British brewers create 'world's strongest beer'

A British brewery has created what it claims is the world's strongest beer - coming in at 32% alcohol by volume.

The creation by Scottish brewing firm BrewDog, named 'Tactical Nuclear Penguin', beats the previous record holder, a 31% German beer called Schorschbraer. BrewDog, based in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, previously attracted controversy in July this year when they released Tokyo*, an 18% beer, which was branded 'irresponsible' by health campaigners. But with only 500 bottles of Tactical Nuclear Penguin going on sale, priced at £30 a bottle (plus post and packaging), it seems unlikely to become the binge-drinker's tipple of choice. The stout was aged for 16 months in whisky casks, then stored at -20ºC for three weeks to increase the alcohol content. The company said in a blog post that Tactical Nuclear Penguin 'should be enjoyed in spirit sized measures.' They say that a warning label on the bottle states: '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.' As well as selling the bottles for £30, BrewDog - which has become increasingly popular with beer enthusiasts - is also offering a £250 version which includes a stake in the company. They say they are offering the equity in an attempt to raise money to build a new, carbon-neutral brewery in Aberdeen. The company responded to previous criticism of the strength of their beers by releasing another beer with an ABV of 1.1%, named 'Nanny State'.