Brewdog pushes beer boundaries once again

Maverick brewer BrewDog has released the world’s priciest and most alcoholic beer ever sold.

The End of History, a limited-edition blond Belgian ale with an abv of 55%, was launched in the UK last week for £500 a bottle and has already sold out.

The beer, which the brewer described as “the end point of our research into how far we can push the boundaries of extreme brewing, the end of beer,” is infused with nettles from the Scottish Highlands as well as fresh juniper berries.

As well as a unique strength and price, the bottles’ packaging is also radically different. Created by a taxidermist using animals from roadkill, the bottles are cased in stuffed animals such as stoats, squirrels and hares, all dressed in eccentric outfits.

BrewDog suggests that those who have managed to secure The End of History should serve it in a shot glass to allow it to “be enjoyed like a fine whiskey”.

Earlier this year the brewer launched Nanny State, a 1.1% ale which was so low in alcohol it was below the legal classification of beer and not strong enough to be subject to beer duty.

The brewery also courted controversy earlier this year with the release of Sink the Bismarck – a 41% abv beer released as part of its long-running battle with German brewer Schorschbrau to produce the world’s strongest beer.

Jane Parkinson, 26.07.2010