What’s the strongest beer you can make?

Answered by Nicholas Phillips

As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I am often asked about the strongest that can be made. While there are many strong beers available on the market, one that stands out as the current reigning champion is Brewmeister Snake Venom. This beer, brewed in Moray, Scotland, holds the title for being the strongest beer in the world.

To create this incredibly potent brew, the brewers start with smoked, peated . This choice of malt adds a unique and robust flavor profile to the beer. Additionally, two varieties of are used in the fermentation process, one commonly used in beer production and the other typically used in . This combination of yeasts adds complexity and depth to the beer's character.

One of the key processes used in creating ultra high-strength beers like Snake Venom is freezing. After fermentation, the beer is subjected to freezing multiple times. This freezing process helps to concentrate the content by separating the alcohol from the , which forms ice crystals. These ice crystals are then removed, resulting in a higher alcohol concentration in the remaining liquid.

The end result is a beer with an incredibly high alcohol by volume (ABV) content. Snake Venom boasts an astonishing ABV of 67.5%. To put this into perspective, most regular beers have an ABV ranging from 4% to 7%. This makes Snake Venom significantly stronger than your average brew.

Having personally experienced tasting Snake Venom, I can attest to its strength. The aroma is intense, with strong notes of smokiness and a hint of sweetness. The taste is robust and boozy, with a warming sensation that spreads through your entire body. It is not a beer to be taken lightly, as even a small sip can have a noticeable impact.

It's important to note that beers with such high ABV should be consumed responsibly and in moderation. The strength of Snake Venom, and similar strong beers, means that it should be enjoyed in small quantities, sipped and savored rather than consumed quickly. Its potency makes it more suitable for special occasions or as a unique experience for beer enthusiasts.

Brewmeister Snake Venom is currently recognized as the strongest beer in the world. Its combination of smoked, peated malt, two varieties of yeast, and the freezing process result in an astonishingly high ABV of 67.5%. This beer is not for the faint of heart and should be approached with caution and respect.