New beer has world’s highest alcohol content — also vies for coolest name

Because I am Canadian, I scoff at beers that contain less than 5% alcohol. So-called “light” beers, which can be as weak as 3%, are like drinking water — watered-down water.

So how about a beer that has 10 times that amount of alcohol? I mean, we’re talking an amount of alcohol that would qualify as hard liquor.

Thank-you, then, to the Scottish brewery BrewDog. They’ve released a beer called Tactical Nuclear Penguin (love the name, btw) with a staggering 32% alchohol content.

Personally, I love the idea. But not everyone does. From the BBC:

Jack Law, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, described it was a “cynical marketing ploy” and said: “We want to know why a brewer would produce a beer almost as strong as whisky.”

Well, if you have to ask, I’d guess you’re not in the target market. Also, I don’t trust anyone with the name “Jack Law.” Too ‘government.’

A label on Tactical Nuclear Penguin says:

This is an extremely strong beer; it should be enjoyed in small servings and with an air of aristocratic nonchalance. In exactly the same manner that you would enjoy a fine whisky, a Frank Zappa album or a visit from a friendly yet anxious ghost.

Unfortunately, the beer is £35 — a tad pricey for my tastes.