What is strong beer (& the strongest beer in the world)?

We all know beer contains alcohol, but how much alcohol is actually in beer? What do we really mean when we talk about strong beer? And just how strong is the strongest beer in the world?

In this guide, we’ll explore beer alcohol percentage, how alcohol is created during brewing, and why some beers push the limits into high-alcohol territory.

What is strong beer?

Beer comes in many strengths, from refreshing low-alcohol options to intense, high alcohol beer designed for slow sipping. But when does a beer become “strong”?

In general, a beer is considered a strong beer when its alcohol content starts at around 6% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). That definition is widely accepted, although some countries — Norway, for example — classify beer as strong from 4.8% ABV.

How strong are beers usually?

The beer alcohol percentage varies greatly depending on the style. Alcohol levels can range from 0.0% up to 12.0% ABV, and in some cases even higher.

Typical examples include:

• Low and non-alcoholic beer: 0.0% to 0.5% ABV.
• Radler and session beers: between 1.0% and 4.0% ABV (ideal for summer days)
• Pilsner and lager have an ABV of around 4.8% to 6.0%, with most mainstream lagers around 5% ABV.

Strong beer and how it is defined

Once beers pass the 6% ABV mark, alcohol begins to play a much bigger role in flavour and mouthfeel. These stronger beers tend to have a richer aroma, more body, and a warming finish.

Unlike most lagers, strong beers are typically meant to be sipped slowly, much like a good wine. They’re often more complex and intense, rewarding careful tasting rather than easy drinking.

Some styles remain surprisingly approachable, though. A Belgian Blonde, for example, often stays below 7.5% ABV while still offering depth and character.

Belgian beer styles (8%-16% ABV)

Belgium is famous for producing some of the world’s most celebrated high alcohol beers.

Tripels and Strong Blondes (8%–10% ABV)

From around 8% ABV, alcohol becomes a defining part of the beer-drinking experience. Tripels and strong blonde beer are designed for quiet enjoyment, where tasting matters more than pace.

Tripels usually fall between 8% and 10% ABV. The term is generally believed to indicate strength and was first used by the Trappist brewery Westmalle in the 1950s, where three Xs marked the strongest beer in the cellar. The same logic applied to Dubbel, labelled with two Xs.

While Tripel isn’t a protected style, it has become tightly defined over time, though brewers still leave room for creativity.

When people think of a strong Belgian Blonde, Duvel often comes to mind. At 8.5% ABV, it’s a true icon of Belgian beer culture.

Quadrupels, Barley Wines and Strong Dark Beers (8%–15% ABV)

Alcohol levels climb even further with Quadrupels, barley wines and strong Belgian brown beers. These styles typically start around 8% ABV and can reach 12% or more, with a few stretching close to 15%.

They’re often sweet, warming and rich. Perfect for slow enjoyment, either alone or shared.

Imperial beers: pushing alcohol even further

The word Imperial signals intensity. Originating with Russian Imperial Stout, this label now appears across multiple styles.

• Imperial IPA: starts at around 8% ABV, combining bold hops with elevated alcohol

• Imperial porter and stout: commonly around 10% ABV

• Some experimental versions reach 16% ABV and beyond

What is the strongest beer in the world?

A handful of extreme beers challenge the limits of what beer can be.

Using techniques like Eisbock, brewers can create beers exceeding 12% ABV without distillation, which is the key technical requirement for still being classified as beer.

Currently, Snake Venom is often cited as the strongest beer in the world, boasting a staggering 67.5% ABV. There’s ongoing debate, however, as rumours suggest added distillate, which would technically disqualify it as beer.

Previously, the title sparked a brewing arms race:

• Tactical Nuclear Penguin by BrewDog (32% ABV, released in 2008)

• Schorschbock 57 by Schorschbräu (57% ABV)

• Modified BrewDog versions followed, complete with famously controversial packaging

The Dutch brewery Het Koelschip later pushed things even further with Mystery of Beer at 70% ABV, though it’s now out of production.

How do you make a strong beer?

The principle is simple: more fermentable sugar equals more alcohol.

Brewers achieve this by:

• Using larger quantities of malt and cereals

• Creating a wort rich in fermentable sugars

• Selecting yeast strains capable of surviving high alcohol environments

Under normal fermentation, most beers naturally top out around 12%–14% ABV. Classic examples include barley wine, such as Thomas Hardy’s Ale or Bigfoot in the United States.

How is beer alcohol percentage calculated?

Alcohol By Volume (ABV)

ABV is the standard way to express alcohol strength. A 330 ml bottle of beer at 5% ABV contains approximately 1.65 ml of pure alcohol.

Alcohol By Weight (ABW)

Alcohol can also be measured by weight. Because alcohol is less dense than water, ABW is always lower than ABV.

Conversion formulas:

• ABW ÷ 0.789 = ABV

• ABV × 0.789 = ABW

From easy-drinking lagers to bold Belgian classics and extreme high alcohol beer, strong beer covers a wide spectrum of styles and experiences. Understanding beer alcohol percentage helps you choose the right beer for the right moment, whether you’re enjoying a relaxed evening or slowly sipping one of the strongest beers in the world. As always, it’s all about flavour, balance, and enjoying great beer at your own pace.