The Current Contender: Scottish Beithir Fire (75% ABV)
In the ever-evolving quest for the world's most potent brew, the current record holder is Scottish Beithir Fire, produced by 88 Brewery. At a mind-bending 75% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), this brew is less like a traditional pint and more akin to a spirit. Created in Scotland, the beer's extreme strength is achieved by blending a high-ABV barley ale with pure Scottish spirit. The liquid then undergoes triple-filtration to ensure an exceptional balance of strength and quality. Due to its potency, the brewer advises treating Beithir Fire with extreme caution and consuming it in small, respectful measures.
The Historical Rivalry: The ABV Arms Race
The title of 'world's strongest beer' has been a hotly contested prize, primarily dominated by a fierce rivalry between Scottish brewery BrewDog and German brewer Schorschbräu.
- BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32% ABV, 2009): This early salvo kicked off the modern ABV war. BrewDog freeze-distilled a beer to achieve its high alcohol content.
- Schorschbräu Schorschbock (up to 43% ABV): Schorschbräu responded with increasingly potent eisbocks, a German style of freeze-distilled beer.
- BrewDog Sink the Bismarck! (41% ABV, 2010): BrewDog hit back with their quadruple IPA, continuing the escalation.
- BrewDog The End of History (55% ABV, 2010): This release famously came in bottles encased in taxidermied stoats and squirrels, an eye-catching (and controversial) move.
- BrewDog x Schorschbräu Strength in Numbers (57.8% ABV, 2020): In a final collaboration that ended the decade-long war, the two rivals teamed up to create a 57.8% ABV brew using a blend of eisbock techniques and a 10-year-old aged ale.
Notable Extreme Beers
Beyond the record holders and headline-making rivalries, other beers have pushed the boundaries of alcohol content.
Brewmeister Snake Venom (67.5% ABV)
Before Beithir Fire, Snake Venom was widely cited as the world's strongest beer. It was crafted by Brewmeister in Scotland using smoked, peated malt, and two varieties of yeast (including one typically used for Champagne). Similar to other extreme brews, it was freeze-distilled and fortified with additional alcohol to reach its staggering ABV. The resulting beer is thick and lacks carbonation, with a flavor profile rich in caramel and dark fruits. It includes a prominent warning label advising consumption in small measures.
Dutch 't Koelschip
This Dutch brewery briefly held the record in the early 2010s. They released 'Start the Future' at 60% ABV and later reportedly produced the 'Mistery of Beer' at 70%, though the latter is now out of production.
The Techniques Behind Extreme ABV
Achieving such high alcohol levels in beer requires methods beyond standard fermentation. Brewers often use one or a combination of these techniques:
- Freeze Distillation (Eisbock): This centuries-old technique involves freezing a beer and then removing the resulting ice, which is mostly water. This leaves behind a concentrated liquid with a much higher alcohol content and more intense flavors.
- Fortification: This process involves adding spirits, like pure ethanol, to the fermented beer to significantly boost its ABV. This is the method used for beers like Scottish Beithir Fire and Snake Venom and is a point of contention among traditionalists.
- High-Gravity Brewing: The process begins with a much higher concentration of fermentable sugars in the wort (unfermented beer). The brewers must also select a yeast strain with a high tolerance for alcohol, as most yeasts die off at around 12-14% ABV.
Comparing the Strongest Beers
| Beer | Brewery | ABV | Primary Technique | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Beithir Fire | 88 Brewery | 75% | Fortification | Scotland |
| Brewmeister Snake Venom | Brewmeister | 67.5% | Freeze-distillation + Fortification | Scotland |
| BrewDog x Schorschbräu Strength in Numbers | BrewDog & Schorschbräu | 57.8% | Freeze-distillation | Scotland/Germany |
| Schorschbock 57% | Schorschbräu | 57% | Freeze-distillation | Germany |
Is It Still Technically "Beer"?
The creation of these ultra-high-ABV brews has sparked a philosophical debate within the brewing community. Traditionalists and purists argue that techniques like freeze-distillation and especially fortification stray too far from the conventional brewing process. They contend that adding spirits or concentrating alcohol in this manner results in a hybrid beverage that is closer to a liqueur or flavored spirit than a true beer. However, proponents of extreme brewing argue that as long as the base liquid was fermented using traditional beer ingredients, the end product is a valid exploration of the craft's boundaries. Ultimately, the classification is a matter of perspective, but the products are almost universally labeled and marketed as beer.
Safety and Consumption
Due to their extreme potency, these are not beers to be consumed casually. Brewers and retailers alike advise treating them with the same respect as a strong spirit, enjoying them in small, measured pours. The intense and complex flavors are best savored slowly, allowing the drinker to appreciate the intricate taste profile rather than rushing the experience. Responsible consumption is paramount when dealing with such high alcohol concentrations. When consuming such a brew, one should always be mindful of its alcohol content and the effect it will have on them.
Conclusion: The Final Word on High-ABV Beer
While the race for the highest alcohol content beer has featured many memorable contestants and a great deal of innovation, the current title belongs to Scottish Beithir Fire at 75% ABV. This brew, along with its predecessors, serves as a testament to the creativity and audacity of modern brewers who relentlessly push the boundaries of what is possible within the craft. The most important takeaway, however, remains a focus on mindful consumption and an appreciation for the sheer craftsmanship required to produce such an extraordinary and potent product.
For more on the record holder, visit the official page for Scottish Beithir Fire.
