Posted on by Jerome Anthony

13 liquor brands with the highest alcohol content: Absinthe is not No 1

Ever wondered what gets people intoxicated after they consume alcohol? In case you do not know, here’s the explanation. We get drunk after consuming liquor because the alcohol content in liquor affects the brain. When alcohol enters the body and makes its way to the brain via the blood stream, it changes the way brain cells function. Alcohol by volume or ABV is the amount of ethanol per 100 milliliters in a solution that affects numerous parts of the human body. (Image: Reuters)
So essentially, one gets more drunk when the alcohol by volume content is higher in the spirit they savour. Let’s take a look at 13 brands that contain the highest alcohol by volume so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to consume it. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka | Alcohol by volume content: 96% | This Polish vodka is known for its potency and reigns as the world's strongest liquor. It is mostly used by home distillers to craft flavoured vodkas. Although one can savour it neat, its near-pure alcohol content packs such a punch that caution is advised.
No 1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka | Alcohol by volume content: 96% | This Polish vodka is known for its potency and reigns as the world’s strongest liquor. It is mostly used by home distillers to craft flavoured vodkas. Although one can savour it neat, its near-pure alcohol content packs such a punch that caution is advised. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 2. Everclear 190 | Alcohol by volume content | 95% | This American spirit has a big reputation and is famous for being practically tasteless. Despite Everclear being a pop culture hit (even inspiring the name of a rock band), its sale is illegal in multiple states including California and New York.
No 2. Everclear 190 | Alcohol by volume content: 95% | This American spirit has a big reputation and is famous for being practically tasteless. Despite Everclear being a pop culture hit (even inspiring the name of a rock band), its sale is illegal in multiple states including California and New York. (Image: Everclear)
No 3. Golden Grain 190 | Alcohol by volume content: 95% | Another American spirit, this pure grain alcohol is only intended for mixing to create other alcoholic drinks. Be warned that attempting to drink Golden Grain straight can produce an intense burning sensation.
No 3. Golden Grain 190 | Alcohol by volume content: 95% | Another American spirit, this pure grain alcohol is only intended for mixing to create other alcoholic drinks. Be warned that attempting to drink Golden Grain straight can produce an intense burning sensation. (Image: Golden Grain)
No 4. Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whisky | Alcohol by volume content: 92% | This single malt whisky comes from the Bruichladdich Distillery located in the remote Hebridean Islands of Scotland. It was crafted using an ancient Islay recipe but is no longer available for purchase, making it a rare find for whisky aficionados.
No 4. Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whisky | Alcohol by volume content: 92% | This single malt whisky comes from the Bruichladdich Distillery located in the remote Hebridean Islands of Scotland. It was crafted using an ancient Islay recipe but is no longer available for purchase, making it a rare find for whisky aficionados.
No 5. River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 92% alcohol by volume | This single malt whisky comes from the Bruichladdich Distillery located in the remote Hebridean Islands of Scotland. It was crafted using an ancient Islay recipe but is no longer available for purchase, making it a rare find for whisky aficionados.
No 5. River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 92% | This single malt whisky comes from the Bruichladdich Distillery located in the remote Hebridean Islands of Scotland. It was crafted using an ancient Islay recipe but is no longer available for purchase, making it a rare find for whisky aficionados.
No 6. Hapsburg Absinthe XC | Alcohol by volume content: 89.9% | This Italian absinthe is the strongest you can find and diluting it with water is highly recommended. Playfully nicknamed "the green fury," the spirit is infused with wormwood, an herb once thought to induce hallucinations.
No 6. Hapsburg Absinthe XC | Alcohol by volume content: 89.9% | This Italian absinthe is the strongest you can find and diluting it with water is highly recommended. Playfully nicknamed “the green fury,” the spirit is infused with wormwood, an herb once thought to induce hallucinations.
No 7. Sklar's Balkan 176 Vodka | Alcohol by volume content: 88% | This Serbian vodka is triple distilled, but it still comes with a whopping 13 health warnings on the label, including one in braille. It's recommended for use in cocktails only.
No 7. Sklar’s Balkan 176 Vodka | Alcohol by volume content: 88% | This Serbian vodka is triple distilled, but it still comes with a whopping 13 health warnings on the label, including one in braille. It’s recommended for use in cocktails only.
No 8. Sunset Very Strong Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 84.5% | From the island of Saint Vincent, this white rum comes with a warning in the name. The "very strong" rum is just that, with a strong smell and a stronger burn — officially recommended only for use in mixed drinks.
No 8. Sunset Very Strong Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 84.5% | From the island of Saint Vincent, this white rum comes with a warning in the name. The “very strong” rum is just that, with a strong smell and a stronger burn — officially recommended only for use in mixed drinks.
No 9. Stroh 160 Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 80% | Made in Austria, this spiced rum has been using the same secret recipe since 1832. Tasters report a slight vanilla or butterscotch flavor that can be detected underneath the strong burn, but it's advisable to use it in your favorite rum cocktail instead of drinking it straight.
No 9. Stroh 160 Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 80% | Made in Austria, this spiced rum has been using the same secret recipe since 1832. Tasters report a slight vanilla or butterscotch flavor that can be detected underneath the strong burn, but it’s advisable to use it in your favorite rum cocktail instead of drinking it straight.
No 10. Devil's Springs Vodka 160 | Alcohol by volume content: 80% | The label of this American-made vodka warns, "Do not drink at full proof." The diabolically strong liquor, distilled and bottled in Clifton, New Jersey, may derive its name from the Jersey Devil, a legendary creature said to haunt the state's Pinelands National Reserve.
No 10. Devil’s Springs Vodka | Alcohol by volume content: 80% | The label of this American-made vodka warns, “Do not drink at full proof.” The diabolically strong liquor, distilled and bottled in Clifton, New Jersey, may derive its name from the Jersey Devil, a legendary creature said to haunt the state’s Pinelands National Reserve.
No 11. Bacardi 151 | Alcohol by volume content: 75.5% | Bacardi needs no introduction, but you'll have trouble getting your hands on this discontinued bottle from the Puerto Rican distiller. Because the product was so famously flammable, many drinkers irresponsibly used it for flaming shots and fire-breathing stunts and lawsuits soon followed.
No 11. Bacardi 151 | Alcohol by volume content: 75.5% | Bacardi needs no introduction, but you’ll have trouble getting your hands on this discontinued bottle from the Puerto Rican distiller. Because the product was so famously flammable, many drinkers irresponsibly used it for flaming shots and fire-breathing stunts and lawsuits soon followed.
No 12. King of Spirits Gold Absinthe | Alcohol by volume content: 70% | Using a high level of thujone in its recipe — a neurotoxic chemical found in wormwood — this Czech-made absinthe promises drinkers that colors will seem more vivid and your mind will be more receptive. The taste is said to be particularly harsh, however.
No 12. King of Spirits Gold Absinthe | Alcohol by volume content: 70% | Using a high level of thujone in its recipe — a neurotoxic chemical found in wormwood — this Czech-made absinthe promises drinkers that colors will seem more vivid and your mind will be more receptive. The taste is said to be particularly harsh, however.
No 13. Clarke's Court Pure White Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 69% | Originating from the picturesque island of Grenada, this potent rum boasts a formidable proof, distilled meticulously from molasses. Offering a delectable blend of syrupy sweetness and exotic tropical hints, it stands out as one of the smoother options on this roster for sipping straight, albeit with a noticeable kick. For those seeking to temper its strength, pairing it with refreshing coconut water is highly recommended.
No 13. Clarke’s Court Pure White Rum | Alcohol by volume content: 69% | Originating from the picturesque island of Grenada, this potent rum boasts a formidable proof, distilled meticulously from molasses. Offering a delectable blend of syrupy sweetness and exotic tropical hints, it stands out as one of the smoother options on this roster for sipping straight, albeit with a noticeable kick. For those seeking to temper its strength, pairing it with refreshing coconut water is highly recommended.