The World's Strongest Beers
For many years, the battle for the highest Alcohol By Volume (ABV) beer has been a fierce competition among craft brewers. This race has produced some truly exceptional and powerful creations that defy traditional definitions of beer. The term "highest point beer" is a common phrase that, in a brewing context, refers to the beer with the highest alcohol content, or ABV. These aren't your average lagers; they are rich, complex, and potent beverages meant to be sipped and savored, not consumed in large quantities.
Brewmeister Snake Venom: The 67.5% Record Holder
As of recent records, the beer often cited as the strongest is Brewmeister's Snake Venom, a Scottish brew with a staggering 67.5% ABV. To put that into perspective, this potent liquid is more alcoholic than most hard liquors. It is described as having a sweet, nutty aroma, a fruity flavor, and an intensely fiery finish. This beer is not carbonated because the high alcohol content makes it too viscous to hold bubbles. The manufacturer famously recommends serving it in small, 35ml measures, akin to a spirit. The process to create this record-breaker involves using special beer and champagne yeasts, followed by a freeze distillation technique, and finally, fortification with additional alcohol, a practice that sparks debate among brewing purists.
The Epic Brewing Arms Race
The quest for the strongest beer has a rich and competitive history, particularly involving a rivalry between Scottish brewery BrewDog and German brewery Schorschbräu. This brewing battle saw each company releasing increasingly stronger beers, continually one-upping the other.
- BrewDog's Tactical Nuclear Penguin: In 2008, this 32% ABV beer made headlines.
- Schorschbräu's Schorschbock 57: The German brewery responded with a 57% ABV brew, temporarily holding the record.
- BrewDog's The End of History: Not to be outdone, BrewDog released a 55% ABV brew controversially packaged inside stuffed squirrels.
- BrewDog & Schorschbräu's Strength in Numbers: The competition eventually turned collaborative, with the two breweries teaming up to create a 57.8% ABV beer.
The Science of High-ABV Brewing
Achieving such high alcohol levels requires specialized techniques that go far beyond standard brewing methods. The yeast used in traditional fermentation can only tolerate a certain level of alcohol before it dies off. Brewers employ several clever strategies to overcome this biological limitation.
Common techniques include:
- Freeze Distillation (Eisbock Method): This technique involves partially freezing the beer and removing the ice crystals, which are essentially frozen water. As water freezes at a higher temperature than alcohol, this process concentrates the remaining liquid and increases the ABV. This is a technique with roots in traditional German brewing.
- Using High-Tolerance Yeast: Brewers will use specific yeast strains, like those used for champagne or certain Belgian styles, that can withstand higher alcohol concentrations. These yeasts are more resilient and can continue fermentation where others would fail.
- Adding Additional Sugars: Brewers can add extra sources of fermentable sugars, such as honey, dextrose, or malt extract, to the wort. This provides more fuel for the yeast to convert into alcohol, pushing the final ABV higher than what is possible with malted barley alone.
- Fortification: Some brewers, like those behind Snake Venom, add a distilled spirit directly to the finished beer to boost the alcohol content. This is a contentious practice that blurs the line between brewing and distilling.
High-ABV Extreme Beer Comparison
| Beer Name | Brewery | ABV | Primary Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Venom | Brewmeister | 67.5% | Freeze Distillation & Fortification | Most potent; served in small measures. |
| Schorschbock 57 | Schorschbräu | 57.0% | Freeze Distillation | German Eisbock known for its strength. |
| The End of History | BrewDog | 55.0% | Freeze Distillation & Infusion | Infused with nettles and juniper berries. |
| Utopias | Sam Adams | Up to 28% | Extended Aging & Specialized Brewing | American strong ale aged in barrels. |
| 120 Minute IPA | Dogfish Head | 15-20% | Continuous Hopping | Brewed continuously with hops for the duration of the boil. |
How to Approach and Appreciate High-Proof Beer
Drinking high-ABV beer is an experience that requires a different mindset than drinking a typical beer. It is crucial to treat these potent concoctions with respect and moderation. They are not meant for chugging but for sipping slowly, much like a fine whiskey or cognac.
- Small Pours: Always pour a small measure, such as a 35ml serving, into a proper glass to appreciate its aroma and flavor profile fully.
- Observe the Flavor: Notice the intense flavor notes that come from the concentrated brewing process. High-ABV beers often feature rich malty, caramel, and dark fruit characteristics.
- Mind the Warmth: A warming alcohol sensation is a common and intended part of the experience, especially in beers made with techniques like freeze distillation.
- Pair with Food: These beers can stand up to and complement strong, rich foods, such as aged cheeses, robust stews, or decadent desserts.
Conclusion
The title of "highest point beer" is a dynamic and often debated one, with records being challenged by innovative and daring brewers. While Brewmeister's Snake Venom currently holds the record for highest ABV, the journey to such potency involves a fascinating blend of scientific technique and bold creativity. From freeze distillation to the use of highly tolerant yeasts, these brewers push the limits of what is possible. For enthusiasts, these extreme brews offer a unique and rewarding tasting experience, provided they are approached with the same respect reserved for fine spirits. This brewing frontier continues to evolve, promising new and even more potent creations in the future. For more on the brewing philosophy behind these creations, check out BrewDog's story on The End of History.
