Craft beer typically invites images of laid-back gatherings and affordable indulgence, but not all beers are created equally, or priced equally, for that matter. Some brews command prices that might have you rethinking your beer budget entirely. Here’s a fascinating look at the most expensive beers ever sold, ranked by their jaw-dropping prices.
11. Brewmeister – Snake Venom (~$200)
Brewmeister’s Snake Venom holds the title as one of the world’s strongest beers at 67.5% ABV. Originating from Scotland, it was first produced to surpass their previous beer, Armageddon. Snake Venom remains in limited production today, and each bottle is equipped with explicit warnings due to its extreme potency.
10. Schorschbräu – Schorschbock 57 (~$300)
Schorschbräu brewery in Germany pushed beer boundaries by creating Schorschbock 57, a German Eisbock boasting 57.5% ABV. Created as part of a competition for the strongest beer, Schorschbock 57 is still occasionally produced, though in extremely limited quantities, making it highly sought after among collectors.
9. Carlsberg Jacobsen Vintage No. 1 (~$400)
Produced by Carlsberg’s exclusive Jacobsen line, this luxurious barley wine-style beer was first released in 2008. It was aged in French and Swedish oak barrels, and only 600 bottles were ever produced, making it highly desirable. Jacobsen Vintage No. 1 is no longer produced, turning existing bottles into valuable collector’s items.
8. Samuel Adams – Utopias (~$250 retail, $500+ secondary market)
Samuel Adams’ Utopias, released every two years since 2002, is infamous for its unique brewing process involving multiple barrels and blending techniques. Its high ABV (~28%) and legality issues (it’s banned in multiple U.S. states due to alcohol strength) make each release highly anticipated. Production continues today, fueling ongoing collector interest.
7. Lost Abbey – Cable Car Kriek (~$900)
Cable Car Kriek from Lost Abbey brewery in California is a highly limited sour cherry beer first released in collaboration with the Toronado pub in San Francisco. Due to limited batches (under 100 bottles), it has become an elusive rarity on secondary markets. It is not regularly produced, further driving up its collectible status.
6. 3 Floyds Brewing – Dark Lord Barrel-Aged Variants (~$1,000)
Dark Lord, the legendary imperial stout from Indiana-based 3 Floyds Brewing, began gaining its cult following in the early 2000s. Its annual “Dark Lord Day” event features exclusive barrel-aged variants that skyrocket in price due to their rarity. These variants are still produced yearly, maintaining their high demand.
5. Nail Brewing – Antarctic Nail Ale (~$1,800)
Australia’s Nail Brewing created Antarctic Nail Ale in 2010 using Antarctic ice provided by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Only 30 bottles were produced, each auctioned to support ocean conservation. It is no longer produced, solidifying its legacy and rarity among collectors.
4. Westvleteren 12 – Vintage Releases ($1,000+)
Westvleteren 12, brewed by Trappist monks at the Westvleteren Abbey in Belgium since 1940, is renowned globally for its exceptional quality. The brewery has deliberately maintained limited production, only selling beer directly from the monastery. Vintage bottles command premium prices on secondary markets due to their scarcity.
3. Cantillon Loerik 1998 (~$2,500)
Cantillon Loerik from Belgium’s legendary Cantillon brewery is highly prized by lambic enthusiasts. Released in 1998, it was initially considered a flawed batch due to its slow fermentation, but aged beautifully, becoming a celebrated rarity. Production ceased, and only a handful remain in circulation.
2. De Cam/Drie Fonteinen Millennium Gueuze (~$2,500)
Produced collaboratively by Belgian lambic breweries De Cam and Drie Fonteinen to celebrate the new millennium, this gueuze has achieved legendary status due to its complexity and limited availability. Only produced in 2000, these bottles are exceedingly rare and treasured by collectors.
1. BrewDog – The End of History ($20,000)
Released by Scotland’s BrewDog brewery in 2010, “The End of History” beer was packaged in taxidermied animals, sparking global controversy. With just 12 bottles produced, each at 55% ABV, this provocative beer quickly became a collector’s ultimate prize. It was a one-time production and is no longer available, cementing its infamous status.
A Final Toast
From potent brews rivaling spirits to beers packaged inside actual taxidermy, these brews defy ordinary beer expectations—and budgets. Each beer tells a tale of creativity, exclusivity, and sometimes, delightful absurdity. Would you ever pay premium prices for a taste, or are these brews better admired from afar? Cheers to curiosity!