Which beer has the strongest alcohol? Exploring the world's highest ABV brews

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

The alcohol content of beer can range dramatically, with some 'extreme' brews pushing boundaries far beyond the typical 4-6% ABV. The question of which beer has the strongest alcohol has driven a competitive race among brewers, resulting in creations so potent they rival spirits.

Quick Summary

An overview of the world's strongest beers, distinguishing between traditionally brewed and fortified examples. Discusses contenders like Brewmeister Snake Venom and Scottish Beithir Fire.

Key Points

Brewmeister Snake Venom is a legendary contender: It boasts a 67.5% ABV, achieved through freeze distillation and additional fortification.
Scottish Beithir Fire claims the highest ABV: Reaching 75%, it is made by blending a high-ABV beer with spirits, a method that sparks debate among purists.
High-ABV beers often use special techniques: Methods like freeze distillation (eisbock) and blending with spirits are necessary to reach these extreme alcohol levels.
Responsible consumption is crucial for extreme beers: These brews are meant to be sipped in small quantities, not consumed like a standard beer.
Domestic breweries offer high-ABV options: Samuel Adams Utopias is a notable American example, reaching around 28% ABV through extensive aging.
A historic rivalry drove innovation: A long-standing competition between Scottish brewery BrewDog and German brewery Schorschbräu resulted in some of the world's strongest beers.

The Quest for the Highest ABV

For decades, brewers have pushed the limits of what is possible within the craft beer world, often leading to a rivalry to produce the strongest beer. While the definition of "beer" itself can be stretched at these extreme alcohol-by-volume (ABV) levels, the creativity and technical skill involved are undeniable. This competition has resulted in legendary brews that require special techniques to concentrate alcohol far beyond what standard fermentation can achieve.

Fortified vs. Fermented: The Great Debate

Most beer fermentation using standard yeast strains naturally stops around 12-14% ABV because the alcohol becomes toxic to the yeast. To exceed this, brewers use methods like freeze distillation or add spirits, creating what is known as fortified beer. While these methods achieve very high ABVs, some argue that adding spirits means the product is no longer true beer.

Leading the Pack: The World's Strongest Contenders

Several brews have vied for the title of the world's strongest beer, employing different methods to reach extreme alcohol levels.

Scottish Beithir Fire (75% ABV)

Currently holding the highest reported ABV, Scottish Beithir Fire from 88 Brewery is 75% ABV. It is made by blending high-ABV barley ale with Scottish spirit. This fortification allows it to reach spirit-level strength, necessitating warnings and suggesting it be sipped like whiskey.

Brewmeister Snake Venom (67.5% ABV)

Before Beithir Fire, Brewmeister Snake Venom from Scotland was widely recognized as the strongest, at 67.5% ABV. It uses smoked peated malt, ale, and champagne yeasts. Its high ABV comes from multi-stage freeze distillation, which concentrates alcohol by removing water ice, and is also fortified with added ethanol, a point of debate for purists.

The Eisbock Rivalry: BrewDog and Schorschbräu

A notable rivalry between BrewDog (Scotland) and Schorschbräu (Germany) pushed eisbock (freeze-distilled beer without spirit additives) to new limits. This competition produced brews like BrewDog's Strength in Numbers (57.8% ABV) and The End of History (55% ABV), and Schorschbräu's Schorschbock 57%.

The Fermentation Champion: BrewDog's Ghost Deer

BrewDog's Ghost Deer is significant for reaching 28% ABV purely through fermentation, without freeze distillation or fortification. This was achieved using three different yeast strains and extensive barrel-aging.

The American Masterpiece: Samuel Adams Utopias

Samuel Adams Utopias, an American barrel-aged blend released every two years, reaches around 28% ABV. Aged in various casks, it offers flavors similar to port or cognac. Its high ABV means it's restricted in some U.S. states.

Comparison of Extreme ABV Beers


Beer	ABV	Brewery	Primary Method
Scottish Beithir Fire	75%	88 Brewery	Fortification (with spirits)
Brewmeister Snake Venom	67.5%	Brewmeister Brewery	Freeze Distillation & Fortification
Strength in Numbers	57.8%	BrewDog & Schorschbräu	Freeze Distillation (Eisbock)
Samuel Adams Utopias	~28%	Samuel Adams	Barrel-Aging & Blending

Responsible Consumption: A Crucial Warning

These potent brews demand responsible consumption. They should be treated like spirits, sipped slowly and in small amounts. For example, Snake Venom manufacturers suggest servings of no more than 35ml. Ignoring these guidelines can be dangerous. Always know your limits and prioritize safety.

Tips for Enjoying Extreme Beers Responsibly

Portion Control: Serve in small, spirit-like measures, such as a 2-ounce pour in a snifter.
Pace Yourself: Sip slowly to appreciate the complexity and avoid overconsumption.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water alongside the beer.
Don't Drink on an Empty Stomach: Eat before consuming high-ABV beer.
Never Drink and Drive: Plan transportation in advance.

Conclusion: Pushing the Boundaries of Brewing

The pursuit of the strongest beer has led to remarkable brewing innovation. From fortified blends to aged masterpieces, extreme beer showcases creativity and technical skill. While the title of the absolute strongest may change, these potent brews offer a unique experience when enjoyed responsibly and with an appreciation for the craft. For further exploration into extreme brewing, a good starting point is understanding the techniques used by pioneering breweries like BrewDog. Learn more about extreme brewing techniques on BrewDog's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of recent reports, Scottish Beithir Fire holds the record for the highest ABV at 75%, though it's technically a fortified beer. Brewmeister Snake Venom follows closely at 67.5%.

Brewers use special techniques like freeze distillation (removing water ice crystals) and adding distilled spirits to a strong ale base to reach exceptionally high alcohol levels.

This is a debated topic. While it starts as a beer, the addition of spirits blurs the line, and some enthusiasts argue it is more of a fortified wine or liquor.

Extreme caution is advised. Strong beers are meant to be sipped in very small, spirit-like quantities (e.g., 35ml servings), not consumed like a standard beer.

Examples include Samuel Adams Utopias (~28% ABV), BrewDog's Ghost Deer (28% ABV), and certain Eisbocks, which achieve high alcohol levels through fermentation or freeze distillation without adding spirits.

These beers often have a complex, intense flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, toffee, and caramel. The high alcohol content can also result in a noticeable warming or fiery finish.

The eisbock method is a technique where fermented beer is partially frozen. The ice, which is primarily water, is then removed, leaving behind a more concentrated and higher-alcohol liquid.