A new beer with a 32% alcohol content has jut been launched, and is described as the world’s strongest beer.
The beer, named Tactical Nuclear Penguin, has been made by Brewdog, a controversial Scottish Brewery in Fraserburgh. The brewery was started by two friends who were bored of the UK market’s “stuffy ales”, so consequently decided to brew their own.
BrewDog is notorious for developing unusual beers, including one called Tokyo, which was labelled “irresponsible” for having an alcohol content of 18.2%, and was quickly followed by an aptly named low alcohol beer, ‘Nanny State’.
The Managing Director, James Watt, has stated that Tactical Nuclear Penguin should be drunk in “spirit sized measures”. The bottle contains a formidable warning: “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 you would enjoy a fine whiskey, a Frank Zappa album, or a visit from a friendly yet anxious ghost.”
The new beer’s launch conveniently coincided with the Scottish government’s Alcohol Bill, which included proposals for minimum pricing on drink. Jack Law, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, described the beer as a “cynical marketing ploy”, adding, “We want to know why a brewer would produce a beer almost as strong as whisky.”
In his defence, Watt claimed: “This beer is about pushing the boundaries; it is about taking innovation in beer to a whole new level.” He added the beer would sell for £30.
In the meantime, BrewDog plans for expansion to build a new headquarters, so they can produce millions of bottles of beer each year. This was reviewed at a full council meeting and has been approved by Aberdeenshire Council.