Beer has a large variety of prices and flavors. While some national breweries strive to get as many hands on their cans by lowering their costs and drink quality, at the other end of the spectrum are beers that are a homebrewer’s master craft, have a large alcohol volume, or are limited in quantity. Here are the world’s most expensive beers and why they cost so much.
BrewDog’s The End of History
This beer by BrewDog is expensive because it attempts to create the world’s strongest beer, and the packaging might also have an influence. BrewDog took on the challenge of putting their bottle into a taxidermied animal, with the bottle top emerging through the critter’s open mouth, giving the drink an artistic and collectible appeal. One might wonder why a beer drinker would want their lips so close to a dead animal. Thankfully, the self-proclaimed world’s strongest beer has 55% alcohol by volume, so connoisseurs will want to pour this into a shot glass to best take in the Belgian-style ale with taste influenced by Scottish nettles and fresh junipers.
The cost? When BrewDog last produced this beer, they charged $20,000 per bottle, and it sold out immediately. While “The End of History” makes for an interesting conversation piece and probably a delicious, though very potent, whiskey-like beer, imagine the value of spending that money on months of rent, a mortgage, or even just trying to multiply it by playing games on casinos.com.
Samuel Adams’ Utopias
Utopias made by Samuel Adams doesn’t quite have the same prestige and exorbitant price as BrewDog’s addition, but the packaging is still pretty cool and goes for $210 for a 25.4-ounce serving. Utopias arrives in a copper bottle with a base containing a small sliding door that reveals an engraving of the famous Adams brewing logo. Samuel Adams releases new editions every other year, brewing them in Scotch and peated whiskey barrels to produce a distinct flavor.
It’s not exactly weak either, clocking in at 28% ABV. Many drinkers have compared the taste more to port wine or sherry, which some will appreciate.
Sapporo Space Barley
At about $100 per six-pack, Sapporo’s Space Barley is expensive. As the name indicates, the most unusual and pricey ingredient within Space Barley comes from the barley Sapporo sent to the International Space Station as part of a study to test the viability of growing food in space. In the end, scientists concluded that barley grown in space is not notably different from barley grown on Earth, and beer enthusiasts who paid that much for a bottle of beer agreed that it tastes like regular beer. The downside? Aside from space grains, the packaging isn’t unique. What’s the plus side? Proceeds went to charity, so at least Space Barley is a feel-good beer that contributes to science education for children.
Schorschbock 57
In another attempt to claim the title of the world’s strongest beer back from previously mentioned BrewDog, German brewer Schorschbock made a beer that tastes of pumpernickel bread, chocolate, and light cherry, all with the burn of an intensely high 57% ABV. Fewer than 40 bottles were produced, and it’s no longer available, but the beer initially sold for around $300 per bottle. Like Space Barley, Schorschbock 57 focused on the beer, as the bottle it came in wasn’t all that special. Customers were paying for the drink with this one.
Westvleteren 12
Westvleteren is crafted by monks at the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus in Vleteren, where they create three distinct brews: Blond, 8, and 12. Westvleteren has been known to sell for around $1,000 per case, not because it has extraordinary alcohol content or for its packaging, but because some enthusiasts call it the best beer in the world. It’s made in small batches with only 5,000 barrels per year, and customers would buy the beer and resell it for a significant profit. Unfortunately, this doesn’t align with the brewery’s goal to enable as many people as possible to try their beer. Newly adopted business practices limiting customers to two cases of beer should bring the price down, though an enthusiast who cannot go in person to the brewery may still pay far more online, as the new methods can’t stop everyone from reselling.
3 Floyds’ Dark Lord
This Russian-style imperial stout sells for around $150 to $200 for three bottles. While the price itself is high, there are other costs. First, you have to buy a ticket to a heavy metal festival called Dark Lord Day, which takes place in Munster, Ohio, since the beer is only readily available there. The beer is one of the show’s attractions and is rated pretty well, though opinions vary. 3 Floyds varies the flavor yearly, but most say it tastes like spiced gingerbread and can be rather sweet and molasses-like. Those who cannot attend the music festival in person might find a bottle or two locally or through online auctions, often selling for significantly more than it would cost to buy a $60 ticket and the beer.
The Bottom Line
These limited-quantity beers, though no homebrewed brews are on the list, will make a serious dent in anyone’s wallet. However, a liquor enthusiast with a finely developed palate for beer and a lot of extra cash may find it worth the trouble to go out of their way to find them.
