For many, beer is a simple pleasure enjoyed with friends, a refreshing drink to unwind after a long day, or a cold beverage to pair with a tasty meal. However, for some beer enthusiasts, the world of beer is a complex and fascinating one, filled with rare and exquisite brews that can command staggering prices. From limited-edition releases to ancient recipes and unusual ingredients, the most expensive beers in the world are a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the world’s most dedicated brewers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 12 most expensive beers in the world, exploring the unique stories and characteristics that set these brews apart from the rest. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur looking to expand your knowledge or simply curious about the most exclusive and costly beers on the market, this list is sure to impress and intrigue.
So sit back, grab a cold one (or perhaps just imagine sipping on one of these pricey pours), and join us on a journey through the world of the most expensive beers money can buy.
BrewDog’s “The End of History” – $765 per bottle
BrewDog, a Scottish brewery known for pushing the boundaries of beer-making, created a stir in 2010 with the release of “The End of History.” This blond Belgian ale, which boasts a staggering 55% ABV, was not only one of the strongest beers ever made but also one of the most expensive.
Only 12 bottles were produced, each packaged in a unique and controversial manner: the beer was bottled inside taxidermied squirrels, stoats, and hares. The packaging alone was enough to garner worldwide attention, but the beer’s rarity and high alcohol content solidified its place among the most expensive beers in history.
Priced at $765 per bottle, “The End of History” showcased BrewDog’s commitment to creating bold, boundary-pushing beers that challenge conventional notions of what beer can be. While the packaging may not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying the skill and craftsmanship that went into creating this one-of-a-kind brew.
Schorschbräu’s “Schorschbock 57” – $275 per bottle
Schorschbräu, a German brewery located in Oberasbach, is no stranger to pushing the limits of beer strength. In 2011, they released “Schorschbock 57,” an eisbock-style beer with an incredible 57.5% ABV, making it the strongest beer in the world at the time.
To create this potent brew, Schorschbräu used a process called freeze distillation, in which a strong beer is partially frozen, and the ice (which contains less alcohol) is removed. This concentrates the alcohol and flavors in the remaining liquid, resulting in an intensely strong and flavorful beer.
With only 36 bottles produced and a price tag of $275 per bottle, “Schorschbock 57” quickly became one of the most sought-after and expensive beers in the world. Its combination of rarity, strength, and complex flavor profile solidified its place in beer history and made it a must-try for serious beer collectors and enthusiasts.
Pabst Blue Ribbon’s “1844” – $44 per bottle
Pabst Blue Ribbon, a brand often associated with cheap, mass-produced beer, surprised many with the release of its “1844” beer in 2019. This limited-edition brew was created to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary and pay homage to the year of its founding.
Unlike the brand’s flagship lager, “1844” is a complex and sophisticated beer, brewed with premium ingredients like German hops and caramel malt. It’s aged in whiskey barrels for an extended period, imparting rich, smooth flavors of vanilla and oak.
Priced at $44 per bottle, “1844” is a far cry from the inexpensive, easy-drinking beer that made Pabst Blue Ribbon famous. However, its limited availability (only 1,844 bottles were produced) and unexpected sophistication have made it a highly sought-after and expensive beer for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Sam Adams’ “Utopias” – $210 per bottle
Sam Adams, one of the most well-known craft breweries in the United States, has been releasing its “Utopias” beer every two years since 2002. This unique brew is a blend of several different beers, some of which have been aged in various wine and spirit barrels for up to 28 years.
The result is a complex, rich, and incredibly strong beer, with an ABV that ranges from 24% to 28% depending on the batch. “Utopias” boasts flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and wood, with a smooth, almost cognac-like finish.
With a price tag of around $210 per bottle and extremely limited production (usually fewer than 15,000 bottles per release), “Utopias” is not only one of the most expensive beers in the world but also one of the most difficult to obtain. Its unique aging process, complex flavor profile, and rarity have made it a holy grail for many beer collectors and enthusiasts.
Sapporo’s “Space Barley” – $110 per six-pack
In 2009, Japanese brewery Sapporo released a beer with an out-of-this-world twist: “Space Barley,” made with barley grown on the International Space Station. The barley was part of an experiment to study the effects of zero gravity on plant growth and was cultivated by Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata.
Upon returning to Earth, the space-grown barley was used to brew a limited-edition beer, with only 250 six-packs produced. Each six-pack was priced at $110, making it one of the most expensive beers in the world at the time.
While the space-grown barley used in the beer was more of a novelty than a significant contributor to its flavor profile, “Space Barley” nonetheless captured the imagination of beer lovers and space enthusiasts alike. Its unique origin story and limited availability solidified its place among the world’s most expensive and sought-after beers.
Carlsberg’s “Jacobsen Vintage” – $400 per bottle
In 2008, Danish brewery Carlsberg released the “Jacobsen Vintage,” a limited-edition barley wine named after the brewery’s founder, J.C. Jacobsen. This strong, complex beer was aged in Swedish and French oak barrels for six months, imparting rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit.
Only 600 bottles of “Jacobsen Vintage” were produced, each hand-numbered and packaged in a elegant wooden gift box. With a price tag of $400 per bottle, it quickly became one of the most expensive beers in the world.
The beer’s rarity, luxurious packaging, and complex flavor profile made it a sought-after item for beer collectors and connoisseurs. Its success also inspired Carlsberg to release additional limited-edition vintage beers in subsequent years, cementing the brewery’s reputation for producing high-end, artisanal brews.
Nail Brewing’s “Antarctic Nail Ale” – $800 per bottle
In 2010, Australian brewery Nail Brewing created a beer with an unusual and expensive ingredient: Antarctic ice. The brewery’s founder, John Stallwood, traveled to Antarctica and collected a small amount of ice from an iceberg, which he then used to brew a limited-edition beer called “Antarctic Nail Ale.”
Only 30 bottles of this unique beer were produced, each selling for $800 – making it one of the most expensive beers in the world at the time. The beer itself was a strong, pale ale with a 10% ABV, but its main selling point was the novelty of its Antarctic ingredient.
While some critics argued that the use of Antarctic ice was more of a gimmick than a significant contributor to the beer’s flavor, there’s no denying that “Antarctic Nail Ale” captured the imagination of beer lovers around the world. Its limited availability and unique origin story made it a highly sought-after and expensive beer for collectors and enthusiasts.
Cantillon’s “Loerik” – $2,583 per bottle
Cantillon, a Belgian brewery known for its traditional lambic beers, made headlines in 2014 when a single bottle of its “Loerik” beer sold at auction for an astounding $2,583. The beer, named after the brewery’s former owner, Jean-Pierre Van Roy’s father, was a blend of two-year-old lambic aged in oak barrels.
What made this particular bottle so valuable was its age and rarity. It was one of only 20 bottles produced in 1998, making it a highly sought-after item for beer collectors and connoisseurs.
The sale of this bottle of “Loerik” highlighted the growing market for rare and vintage beers, as well as the increasing recognition of beer as a collectible and investment-worthy item. It also solidified Cantillon’s reputation as one of the world’s most respected and influential lambic breweries.
Brewmeister’s “Snake Venom” – $81 per bottle
Brewmeister, a Scottish brewery known for producing high-strength beers, released “Snake Venom” in 2013. With an ABV of 67.5%, it was, at the time, the strongest beer in the world.
To create this potent brew, Brewmeister used a combination of beer and pure alcohol, resulting in a highly concentrated and intense drinking experience. The beer is described as having a sweet, nutty aroma and a fiery, smoky flavor with hints of fruit.
Priced at $81 per bottle, “Snake Venom” is not only one of the most expensive beers in the world but also one of the most dangerous. The brewery strongly advises consumers to drink it in small doses and to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving after consumption.
Despite its controversial nature, “Snake Venom” has attracted a cult following among beer enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in high-strength, extreme brews. Its combination of rarity, potency, and novelty has made it a highly sought-after and expensive beer for collectors and thrill-seekers alike.
Baladin’s “Esprit de Noel” – $46 per bottle
Italian craft brewery Baladin released its “Esprit de Noel” beer in 2011 as a limited-edition holiday offering. This strong, complex beer is a blend of several different brews, including a barleywine-style ale aged in oak barrels for three years.
The result is a rich, flavorful beer with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit, and an impressive ABV of 40%. Its intricate flavor profile and lengthy aging process contributed to its high price tag of $46 per bottle.
“Esprit de Noel” showcases Baladin’s commitment to traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients, as well as the brewery’s innovative spirit. Its limited availability and unique blend of aged beers have made it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts and collectors seeking a truly special and memorable drinking experience.
De Cam’s “Reserva”- $115 per bottle
De Cam, a small Belgian brewery specializing in traditional lambic beers, released its “Reserva” series in the early 2000s. These rare and highly sought-after beers are made using the brewery’s oldest lambic stocks, some of which have been aged in oak barrels for up to 20 years.
The result is a complex, intensely flavored beer with notes of oak, leather, and dried fruit, and a crisp, refreshing acidity characteristic of the lambic style. Due to the lengthy aging process and limited production, De Cam’s “Reserva” beers are highly coveted by beer collectors and connoisseurs.
With a price tag of around $115 per bottle, these beers are not only among the most expensive in the world but also some of the most difficult to obtain. Their rarity, complexity, and historical significance have made them a holy grail for many beer enthusiasts, and a testament to the skill and dedication of the De Cam brewery.
Hair of the Dog’s “Dave” – $2,000 per bottle
In 1994, Oregon-based brewery Hair of the Dog released a special brew called “Dave,” named after the brewery’s founder, Dave Keene. This strong, dark barleywine-style ale was aged for 19 years in oak barrels before being bottled in 2013.
Only 12 bottles of “Dave” were produced, each hand-numbered and signed by the brewer. With an ABV of 29% and a price tag of $2,000 per bottle, it quickly became one of the most expensive and sought-after beers in the world.
The beer’s extreme rarity, lengthy aging process, and high alcohol content have made it a legendary item among beer collectors and enthusiasts. Its complex flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and oak, is said to be a testament to the skill and patience of the Hair of the Dog brewing team.
While “Dave” may be out of reach for most beer drinkers, it stands as a symbol of the artistry, dedication, and innovation that defines the world of craft brewing, and the lengths to which some brewers will go to create truly exceptional and unforgettable beers.
Conclusion
The world of expensive beers is a fascinating one, filled with rare, unique, and often controversial brews that push the boundaries of what beer can be. From high-alcohol monsters like BrewDog’s “The End of History” and Brewmeister’s “Snake Venom” to aged masterpieces like Sam Adams’ “Utopias” and Hair of the Dog’s “Dave,” these beers represent the pinnacle of the brewer’s art.
While the high price tags and limited availability of these beers may put them out of reach for most consumers, they serve as a testament to the creativity, skill, and passion of the world’s best brewers. They also highlight the growing appreciation for beer as a complex, sophisticated, and collectible beverage, on par with fine wines and spirits.
As the craft beer movement continues to grow and evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more expensive and innovative beers in the future. Whether they’re made with rare ingredients, aged for decades, or packaged in unconventional ways, these beers will continue to capture the imagination of beer lovers around the world and push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of brewing.
So the next time you raise a glass of your favorite beer, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll have the chance to try one of these extraordinary, expensive brews for yourself.