These Are the World's Strongest Spirits (2024)

With 95% alcohol by volume, Everclear, a grain alcohol made in the U.S., 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, whiskeys, 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 specialty liquors come with proofs as high as 192, or 96% alcohol.

But drinking them is not about getting blasted: Some alcohols, especially whiskeys, can 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 alcohol.

You won't find many of these spirits in your local liquor store. Most of these overproof liquors are not even sold in the U.S., so you'd have to find them abroad — but don't try to bring them back home with you. Liquors over 140 proof are banned from carry-ons and checked luggage, according to the TSA, so check those labels before packing a boozy souvenir on 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 15 of the strongest liquors in the world.

1. Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka

Proof: 192 (96% alcohol by volume)

The world's strongest spirit is a rectified Polish spirit that is normally used for home distillers to create their own flavored vodkas at home. You can drink it straight, but since it's almost pure alcohol, it's got quite the kick and is generally not recommended.

2. Everclear 190

Proof: 190 (95% alcohol by volume)

This American spirit comes with a big reputation and is famous for being practically tasteless. Despite being a pop culture hit, even inspiring the name of a rock band, the sale of Everclear 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. Golden Grain has an intense burning sensation and really shouldn't be drunk straight.

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. That makes 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 is strongly recommended to be diluted with water. Playfully nicknamed "the green fury," this spirit is infused with wormwood, an ingredient known to induce hallucinations.

7. Pincer Shanghai Strength

Proof: 166 (88.8% alcohol)

A product of Scotland, the Pincer Distillery has created an incredibly strong premium vodka flavored with milk thistle and elderflower. It was produced specifically for the Chinese market with 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 for use in mixed drinks.

10. John Crow Batty Rum

Proof: 169 (86% alcohol)

This legendary Jamaican rum is produced by Hampden Estate and takes its name from the John Crow Vultures, also known as turkey vultures, and the idea that you would need a stomach as strong as these scavengers, to handle this pure firewater. The distillery offers tours, so pay a visit on your next trip to Jamaica.

11. 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 there is a slight vanilla or butterscotch flavor that can be detected underneath the strong burn, so it's recommended to use it in your favorite rum co*cktail instead of drinking it straight.

12. Devil's Springs Vodka 160

Proof: 160 (80% alcohol by volume)

This American-made vodka is recommended for use in creating your own flavored vodkas as the label warns, "Do not drink at full proof." This very strong alcohol is distilled and bottled in Clifton, New Jersey by an independent company and takes its name from local legend, the Jersey Devil.

13. Bacardi 151

Proof: 151 (75.5% alcohol by volume)

This Puerto Rican distiller needs no introduction, although you will have trouble getting your hands on this discontinued bottle. Because it was so famously flammable, many drinkers irresponsibly used it for flaming shots and fire-breathing stunts and lawsuits soon followed.

14. Absinthe King of Spirits Gold

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.

15. Clarke's Court Pure White Rum

Proof: 138 (69% alcohol by volume)

Another spirit from the island of Granada, this recipe uses molasses to distill this high-proof rum. 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.