The most expensive beers in the world

Archaeological research indicates that the ancient Sumerians were already brewing beer. On purpose. Water and bread made from grain produced the effect of alcoholic fermentation. And such a drink gained popularity and aroused interest. Although it probably did not taste very good, it was still mind-blowing. However, monasteries achieved mastery in brewing beer. Today, beer is valued for its quality, taste, and unique aroma. Many traditional and local beers are created. Many of them are excellent drinks. The most expensive beers in the world However, they are not ordinary drinks. They are works of artisan brewing or the result of a story related to unusual bottles.

The most expensive beers in the world – eccentric ideas and short production runs

Beer is an exceptionally luxurious drink. The most interesting breweries create them in short series. They mature for a long time and have a very high alcohol content. The unique taste combined with prestige make these beers known and sought after. In the case of some, it is difficult to make a decision – to taste or to keep as investments? The most expensive beers in the world should be distinguished between those produced in breweries and those that are unique, cases of history, available only at auctions.

Some of them are true pearls of brewing craft. Some owe their price to interesting ideas that make them unique. Some owe their fame to controversy. Nevertheless, the most expensive mass-produced beers in the world are still rarely available and unique drinks.

Antarctic Nail Ale

Price: $800 per bottle

Antarctic Nail Ale is one of the most unique beers in the world. Its main ingredient is water from Antarctic glaciers. The beer was produced by the Australian brewery Nail Brewing, and its edition was very limited – only a few bottles were produced. The income from the sale of the beer was donated to the protection of the marine environment.

Antarctic Nail Ale is a Pale Ale beer that combines the freshness of Antarctic water with a delicate hop aroma. The most expensive beers in the world can’t be ordinary after all.

Vielle Bon-Secours Ale

Price: about $1,000 per bottle

Vielle Bon-Secours Ale is a Belgian beer that has become famous not only for its price, but also for its quality. Its production is very limited. Prestige and unique in the bottle. This beer is characterized by a complex flavor, with notes of citrus, caramel and spices that mature over the years. It is one of those beers that can only be found in selected locations, such as exclusive cellars or luxury restaurants.

BrewDog’s The End of History

Price: $800 per bottle

BrewDog’s The End of History is one of the most controversial beers in the world. Created by the Scottish brewery BrewDog. It contains 55% alcohol, which makes it one of the strongest. What’s more, each bottle of this beer is packaged in… a stuffed squirrel or other small animal.

This of course raises controversy and criticism from animal welfare organizations. Exclusive, but not necessarily in a good way.

BrewDog has produced only 12 bottles of this beer, making it not only exceptionally rare, but also extremely exclusive.

Schorschbock 57

Price: about $275 per bottle

The German brewery Schorschbräu is known for producing some of the strongest beers in the world. Schorschbock 57 is an example of this. It contains 57.5% alcohol. It is an Eisbock beer that goes through a freezing process to concentrate the alcohol content and flavor. Schorschbock 57 is a rare beer, produced in very limited quantities.

Hair of the Dog Dave

Price: about $2,000 per bottle

Hair of the Dog Dave is a beer that has become a legend. Produced by the American brewery Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, this beer has an extremely high alcohol content – 29%. It was produced in 1994. It matured in barrels for years.

This is a rare opportunity to try a beer that has matured for decades. A real rarity. It has an incredibly rich flavor with notes of caramel, fruit and spices. Due to its rarity – valued by collectors.

Jacobsen Vintage Carlsberg

Price: about $533 per bottle

Jacobsen Vintage by Carlsberg is one of the most expensive beers in the world, available in very limited editions. It is a Baltic Stout beer. It is aged in French and Swedish oak barrels for about 100 days. It is characterized by intense notes of vanilla, tobacco and cocoa, with a dominant tarry and earthy taste. The exclusivity of this drink is emphasized by the fact that only 600 bottles of each edition are produced. For connoisseurs who value unique and luxurious taste experiences.

The Most Expensive Beers in the World – Historical Unique Items from Auction

Allsopp’s Arctic Ale takes pride of place on the list the most expensive beers in the world. The fundamental role here is played by the history dating back to 1875.

Brewed in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, the beer was specially prepared for the Arctic expedition led by Sir George Nares. The aim of the expedition was to discover and explore the North Pole. However, due to extreme conditions and a lack of suitable equipment, the expedition was aborted and the crew returned home.

Designed to help travellers survive the harsh Arctic conditions, it was considered exceptionally durable, with slightly medicinal properties, making it not only a drink but also a potential health aid for the crew in difficult conditions. After more than a hundred years, an unopened bottle of this unique beer was discovered in a garage in Gobowen, Shropshire, and put up for auction. Although initially expected to fetch around £600, its exceptional historical value and authenticity attracted the attention of collectors from around the world. Ultimately, the beer sold for £3,300, significantly more than initially estimated. The interest in this beer was not only due to its age, but also the extraordinary journey it had taken – from brewing in England, to the Arctic expedition, and back to the present day. History is fascinating.

Its flavour, described as “sweet with a hint of tobacco”, has remained unchanged over the years, making Allsopp’s Arctic Ale not only a historical artefact but an intriguing culinary artefact as well.

Beer drinking culture

Beer wouldn’t be what it is without the culture of drinking beer. Attractive mugs, meetings over beer, the social nature of the drink mean that even the most expensive beers in the world simply have good associations. And beautiful beer drinking sets are still one of the best gifts for lovers of hoppy drinks.