Samichlaus: probably the strongest beer in the world
“The World’s Most Extraordinary Beverage” is the boast on the label. I’d have to agree with the boast. A friend and fellow beer lover first alerted me to Samichlaus Bier in December 2006. Not only is it an extraordinary beer, it’s an extremely rare beer.
Brewed only once a year on December 6th, Samichlaus is aged for a whole 10 months before bottling and may be aged for many years to come. Older vintages become more complex with a creamy warming finish.
Now brewed at the Castle Brewery in Eggenberg Austria, Samichlaus (pronounced Sammy-Claws), has an alcohol volume of 14%. No wonder it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the “World’s Strongest Beer”.
The beer is delivered in a tall neck brown bottle sealed with a crown cap and silver foil. “Schloss Eggenberg” is embossed into the glass. It’s certainly not an everyday beer. In fact I’ve only had one bottle in the 3 months since I bought them (”them” being a rather expensive four-pack!) - that one was a celebratory drink after the Shamrock Marathon in March. Samichlaus is syrupy, smooth, creamy and slick on the tongue - certainly an acquired taste. Can’t wait for the next special occasion to enjoy number 2….
Update (3/18/08): Following several emails and a couple of comments regarding the “probably the strongest beer in the world” title, I thought I’d provide this link to a beer page on good old Wikipedia.
According to them, it looks like the beer that is considered to be the strongest ever made is Hair of the Dog’s “Dave” - a 29% abv barley wine made in 1994. The strength was achieved by freeze distilling a 10% ale twice. Unless you know different of course…
Oh yeah, the article also states
Samichlaus, by the Swiss brewer Hürlimann, had also been listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the strongest at 14% abv.
Whatever you’re drinking…enjoy!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider buying me a beer!Technorati Tags: Samichlaus Bier, Samichlaus, Castle Brewery, Eggenberg, World’s Strongest Beer
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March 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
cost??? where to buy??? this sounds great… but does the alcohol overpower the other tastes?
March 18th, 2008 at 9:24 am
One of my friends managed to get his hands on a four pack last year. Not sure of his source though I’m afraid. Cost was $20.00 for the pack…
Just did a quick Google and found this:
http://www.internetwines.com/rws28827.html
The alcohol certainly doesn’t overpower the other tastes. It’s quite sweet and has a very complex taste. They say Samichlaus reaches it’s peak after 4 or 5 years, so I guess I should hang on a while longer until I drink another?
Thanks for the comment,
–Steve
March 18th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Sounds wonderful. I’d love to try some sometime.
As far as being the strongest beer in the world, it’s way off. Sam Adams Utopias weighs in at 26% ABV. They also produced a beer called Triple Bock that was 18% (I had a bottle brewed in 1997 and it was delicious, although it definitely needed to be shared - the 8.5oz bottle is a bit much for one person due to the intense flavor). Lastly Avery Brewing Co. produces at least two beers that I know of that are about 14.5% ABV.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Thanks for the comment Tim. You’re correct of course - I just received an email with a link to Sam Adams Utopia which is unbelievably strong!
March 18th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Dogfish Head also has a 120 Minute IPA which weighs in at 21% ABV.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogfish_Head_Brewery
March 18th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Dogfish Head is a couple dozen miles south of where I live.. the pianist for my band actually lives directly in front of the brewery. That 120 IPA is horrendous in flavor but will knock you on your bum, for sure!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
This is an incredible “beer.” There are several breweries which produce several styles of “beer” in this or higher ABV ranges as already noted. I say “beer” because this is nothing in taste, style or feel like any traditional brew. I’ve had several myself–in fact I have 3 2005 and 3 2006 ageing right now. BTW around Christmas (duh) you can find them at Beverages & More or Cost Plus in So. Calif.
The taste is much more like a sherry or tawny port than a regular beer and should be enjoyed as such: Start it off well chilled and let it warm in the glass, sip over a couple of hours as it warms. The experience is worth the wait. If you’re familiar with brandywines and double/tripple bock styles (I agree with TIm, the Sam Adams T. B. is incredi as well) they will be a good intro to this one. See if you can still find some on the shelves or wait for Santa to put one in your stocking.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Great advice - thanks Brent!
April 3rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
sam adam’s utopias is a pretty strong beer as well, at 25.6% for the one they brewed in 2007
April 4th, 2008 at 2:28 am
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October 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I live in New Jersey. Where can I find Samichlaus? I can’t afford to buy it online and pay $15 to $20 in shipping fees for four bottles of beer!
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Not sure Dawn. Do you have a Total Wine near you? I’m in Virginia - there are a couple of stores that sell it locally.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Just checked and there are total Wine Superstores in Jersey. I’ll check them out. Thanks.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Excellent! Good luck
November 21st, 2008 at 12:01 am
I just bought this beer at Rochester, NY in the Beers of the World store… each bottle cost over 5 dollars.
November 21st, 2008 at 5:52 am
Hey Kyle
$3.99 here in Virginia Beach at the moment. Have you tried one yet??
December 14th, 2008 at 12:36 am
$5.99/12oz. at BevMo here in San Jose, CA for the 2007. Too thirsty and curious to let this sit. Much like EKU 28, there is no need to tax more than one of these in a night. Lovely stuff. And all shall sleep well through the cold night!