Discover the World’s Strongest Alcoholic Drinks

115.6 Proof | 57.8% Alcohol

One of the classiest high proof spirits on our list, Laphroaig’s ten year old cask strength is a 57.8% (115.6 proof) scotch whisky from the Scottish Island of Islay. Distilled on an island where sheep outnumber people by a wide margin, this high octane spirit should never be mixed, but should be sipped slowly in front of a warm fire.

120 Proof | 60% Alcohol

Throughout history, legends and lore have surrounded absinthe. The story is that pure absinthe can make the drinker see visions, most commonly associated with a blue fairy and other mythical creatures. Whether anyone has ever lost their mind from drinking absinthe remains to be seen. The fact is, absinthe is already spooky and making it at 60% (120 proof) just adds to it. Don’t attempt to drink this on its own as the traditional absinthe drip is the preferred method for imbibing.

141.4 Proof | 70.7% Alcohol

From the Buffalo Trace Distillery, George T. Stagg carries quite a wallop at 70.7% (141.4 proof). Much like Laphroaig’s offering, Geoge T. Stagg is best experienced on its own. Mixing such a complex and intense bourbon would be disrespectful and just plain wrong. If you do choose to make a manhattan or old fashioned, I implore you to only drink one because a second one might make you think that karaoke is actually a good idea.

151 Proof | 75.5% Alcohol

Anyone who has ever been to college has probably at least seen a bottle of this potent potable sitting on someone’s counter or on top of their refrigerator. At 75.5% alcohol (151 proof), this rum is not to be taken lightly. If used to make a mojito, I strongly suggest only imbibing one as drinking two might require you to explain why you removed all of your clothing and streaked through the streets.

176 Proof | 88% Alcohol

Surprisingly, there aren’t more vodkas on this list. When I think of harsh, high proof alcohol, I usually think of clear spirits like grain alcohol and vodka. That’s not to say that all vodka is harsh, there are many out there that are smooth, crisp and easily drinkable on their own. Balkan Vodka is not one of those. At 88% (176 proof), this Bulgarian vodka is best imbibed in very small quantities with a chaser.

177 Proof | 88.5% Alcohol

Two vodkas in a row? This Scottish botanical vodka is 89% (177 proof). In a country most known for Scotch whisky, this vodka is quite unique and extremely potent. I would say to try it just for the novelty factor, but I’m going to stick to my scotch.

184 Proof | 92% Alcohol

Referred to as the most alcoholic single malt whisky in the world, Bruichladdich’s X4 quadrupled Whisky stands tall at 92% (184 proof). From the same island as Laphroaig, this whisky is best enjoyed on a cold night in dram form. Just like its Islay counterpart, this whisky packs a punch and should be consumed very slowly while your body is blanketed by a slight warming sensation.

190 Proof | 95% Alcohol

No list is complete without this insane grain-alcohol spirit. Drinking this on its own is definitely not preferred as the 95% alcohol (190 proof) liquid (if you can call it that) will pretty much just dissolve in your throat before it even makes its way down (probably a good thing). It is most commonly mixed with fruit punch to create a horrible jungle juice to be consumed at myriad frat parties throughout the country.

190 Proof | 95% Alcohol

Golden Grain is Everclear’s less known, same potency sibling. At 95% (190 proof), this spirit is banned in many states. When something is banned, it’s probably a good idea to be at least slightly afraid of it.

192 Proof | 96% Alcohol

Spirytus rektyfikowany means rectified spirit in Polish. Another name for rectified spirit is neutral spirit. This 96% (192 proof) spirit is anything but neutral in its alcohol content though. Similar to Everclear, this spirit is almost completely made up of alcohol and should be treated as such.