These Are Some Of The World's Strongest Rums, Vodkas, Absinthes And More

Many of the world's strongest liquors are banned by the TSA for their high alcohol content.

By Aum Published on Jan 31, 2021, 11:26 AM

These Are Some Of The World's Strongest Rums, Vodkas, Absinthes And More

With 95 per cent alcohol by volume, Everclear, grain alcohol made in the U.S.A., is shockingly strong, but it’s not the strongest liquor in the world. Across the globe, distillers amp up the alcohol content of rums, vodkas, absinthes, whiskies and more to create eye-watering, high-proof bottles.

What kind of alcohol levels are we talking about? While your everyday Absoluts and Macallans average between 80 and 100 proof, some speciality liquors come with proofs as high as 196, or 98 per cent alcohol. But drinking them is not about getting blasted: Some higher-proof alcohols, especially whiskies, can in fact be more flavorful at a higher proof because they’re not cut with water. Of course, most of these liquors aren’t meant for sipping — they need to be mixed or diluted. Others can be used to make your own liqueurs or spirits. For example, to make limoncello, you’ll want a high-proof grain of alcohol.

You won’t find many of these spirits in your local liquor store, or even your country. Even if you do manage to hunt them down abroad, you might not be able to tote them home. In the US, for example, liquors over 140 proof are banned from carry-ons and checked luggage, according to the TSA. So check those labels and the rules of your return destination before packing a boozy souvenir from your next trip. Plus, some of these spirits have been discontinued, making them even harder to find, with the rare bottle or two still available to purchase.

Here are 14 of the strongest liquors in the world.