciting" and "a stupid gimmick beer".

In terms of appearance, Armageddon has been described as a cloudy, murky brown colour, with no head or carbonation. It has also been likened to brown motor oil.

Due to its high ABV, it is recommended that Armageddon is consumed in small doses, and treated more like a spirit.

It is worth noting that there has been some controversy surrounding the beer's ABV, with some lab tests placing the alcohol content well below 65%. Despite this, Armageddon still packs a punch and is definitely one of the strongest beers on the market.

Koelschip Start the Future, 60% ABV

If you're looking for the strongest beer commercially available, you'll want to try Koelschip Start the Future, a brew with a staggering 60% ABV. This Dutch beer was released by 't Koelschip brewery in response to BrewDog's 55% End of History beer.

Koelschip Start the Future is a pale yellow beer with no carbonation and no head. It has been described as smelling sweet and tangy, like agave or tequila. The taste has been likened to cheap whisky or tequila, with a harsh sweetness and a burning sensation. The mouthfeel is thick, heavy, and syrupy.

The high alcohol content of this beer means it should be consumed in small doses, and it is recommended to drink no more than 35ml in a single sitting. This beer is certainly not for the faint-hearted!

At €35 ($46 US) per bottle, Koelschip Start the Future is a more affordable option compared to other super-strong beers on the market. However, it may be challenging to find as it is not sold in bottles but meant to be enjoyed from a small glass.

If you're an adventurous beer enthusiast, Koelschip Start the Future could be the ultimate beverage to tick off your list. But with its intense flavour and high ABV, proceed with caution—this beer packs a serious punch!

BrewDog and Schorschbräu Strength in Numbers, 57.8% ABV

For over a decade, Scottish brewery BrewDog and German brewery Schorschbräu were locked in a battle to create the world's strongest beer. In 2021, the two breweries decided to put their rivalry aside and collaborate on a new beer: Strength in Numbers.

Strength in Numbers is an eisbock with a colossal ABV of 57.8%. The beer was created using the traditional eisbock method, which involves freezing the beer and removing chunks of ice to concentrate the liquid and increase the ABV. Strength in Numbers also features a blend of BrewDog's own Death or Glory, an ice-distilled Belgian golden ale that had been ageing in whisky casks for 10 years.

The result is an incredibly strong beer with a unique flavour profile. Due to its high ABV, Strength in Numbers is best enjoyed in small doses. In fact, the beer was released in tiny 40ml bottles, reflecting the fact that only a small amount is needed to enjoy its effects.

The collaboration between BrewDog and Schorschbräu is a testament to the innovative and competitive spirit of the craft beer world. While some may debate whether Strength in Numbers can truly claim the title of "world's strongest beer", there is no denying that it is an impressive achievement in brewing.

Schorschbräu Schorschbock 57, 57% ABV

Schorschbräu Schorschbock 57, at 57% ABV, is one of the strongest beers in the world. It is produced by the German brewery Schorschbräu, which is known for its range of Eisbock beers that feature some of the world's highest-ABV beers.

Schorschbock 57 pours flat with a ruby-brown colour and a lacy tan head. It has a rich aroma, with notes of cognac, tobacco, leather, black cherry, raisin, and walnut. The taste is sweet, with a strong alcoholic burn that lingers on the tongue.

Some reviewers have described the beer as \"vile" and "an amazing science experiment", comparing the burn to that of whiskey and the taste to burnt popcorn, coffee, and dark chocolate. Others have noted a strong alcoholic aroma with some fruity hints of peaches and vanilla.

With only 36 bottles ever made, Schorschbock 57 is a highly limited release, and each bottle is numbered and signed by the brewer. The beer is certainly a unique and extreme experience, capturing the attention of the craft beer world and showcasing the brewer's skill and innovation.

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