Food and Drink

These Are Some of the World's Strongest Rums, Vodkas, Absinthes, and More

Many of the world's strongest liquors are banned by the TSA for their high alcohol content.

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Published on January 20, 2021

Rows of bottles sitting on shelf in a bar — Photo: Getty Images

With 95% alcohol by volume, Everclear, a grain alcohol made in the U.S.A., is shockingly strong, but it's not the strongest liquor in the world. Across the globe, distillers amp up the alcohol content of rums, vodkas, absinthes, whiskeys, and more to create eye-watering, high-proof bottles.

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What kind of alcohol levels are we talking about? While your everyday Absoluts and Macallans average between 80 and 100 proof, some specialty liquors come with proofs as high as 196, or 98% alcohol. But drinking them is not about getting blasted: Some higher-proof alcohols, especially whiskeys, can in fact be more flavorful at a higher proof because they're not cut with water. Of course, most of these liquors aren't meant for sipping — they need to be mixed or diluted. Others can be used to make your own liqueurs or spirits. For example, to make limoncello, you'll want a high-proof grain alcohol.

You won't find many of these spirits in your local liquor store. Many of these overproof liquors are not even sold in the U.S., so you'd have to find them abroad — but don't try to bring them back home with you. In fact, liquors over 140 proof are banned from carry-ons and checked luggage, according to the TSA, so check those labels before packing a boozy souvenir on your next trip. Plus, some of these spirits have been discontinued, making them even harder to find, with the rare bottle or two still available to purchase.

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Here are 14 of the strongest liquors in the world.