ABV Whiskey: What ABV Means & The Highest ABV Whiskeys on the Market
When you’re browsing a whiskey aisle or scanning a cocktail menu, you’ve likely noticed “ABV” followed by a percentage on the labels or descriptions. Today, we’re going to chat about ABV, specifically when it comes to whiskey. This way, you’ll be able to pick the perfect ABV whiskey for your shelf. Let’s get started.
What Is ABV?
ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume, a standard measure used worldwide to quantify the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in an alcoholic beverage. In simple terms, it tells you how strong a drink is. For instance, a whiskey with 40% ABV means that 40% of the liquid in the bottle is pure alcohol.
Is There a Maximum ABV?
Some states have a cap on the ABV that can be sold at liquor stores, but there’s no federal maximum. It’s important to remember, though, that higher ABV spirits can be incredibly dangerous if not diluted before consumption.
Read More: Alcohol Poisoning | Mayo Clinic
ABV vs Proof
Have you seen proof on a whiskey label? What’s the difference between ABV and proof?
Both of these terms measure the alcohol content in beverages, but they do so in different ways.
- ABV is the more straightforward of the two, expressed as a percentage of the total volume that is alcohol. For example, a drink with 40% ABV has 40% pure alcohol and 60% other components, such as water and flavorings.
- Proof, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated and varies by country. In the United States, proof is exactly twice the ABV. So, a drink that is 40% ABV would be 80 proof.
The History of “Proof”
This system dates back to England in the 16th century and was a method to tax higher alcohol content beverages more heavily. The term “proof” originated from a test to prove whether whiskey contained a high enough level of alcohol to ignite gunpowder.
Learn More: Understanding the Differences Between Proof and ABV
Why ABV Matters for Whiskey:
Understanding ABV is crucial not just for gauging how strong your drink is, but also for appreciating the craft behind creating alcoholic beverages. Several factors influence the final alcohol content of whiskey and other spirits, ranging from the distillation process to aging, and even the type of cask used. Let’s take a look at all these ABV whiskey factors:
#1: Distillation
The distillation process plays a pivotal role in determining ABV. It’s the process of heating a fermented liquid to create vapor, then cooling that vapor to make a liquid again. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, so it vaporizes first, allowing distillers to increase the alcohol concentration.
The number of times a spirit is distilled, and the type of still used (pot still vs. column still), can significantly affect its final ABV. For example, spirits distilled multiple times, like some vodkas and gins, can reach a higher ABV before any water is added to dilute them to bottling strength.
#2: Fermentation
Fermentation, the process where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, also influences ABV. The type of yeast, the sugar content of the mash (the mix of grains, water, and yeast), and the fermentation time can all impact the alcohol content of the distilled spirit.
Some yeasts are more alcohol-tolerant, meaning they can survive and continue fermenting even as the alcohol content rises, resulting in a higher potential ABV before distillation.
#3: Aging
The aging process can affect the ABV of spirits, though its impact can vary. As whiskey ages in barrels, it can either gain or lose alcohol strength, depending on the climate. In warmer climates, the rate of evaporation of water can exceed the rate of alcohol evaporation, leading to a higher ABV over time. Conversely, in cooler climates, alcohol may evaporate more quickly than water, slightly lowering the ABV.
#4: Cask Influence
The type of cask and how it’s used can change the spirit’s final alcohol content. First-fill casks (barrels used for the first time after being used for aging wine or sherry) may impart more flavor and have a different impact on the evaporation rate than second-fill casks.
The material of the cask (oak, cherry, etc.) and its previous contents (such as sherry, bourbon, or port) can also affect the interaction between the cask and the spirit, subtly influencing the final ABV.
#5: Water Addition
Before bottling, distillers often dilute their spirits with water to reach a desired ABV, which is determined by legal standards, market preferences, and flavor profiles. This dilution is crucial for achieving the balance between flavor and alcohol strength that characterizes each brand and type of spirit.
Contested: What Is the Highest ABV Whiskey on the Market?
Whiskey enthusiasts often look for bottles with a higher Alcohol By Volume (ABV) because they offer a more intense flavor and experience. Now, armed with this information, let’s dive into some of the highest ABV whiskeys you can find on the market.
You might see “Bruichladdich X4+1 Quadrupled Whiskey” with a 92% ABV listed as the highest ABV whiskey on the market, but there’s no ironclad evidence that this whiskey (with 92% ABV) ever existed. If it did, at such a high alcohol content, it would have been extremely dangerous.
Search results suggest that Bruichladdich Quadrupled Whiskey (at least nowadays) is more like a 60-65% ABV whiskey. There is this news article from 2008 that says this whiskey was able to power a biofuel car, but there’s no mention of what proof it was. So, research with caution and remember to double-check your sources!
George T. Stagg Bourbon by Buffalo Trace Distillery
65-72.5% ABV Whiskey; 130-145 Proof
Next up, the George T. Stagg Bourbon comes in strong with an ABV of around 65-72.5%. This uncut, unfiltered bourbon is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its full-bodied taste and complexity. It’s released annually in limited quantities, making it a prized addition to any collection. And the price certainly reflects this, at anywhere from $600-1,600 a bottle.
(2007) Hazmat IV by Garrison Brothers
67.5% ABV Whiskey; 135 Proof
For those who enjoy rye whiskey, the Hazmat IV by Garrison Brothers didn’t disappoint with its 67.5% ABV. As the name suggests, this whiskey packs a punch, delivering a bold, spicy flavor that’s characteristic of high-quality rye whiskies. The downside is that this was bottled back in 2007, making it very hard to find!
Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye
63-67% ABV Whiskey; 126-134 Proof
This Canadian rye whisky stands out due to its 100% rye grain composition and the use of spring water from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, offering a unique and authentic taste. It’s aged for at least five years, with the cask strength version bottled at an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging between 63% to 67%, providing a robust and intense flavor profile.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof
62.5% ABV Whiskey, 125 Proof
Jack Daniel’s barrel proof spirits are known for their robust and intense flavors, as they are bottled straight from the barrel at full proof, which can range from 125 to 140 proof. This process ensures a rich and varied tasting experience, highlighting Jack Daniel’s signature vanilla and toasted oak notes, but intensified due to the higher alcohol content.
Aberlour A’Bunadh
59-61% ABV Whiskey; 118-122 Proof
Another notable mention is the Aberlour A’Bunadh, a cask-strength Scotch whisky with an ABV that ranges between 59% and 61%. This sherry-bomb is well-loved for its rich, complex flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. It’s bottled straight from the cask without any dilution, offering a pure and powerful whisky experience.
Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength
60% ABV Whiskey; 120 Proof
Lastly, the Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength stands out with its 60% ABV. This single malt Scotch whisky delivers a robust and warming taste, featuring notes of dried fruit, caramel, and oak. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate the depth and intensity of cask-strength whiskies.
How to Find High ABV Whiskey for Your Shelf
To find high ABV whiskey for your spirits collection, check out “cask strength” and “barrel proof” offerings, since these are known for their potent flavors and high proof. You can also use online resources like reviews and forums for recommendations and insights.
For a more tailored, regional search, visit the online distillery directory at Distillery Nearby, where you can explore and discover distilleries that specialize in high ABV whiskeys. Start your exploration now and enrich your shelf with exceptional, high-strength whiskeys today!
