Swedish Brewery Beats Competition To Make 'World's Strongest Gin'

Plenty of fights have started after a little too much gin, but this is ridiculous - leading gin distillers are competing for the title of the worlds strongest gin, with a new drink released that claims to have topped the current record holder.

Swedish manufacturers Smögen were the previous title holders for three years with their Strane London Dry Gin, weighing in at 76 percent alcohol by volume, only for Scottish distillers Twin Rivers to gazump them with a 77 percent tipple that was released in February.

Now Smögen are back, boldly claiming their lead distiller Pär Calndeby has reclaimed the crown - with a gin that clocks in at a paint-strippingly impressive 82.5 percent. Yikes.

Crdit: Strane

"With Strane Ultra Uncut 82.5 percent, Pär Caldenby has deliberately tweaked the production process to take the intensity and strength to a new level," they say.

"This was done with a much stronger charge of the still than usual and also by doubling the amount of botanicals, for massive flavour.

"Exercising due care, it can be savoured neat and ideally well chilled, in very small sips (with a glass of water on the side), which delivers an intensive juniper-led flavour impact, with great complexity from the other botanicals, including coriander seeds, almonds, liquorice root, lime and fresh herbs."

According to Robert Ransom, a gin importer with Highfern Ltd, it was the Swede that initially raised the stakes.

"So far Pär has distilled every drop of Strane Gin and Smögen Whisky personally," he said.

"He did not intend to start a 'strength race', but as a pioneering distiller, having been challenged, could not resist responding."

via GIPHY

Pär himself added that it was 'flattering that others have copied our Strane Uncut as regards strength in ABV'.

He continued: "I have enjoyed the challenge of taking this to the next level in all respects.

"However, strongest gin or not, I believe gin enthusiasts will enjoy and cherish the incredible intensity of flavour that our Strane Ultra Uncut delivers."

Over to you, Twin Rivers. Can you go higher than 82.5 percent alcohol? Will anyone remember it if you do?

Topics: Food, World News, Interesting, Gin, Alcohol

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]