The bottle comes with 13 different health warnings, including one in Braille. Despite its fearsome alcohol content, Balkan 176 is clear and flavorless, with a slightly oily texture best enhanced by storing in the freezer. Polish-made Spirytus vodka tops the lot at 192 proof and should remain, since the highest possible distillation for an ethanol-water mix is 94.68 percent. A higher ethanol level cannot be achieved by distillation, no matter how many times the vodka is distilled. Spirytus is currently the strongest liquor on sale in the U.S., having been approved for sale by the New York State Liquor Authority in 2010, at the behest of the city’s Eastern European community. Rather worryingly, it was a favorite tipple of Siberian pilots, according to legend.
The Rise Of High-Proof Vodka In The Spirits Market
Mixers with fruity or subtle hints can help mitigate the fierce nature of proof vodka, allowing for greater enjoyment of your beverage. One of the strongest proof vodkas available on the market is “Spirytus Rektyfikowany,” which boasts an impressive 96% ABV (192 proof). Originating from Poland, this vodka is renowned for its purity and potency. Due to such high alcohol content, Spirytus is often recommended for mixing with other beverages or using it in small quantities for culinary purposes, such as making homemade liqueurs or infusions. High-proof vodka is best when used as a base for cocktails or infusions rather than consumed straight. Mixing can help reduce its strength and enhance the flavor profile of your drink.
When thinking about the best vodka to drink, brands such as Grey Goose, Ketel One, and Absolute come to mind. However, with so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming and tough to figure out the difference between great marketing and great product. We’ve cut to the chase and lined up only those worth drinking to help you get the best bang for your buck. Our list includes vodka options if you’re looking for something cheap, strong, or expensive, and we believe we’ve found the perfect vodka for every occasion. Made from heirloom Oland wheat, Annika Jones Vodka is a single-estate expression from northern Colorado’s Family Jones Distillery. Distilled in both pot and column stills, it’s filtered through carbon then cut with local spring water.
Fun Cocktails with High-Proof Vodka
Created by Black Prince Distillery, Devil’s Springs does come in a 151-proof variation, but it’s the 160-proof version that has gained enough infamy to warrant an entry in Urban Dictionary. It’s no surprise that Spirytus is the most alcoholic liquor available in the world. This Polish Vodka is a murderous 96% ABV and a top class rectified 192 Proof Vodka. Produced and consumed in Sweden, Good ol’ Sailor Vodka is bottled at 85% ABV, and 170 Proof.
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Here you’ll encounter fruity New Zealand expressions produced like Scotch and bottled at unusual proof points alongside Icelandic go-tos that taste as pure as glacial water. Whether you’re looking for change from a $20 bill or aiming to break the $100 threshold, there’s an option for you. And, naturally, this being the vodka category, there’s plenty of fancy packaging on show — but in this case, you can be sure that the liquid inside lives up to the billing. It’s made in Scotland, infused with milk thistle and wild elderflowers, and made with Scottish grain.
- The highest ABV rum is River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum, which contains 92% alcohol.
- Based on reviews, Absolut 100 tastes velvety and smooth with strong hints of spice.
- Smirnoff Blue 100 Proof is made with the classic Red No.21 vodka, except Smirnoff Blue 100 Proof is bottled at 50% ABV.
- Often splashed into baked goods or even a cup of tea, you could also swig it neat if you find other local liqueurs lacking in oomph.
- In the United States, vodka can be distilled to a maximum of 95% ABV, or 190 proof, but to be sold as vodka, it generally must be diluted to around 40% ABV (80 proof).
The Best Vodkas Over $100
Distilled from blue agave, this expression straddles the line between vodka and tequila, with vegetal, grassy aromas and subtle honeyed sweetness that carries through to the palate. The finish has a slight peppery heat — not that of ABV, rather a reminder of its agave roots. Sure, you’re paying a premium for the packaging here (it’s Crystal Head, after all), but there’s no denying its credentials for Dirty Martinis, preferably garnished with a big, fat Castelvetrano olive. While the term “Small high alcohol vodka Batch” carries none of the official, verifiable weight of “organic,” the packaging certainly feels more at home in a craft liquor store than a nightclub.
Devil Springs is ideal in mixed drinks and even concocting your own flavored vodkas. Scotland’s Arbikie distillery has made waves with climate-positive spirits, including this vodka crafted from locally grown green peas. The result is less your typical vodka and more like a pea-forward eau de vie, bursting with earthy, green, and savory aromas that linger through to the finish. This one’s for spirits geeks — better served neat or on the rocks than lost among citrus and sugar or mixers. During tasting, we assigned a score to each product on a 100-point scale based on the quality and intensity of its aromas, flavors, texture, and finish.
However, due to its powerful nature, users are advised to exercise caution and moderation when consuming it. Now that we have a clear understanding of proof and alcohol content, let’s look at the contenders for the title of the strongest proof vodka you can purchase. But even if you couldn’t read any of those, you’d still probably get the idea from just one whiff—it’ll singe your nose hairs before it ever gets near your lips.
Their higher alcohol level makes them perfect for creating strong, flavourful combinations or even homemade flavoured alcohol. The top eight spirit brands with the highest alcohol content are discussed below, illuminating their strength and application. When it comes to high-proof vodka, understanding the legal and safety considerations is crucial.
- Particularly among young people, high alcohol by volume (ABV) liquors have gained increasing acceptance in recent years.
- In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, which is higher than the international average.
- The vodka is distilled four times, and it takes approximately five kilos of potatoes to make each bottle.
- Whether it’s mixing cocktails or infusing flavours, these spirits open up a world of possibilities.
- In addition to the immediate risks, regular consumption of high-proof alcohol can also lead to long-term health problems such as liver damage, addiction, and cardiovascular issues.
- Brands such as Balkan 176, Spirytus Rektyfikowany, and Devotion Vodka have gained notoriety for their extremely high alcohol content, often reaching over 80% alcohol by volume (ABV).
This can result in a more luxurious mouthfeel and a slower, more deliberate drinking experience. Furthermore, the advent of sustainable and environmentally friendly production practices is expected to shape the future of high-proof vodka. These trends and innovations collectively indicate a dynamic and promising future for high-proof vodka, offering consumers an array of sophisticated and eco-friendly options to explore. High-proof vodka is produced through a meticulous distillation process that aims to achieve a higher alcohol content than standard varieties.
These vodkas are often preferred by those who enjoy a more complex, full-bodied high-proof vodka. The highest ABV rum is River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum, which contains 92% alcohol. Its high alcohol content makes it one of the strongest rums globally, so it should be consumed carefully, especially when neat. High ABV alcohol is commonly used in cocktails because it provides a stronger base for mixing.
Moreover, the higher alcohol content of Belvedere Intense emphasizes the taste of Polish rye and gives Belvedere Intense a stronger peppery finish. While it’s distilled in Russia, it’s bottled and brought to proof in Latvia. Made in Sweden, Svedka 100 is column-distilled five times from Swedish winter wheat. The hours of operation for alcohol sales vary depending on the type of establishment and local regulations. Generally, bars and clubs in Prague are allowed to serve alcohol until the early hours of the morning, with some even operating on a 24-hour basis.
Recently, the trend has been towards overproof vodkas in order to put some daylight between otherwise indistinguishable brands. The higher alcohol content in proof vodka can result in a more intense taste, which some consumers may prefer when looking for a strong drink. Consuming these beverages in moderation is essential to avoid potential adverse effects, such as intoxication or dehydration, especially since the taste might not reflect the high alcohol content. Grain-based high-proof vodkas are made from grains such as wheat, rye, or barley. These vodkas tend to have a cleaner, more neutral flavor profile and are often preferred by those who enjoy a smoother, more approachable high-proof vodka.
From a blend of apples and potatoes, this vodka serves bold character from the get-go. The nose is fruity with a prickly spice that carries through — and even ramps up — on the palate. Try it in a Gimlet riff or with ice-cold, extra bubbly sparkling water for a no-fuss highball. Hailing from a small coastal town in Iceland, Reyka is distilled in a Carter-Head still — a now rare piece of equipment more commonly used in gin production — and filtered through ancient lava rocks. These bottles were submitted free of charge — producers didn’t pay to submit nor did VinePair pay for the products. All were requested with the clear understanding that submission does not guarantee inclusion in the final list.
Each high-proof vodka brings something unique to the table, and understanding their characteristics can enhance your experience. While the foundations are simple, vodka is a spirit that has continued to grow in popularity over many years. In the 21st century, the implementation of new brands and the experimentation of batch brewers are pushing the industry in new and exciting ways, similar to how gin has taken off. We did our research and came up with five vodkas from around the world that are proven to be the strongest in the game and will leave you speechless or, in some cases, insanely talkative. Made in New Zealand’s remote Cardrona Valley, The Reid combines malted barley from the Canterbury Plains, pure alpine water, and distiller’s yeast.