Do you ever flip through a beer menu and try to guess which beers have the highest alcohol content? You’re not alone. Sometimes it takes work to find. Knowing which beers likely have higher alcohol by volume (ABV) can help narrow your search. The good news? There are plenty of options for those who want to experience different levels of intoxication, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. With a little bit of research on what types of beer generally have higher ABVs, you’ll be able to choose the perfect beer for you.
What is ABV?
Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a beer enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the term ABV, which stands for Alcohol By Volume. ABV basically indicates the highest concentration level of alcohol in a beverage. Generally, beers with higher ABV tend to have more robust flavors and are more likely to give off a stronger aroma and taste profile than ones with lower ABVs. If you want to try some of the highest ABV beers out there, lagers, ales, and stouts such as imperial IPAs, barleywines, and Belgian beer styles are all a great place to start.
Tips for recognizing beers with higher ABV
Of course, the easiest way to determine a beer’s ABV is to check the label. Many breweries now list the exact percentage of alcohol on their bottles or cans, making it easy to know exactly what you’re getting. However, not all beers include this information, so it’s important to know how to recognize what makes a beer have a higher ABV.
If a beer’s ABV isn’t listed, be on the lookout for buzzwords like ‘extra,’ ‘double,’ and ‘imperial’ – these sneaky terms often indicate a brew with a kick. These words are particularly common in certain beer styles, like IPAs, stouts, and Belgian ales.
Another clue to a beer’s ABV is its color. Generally speaking, darker beers tend to have a higher alcohol content than lighter ones. This is because darker beers usually contain more malt, which provides the sugar that yeast converts into alcohol. So, if you’re looking for a stronger beer, consider a dark porter or stout instead of a pale lager or pilsner.
What are the highest-ABV beers?
Snake Venom by Brewmeister
This Scottish ale packs a serious punch with its high ABV of 67.5%. This beer boasts a malty and floral aroma with a touch of sherbet, followed by a potent taste that surprises you. If you’re a fan of strong beers that make a statement, then Snake Venom is definitely worth trying. However, be warned – this beer is not for the faint of heart.
Schorschbräu’s Schorschbock
With a 43% ABV, this oak-aged Doppelbock is full of sweet caramel notes with a full-bodied taste that will transport you straight to southern Germany, where beer drinking is at the forefront of their culture. Try this one if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful beer that packs a punch.
BrewDog’s Tactical Nuclear Penguin
32% ABV and always packing a bite, this imperial stout has bitter dark chocolate notes accompanied by faint vanilla and malty hints. With its rich and bold taste, this beer is perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s evening.
Now you know all there is to know about the top beers with the highest ABV. Whether you’re looking for a strong beer to make your evening more exciting or just curious about high-alcohol content beers, you should be good to go. Remember: higher ABV can mean higher levels of flavor, too. So don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know; it might be your new favorite. Cheers.
