The World's Strongest Rums and Their Tastes

Discover the strongest rums that the world has to offer. From powerful Beach Road rum sold alongside the roadside in Grenada to the legendary Stroh Inlander Rum from Germany, we explore the intense flavors and effects of these potent spirits.[Read more on Wikipedia]

Stroh Inlander Rum - A Powerful Drink

The Stroh Inlander Rum, with an 80 ABV (alcohol by volume), is a potent molasses-based spirit. While it has a distinct butterscotch-like flavor, it's more suited for cooking and mixed drinks. Although sold in Germany, it can be quite overpowering. Reviewers often caution against direct tasting due to its intense character. Its unique use in hot buttered rum as a floater demonstrates its versatility in cocktails, but the pure enjoyment of it is questionable for many.

Unforgettable Experiences with Strong Rum

Personal accounts of strong rum consumption include a memorable anecdote from Grenada. Locals sell an extremely powerful rum, a gallon of which can lead to temporary physical impairment. This rum is as powerful as Everclear (another highly concentrated alcohol), causing drinkers to stumble even after just a small amount. Other notable experiences include:

Apple moonshine in Ellijay, Georgia: This homemade apple moonshine is so potent that a small amount can make even the strongest drinker stumble. Everclear grain alcohol at fraternity initiation: During initiation, this alcohol is often used to symbolize initiation of a new member, and a few sips can still affect balance and coordination. White rum from Grenada: Similar to the Everclear experience, this rum can cause a noticeable effect even in very small quantities, making it well-known for its potency.

Exploring the Strongest Rums - Stroh and Beyond

The strongest rum known is the Stroh 80o, a beet-sugar rum made in Germany. Despite its high alcohol content, around 160 proof (80 ABV), it has a distinct butterscotch taste. This rum is not for direct tasting; instead, it works well as a floater in a hot buttered rum, adding a unique flavor profile. While Stroh 80o is the most potent commercially available rum, it's important to note that in Canada and other countries, the legal limit for selling unflavored spirits is 40% ABV.

Despite the limit, there are highly respected rums that are enjoyed at a much lower ABV but are renowned for their quality and taste. For instance, British Navy Pusser's Rum, known as a sipping rum, offers a smooth and delicate taste, utterly unlike any other. Similarly, the Newfoundland Screech is a potent spirit with an ABV anywhere from 180 to 190 proof, and its consumption requires great respect, as it demands both strength and caution from its drinkers.