Beer Superlatives: The Most Alcoholic

In my last blog post, I told you how alcohol in beer works. Now that you have read that post (this is your cue to do exactly that if you haven’t already), the next logical step is to talk about some of the ABV Rock Stars of the beer universe.

Craft meets class

Quick admin note: Given the nature of brewing, and the fact that brewers are always looking to outdo one another, it’s hard to pinpoint what the most alcoholic beer in America is at any given point. I’m not setting out to identify the most alcoholic, but rather celebrate some of the strongest brews that American brewers have created over the years. Also, if you happen upon any of these in the wild, use caution as they pack quite a wallop.

The Winner

Many beer geeks (most of them from the New England region) believe that Sam Adams Millennium (and its 20% ABV) is the highest in America. Multiple sources have indicated that Millennium is actually second to Colossus (21% ABV) from the DuClaw Brewing Company in Maryland. According to DuClaw’s website, Colossus is a “high-gravity hybrid” styled beer and its 21% ABV has been verified by the Sieble Institute. Two other beers are reported to infringe with Millennium’s ownership of the title (which clearly has already been debunked), both of which belong to the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Delaware. DFH’s 120 Minute IPA and World Wide Stout are both reported to range between 15-20% - the top of which is tied with Millennium.

Find me... if you dare

Dark as night

Now that I’ve completed my Sam Adams bashing for the day (don’t get me wrong… I actually do like SA), lets highlight some other high-rollers. The Bristol Brewing Company in Colorado Springs, Colorado makes an 18.4% wonder-beer called XXX Warlock Double Imperial Stout. Sam Adams’ Triple Bock weighs in at 18%. Next up is Dogfish Head’s Fort Raspberry Belgian Ale at 15-18% (for some reason, DFH refuses to commit to an ABV in their marketing). Black Magick Bourbon Stout by the Voodoo Brewery in Meadville, Pennsylvania (between Pittsburgh and Erie) is 15.5%. Rounding out the top ten (according to the sources I’ve read) are the Mephistopheles’ Stout (15.1% ABV) and The Beast (14.9% ABV), both of which are crafted with love by the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado.

Interestingly enough, in spite of the commonly held belief that the left coast is where the beers are, 7 of the 10 most alcoholic brews in America are brewed in the eastern regions of the country. You west coast brewers better check your rear view.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!!!