Vivian Marlowe
Alcoholic beverages are classified based on their alcohol content, with beer and wine forming one category and hard liquor forming another. While beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world, it is important to note that some liquors have significantly higher alcohol content. For instance, Absinthe, a distilled, herb-infused spirit, has an ABV range of 45% to 89%, while Scotland's Bruichladdich X4 and Ireland's Knockeen Hills have ABV levels of 90% or higher. However, the strongest spirit for sale in the US is a Polish-made vodka called Spirytus, with an ABV of 96%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Everclear |
| ABV | 95% |
| Proof | 190 |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Type | Grain Spirit |
| Taste | Practically Tasteless |
| Colour | Colourless |
| Odour | Odourless |
| Use | Base for Other Beverages |
| Risks | Rapid Intoxication, Alcohol Poisoning, Severe Health Risks |
| Legality | Illegal in Some States |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of high-ABV drinks
Alcohol is one of the most widely used recreational drugs globally, with about 33% of all humans consuming it. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage, followed by wine and spirits. While the dangers of alcohol abuse are well-known, alcohol consumption continues to rise. As per a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10,000 people die every year in the US due to drunk driving accidents.
Secondly, high-ABV drinks can mask the amount of alcohol consumed, leading to accidental overconsumption. Drinks like Jungle Juice, with its intense sweetness, can deceive consumers into drinking more than is safe, potentially resulting in alcohol poisoning. The sweetness or flavour of a drink can distract from the amount of alcohol being consumed, especially when the drinks are not properly labelled with serving sizes or the number of servings per container.
Thirdly, high-ABV drinks can lead to faster intoxication, increasing the risk of alcohol-related problems such as liver disease, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and social issues like relationship problems. Pound for pound, women have proportionally less body water than men, so alcohol distributes itself more evenly in their bodies, leading to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and greater risk of harm. Additionally, those with a "high tolerance" for alcohol may drink more and are at higher risk for alcohol-related issues.
Lastly, some high-ABV drinks are produced or consumed illicitly, such as moonshine, which is dangerous due to a lack of regulation in production and alcohol content. Illicitly manufactured moonshine can contain toxic batches, leading to serious health issues like moonshine blindness and methanol poisoning.
While the specific drinks may vary, the dangers of high-ABV beverages are clear. The higher the alcohol content, the more pronounced the risks to health, safety, and overall well-being.
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Everclear, a strong grain alcohol
Everclear is a brand of rectified spirits produced by the American company Luxco. It is made from grain and bottled with an alcohol content of up to 95% ABV (190-proof), making it more than twice as potent as standard spirits. This extreme alcohol concentration has led to Everclear being linked to several dangers, including rapid alcohol poisoning, its role in sexual assaults, and its high flammability.
Everclear has gained a "notorious reputation" due to its extreme potency and has been at the centre of numerous public safety controversies. Its high ethanol content causes it to behave like a commercial fire accelerant when exposed to an open flame, leading to violent explosions and catastrophic burn injuries. Due to these risks, the 190-proof version of Everclear is illegal to sell in several U.S. states, including California, Florida, and New York.
Despite its controversial reputation, Everclear has found a niche market, particularly among those seeking a high-proof grain alcohol for creating liqueurs, bitters, and cocktails. It is odourless, flavourless, and colorless, providing a blank canvas for mixologists and home enthusiasts to experiment with. Its high alcohol content also makes it useful for extracting bold flavours in culinary applications, such as infusing pie crusts.
The brand has become so iconic that its name has become synonymous with any high-proof grain alcohol, and it has even inspired the name of an American rock band, Everclear. While Everclear continues to be a divisive product, its unique characteristics have ensured its place in the alcoholic beverage landscape.
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Absinthe, a potent spirit
Absinthe is a potent spirit with a rich history and a unique flavour profile. Created in Switzerland in the late 18th century by French physician Pierre Ordinaire, it has since gained popularity worldwide, especially among artists and writers in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Absinthe is an anise-flavoured spirit, typically derived from a blend of botanicals, including wormwood, fennel, anise, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. It has a signature bitter taste and is commonly referred to as "la fée verte" or "the green fairy" due to its natural green colour, although it may also be colourless. The colour can change to yellow-green and eventually brown if the naturally coloured absinthe is exposed to light or air for an extended period.
Absinthe is considered a highly alcoholic spirit, typically containing 45-74% ABV (alcohol by volume) or 90-148 proof in the US. It is an overproof liquor, meaning its ABV exceeds 50%. This makes it a strong spirit that is not typically drunk neat but is instead diluted with water and sugar before consumption. The traditional French preparation involves placing a sugar cube on a slotted spoon over a glass of absinthe and slowly dripping iced water over the cube, mixing it into the spirit.
Absinthe has a controversial history, often portrayed as a dangerously addictive and hallucinogenic substance. This reputation led to its ban in many countries, including the United States and much of Europe, by 1915. However, recent studies have suggested that absinthe's psychoactive properties may have been exaggerated, and it has since made a comeback, with its unique taste and ritualistic preparation attracting a new generation of enthusiasts.
The key ingredient in absinthe, wormwood or Artemisia absinthium, contains a chemical called thujone, which has been associated with the alleged harmful effects of the spirit. However, in small quantities, such as those found in a few servings of absinthe, thujone is considered harmless. The EU limit of 35 mg/L of thujone in absinthe ensures that it is safe for consumption, and the average person would need to consume a lethal amount of alcohol before experiencing any potential effects of thujone.
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The world's strongest liquors
Alcohol is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world, with about 33% of all humans drinking it. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic drink globally, with wine coming in second. However, some people prefer their drinks with a higher alcohol content, and distillers have responded by creating spirits with eye-wateringly high alcohol percentages.
One of the strongest liquors in the world is Spirytus, a Polish vodka with 96% ABV. Essentially pure ethyl alcohol, Spirytus is intended to be used in small quantities to make homemade vodkas, liqueurs, cakes, medicines, and perfumes. It should be handled with caution and never consumed neat. Another liquor with a similarly high ABV is Everclear, a grain alcohol made in the US with 95% ABV. Like Spirytus, Everclear is meant to be used as a base for other beverages, but some people may drink it straight, despite the health risks.
Other strong liquors include Scotland's Bruichladdich X4 and Ireland's Knockeen Hills, which contain 90% ABV or higher. Absinthe is also known for its high alcohol content, typically containing between 45% and 89% ABV. Despite its infamous reputation, absinthe does not have hallucinogenic properties. Instead, the high alcohol content means that even a small amount can add a significant amount of alcohol to your bloodstream.
While these liquors may be tempting for those seeking a stronger drink, it is important to remember that high alcohol content spirits can be dangerous and should be consumed with caution.
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How alcohol content affects the body
Alcohol is one of the most widely used recreational drugs globally, with about 33% of all humans currently drinking alcohol. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world, followed by spirits such as gin and tequila, wine, and liqueurs.
The effects of alcohol on the body vary depending on the amount and frequency of consumption, as well as individual factors such as body composition, age, genetics, and social factors. Even moderate alcohol consumption can change the way the body functions. Here are some ways in which alcohol content affects the body:
Liver
The liver is responsible for detoxifying and removing alcohol from the blood through oxidation. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a buildup of toxic substances, causing liver damage and inflammation. This can progress to liver cirrhosis, a severe condition where the liver becomes scarred and unable to function properly.
Brain
Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting mood, behaviour, coordination, and cognitive abilities. Long-term alcohol use can lead to irreversible forms of dementia and nerve damage. It can also contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Immune System
Heavy alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. It can also interfere with the body's ability to recover from tissue injuries and increase the risk of alcohol-related organ damage.
Pancreas
Prolonged alcohol misuse can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that impairs the production of digestive enzymes and affects hormones regulating blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis can be acute or progress into chronic pancreatitis, which is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and diabetes.
Cardiovascular System
Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It can also lead to orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure due to changes in body position.
Cancer
Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, and consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, and certain other types.
In addition to these effects, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, accidents, injuries, and financial and legal troubles. It can also negatively impact relationships and mental well-being. The best way to avoid the detrimental effects of alcohol on the body is to abstain from drinking.
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Frequently asked questions
With 96% ABV, Spirytus, a Polish vodka, is the strongest alcoholic beverage in the world. It is essentially pure ethyl alcohol and is intended to be used in small quantities to make homemade vodkas, liqueurs, cakes, medicines, and perfumes.
Some other alcoholic beverages with high ABV include Everclear (95%), Hapsburg's Absinthe (89.9%), and Scotland's Pincer Distillery's vodka (88.8%).
ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume and is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a drink.
