These Are the World's Strongest Spirits (2024)

With 95% alcohol by volume, Everclear, a grain alcohol made in the U.S., is shockingly potent, but it's not the strongest liquor in the world. Across the globe, distillers amp up the alcohol content of rums, vodkas, absinthes, whiskeys, and more to create eye-wateringly high-proof products.

What kind of alcohol levels are we talking about? While your everyday Absoluts and Macallans average between 80 and 100 proof, some specialty liquors come with proofs as high as 192, or 96% alcohol.

Drinking them is not about getting blasted, though; some liquors, especially whiskeys, can be more flavorful at a higher proof because they're not cut with water. Of course, most of these aren't meant for sipping neat — they need to be mixed or diluted. Others can be used to make your own liqueurs. For example, to make limoncello, you'll want a high-proof grain alcohol.

Here are 14 of the strongest liquors in the world, though you won't find many of them in your local liquor store. Most of these overproof spirits are not even sold in the U.S., so you'd have to find them abroad. Plus, some have been discontinued, with only the rare bottle still available to purchase. Don't try to bring them back home with you, though. Liquors over 140 proof are banned from carry-ons and checked luggage, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), so check those labels before packing a boozy souvenir on your next trip.

1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka

Proof: 192 (96% alcohol by volume)

The world's strongest liquor is a rectified Polish spirit typically used by home distillers to create their own flavored vodkas. You can drink it straight, but since it's practically pure alcohol, it has a powerful kick so it's generally not recommended.

2. Everclear 190

Proof: 190 (95% alcohol by volume)

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.

3. Golden Grain 190

Proof: 190 (95% alcohol by volume)

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.

4. Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whisky

Proof: 184 (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.

5. River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum

Proof: 180 (90% alcohol)

The recipe for this Caribbean rum has remained basically unchanged since 1785. Produced on the island of Grenada, the cane-based rum has been said to have briny and savory notes and a smoky taste.

6. Hapsburg Absinthe XC

Proof: 179 (89.9% alcohol by volume)

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.

7. Pincer Shanghai Strength

Proof: 166 (88.8% alcohol)

Scotland's Pincer Distillery created this incredibly strong premium vodka specifically for the Chinese market. Made with milk thistle and elderflower, it boasts an 88.8% alcohol content because eight is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture.

8. Sklar's Balkan 176 Vodka

Proof: 176 (88% alcohol by volume)

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 co*cktails only.

9. Sunset Very Strong Rum

Proof: 169 (84.5% alcohol by volume)

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.

10. Stroh 160 Rum

Proof: 160 (80% alcohol by volume)

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 co*cktail instead of drinking it straight.

11. Devil's Springs Vodka 160

Proof: 160 (80% alcohol by volume)

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.

12. Bacardi 151

Proof: 151 (75.5% alcohol by volume)

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.

13. King of Spirits Gold Absinthe

Proof: 140 (70% alcohol by volume)

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.

14. Clarke's Court Pure White Rum

Proof: 138 (69% alcohol by volume)

Another spirit from the island of Grenada, this high-proof rum is distilled using molasses. With a syrupy taste and tropical notes, it might be the easiest alcohol in this list to drink neat, but it still has a strong burn. Some recommend chasing it with coconut water.