Where to Find 12 of the World's Strongest Liquors
For many years, spirits with higher proof have been becoming more and more popular. Even though they gradually lose strength due to ice in a shaker or the drinking glass itself, they still have more impact in cocktails. However, what about the ones that are really strong, the ghosts that ring in at such high decibel levels that the mere thought of them could make you faint? Among the world's most powerful are the dozen below. Keep them away from flames and use them carefully.
Proof: 96% alcohol, 192.
Made in: Poland
The strongest spirit available for purchase in the United States is this Polish-made vodka, which is known as rectified spirit. According to one sampler, "it is like getting punched in the solar plexus," said the New York Post. Using it as a base for liqueurs that contain herbs and fruits is its best use; drinking it on its own is a bad life choice.
Proof: 190 (95% alcohol).
Made in: United States
An alt-rock band from the 1990s and vicious hangovers were born out of Everclear. Here's another that is best used as a base for liqueurs like limoncello rather than as an individual beverage. Bitters, too.
Proof: 190 (95% alcohol).
Made in: United States
Golden Grain, the main ingredient in drinks like Instant Death and The Screaming Purple Jesus, is made by the same company as Everclear and has a constitution that is almost exactly the same. The shocking thing is that, like Everclear, it is illegal in some states.
Proof: 184 (92% alcohol).
Made in: Scotland
Bruichladdich's X4 is marketed as the highest-proof single malt ever produced and is based on the quadruple distillation technique used in the 17th century. In addition to being aged in brand-new oak barrels to improve flavor, two BBC journalists have demonstrated that the X4 can propel a sports car at over 100 mph. But good luck finding it. This is a serious challenge to get your hands on.
Proof: 180 (90% alcohol).
Made in: Grenada
Based on the centuries-old method of "pot stilling"—a slower, more flavorful distillation process that occurs in a wide-bottomed, thin-necked still rather than a column distillation—this strong, clear rum can be sipped on its own (please, do not drink too much of it!) or combined with other strong drinks.
Proof: 179 (89.9% alcohol).
Made in: Czech Republic
Van Gogh, the most well-known of absinthe drinkers, may not have liked Hapsburg's blend, but do not worry, it has sparked some "artistic" behavior. In a perfect world, you would drink this while a sugar cube clutched by one of those beautiful art deco spoons was slowly dripping water through it.
Proof: 177 (88.8% alcohol).
Made in: Scotland
According to the environmentally conscious, Glasgow-based producers of this botanical vodka, their potent recipe is meant to be used as a concentrate: One bottle yields 65 shots instead of the typical 26. But I wish you luck in finding it. There is only one source in the US, and it costs about $180 for a one-liter bottle, according to a brief web search.
Proof: 176 (88% alcohol).
Made in: Bulgaria
Do not treat a bottle of this potent elixir the same way you would a typical vodka: An instance of a traditional Martini, for example, would end your evening before it had begun. as well as probably seriously ruin the remainder of the weekend.
Proof: 160 (80% alcohol).
Made in: Jamaica
You may have heard of Jamaican white rum before, but this one is...different. It is so potent that the name itself is a warning: It alludes to the John Crow vulture, also called the turkey vulture in the US, which thrives on decomposing meat and requires a stomach as strong as this rum.
Proof: 151 (75.5% alcohol).
Made in: Puerto Rico
This well-known flammable spirit was discontinued in 2016. For many, it was their first experience with flaming shots and dangerously high-octane cocktails. "As a company, we care for our customers' health and wellbeing, and since there are so many other premium BACARDÍ rums to try, we felt it was best for everyone to let BACARDÍ 151 slink away into the night and transform into the shadowy creature of legend it has become," Bacardi states on its very own website.
Proof: 140 (70% alcohol)
Made in: Czech Republic
King of Spirits Absinthe contains 100 mg of thujone, the well-known backbone of wormwood, per bottle in addition to its high alcohol content. Naturally, it has long been known that absinthe will not suddenly make you a great painter or cause you to feel the urge to cut off your ear in the manner of Van Gogh. But with this one, moderation is the rule because the alcohol alone is sufficient.
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels
Proof: 1119.8
Made in: United States
Although there are other spirits that have an alcohol content of over 59.9%, it did not seem appropriate to omit a fantastic cask-strength Bourbon from this list. The popularity of barrel-proof American whiskey has been skyrocketing in recent years, and the number of options available has expanded as a result. An excellent illustration of what makes them so alluring is this one.
