The 10 most expensive bottles of beer in the world: what are they and how much do they cost? Discover the most valuable beers.
Beer is one of the most popular beverages consumed in the world.
Known for its popularity especially in pubs or, in Italy, as an accompaniment to the beloved pizza, this drink can also surprise with its high-quality bottles and high prices. Not only do wine and champagne offer extraordinary labels and vintages, even in terms of price, but the same lager, dark, and amber beverage boasts luxury styles that you probably won’t be able to enjoy in your local bar as usual.
The global beer market is valued at around $685 billion in 2025, with expected annual growth of 7%. Emerging trends include the increasing demand for craft and premium beers, as well as growing interest in non-alcoholic beers, which represent approximately 2.8% of the global market and are showing higher growth rates than traditional beers.
Fans of this alcoholic beverage, however, should know that there is a special list of beers: the most expensive in the world.
1. Allsopp’s Arctic Ale
Arctic Ale is an exclusive beer brand, renowned for its unique heritage and exceptional rarity. Allsopp, the brewery that created Arctic Ale, holds a prominent place in British brewing history, dating back to the 18th century.
The title of most expensive beer in the world goes to a over 140-year-old bottle that belonged to the 1875 Arctic expedition led by Sir George Nares. A crate of bottles was found in a garage in Shropshire, England.
In 2007, a bottle was sold at auction for the incredible price of $503,300. It’s still unopened and sealed.
2. Antarctic Nail Ail
Nail Brewing is an Australian brewery known for its innovative approach and focus on producing premium beers. It made headlines worldwide by launching its most expensive beer, Antarctic Nail Ale, which retails for a whopping $1,815. This beer owes its name and unique price to the use of Antarctic ice in its production.
Its exclusivity stems from its unique production process and the noble cause it supports. Proceeds from the sale of Antarctic Nail Ale are donated to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a testament to the brand’s commitment to social causes.
3. Cantillon Loerik 1998
Considered the pioneer of authentic lambic beers, Cantillon Brewery offers Cantillon Loerik 1998 at the premium price of $1,722, demonstrating its rarity and high demand among connoisseurs. This beer has not been brewed since 1998, further enhancing its collector’s appeal.
It contains only 5% alcohol, yet a 0.75L bottle sold at auction for $2,584.
4. Brewdog’s The End of History
Brewdog’s The End of History boasts an ABV of 55% and a price tag of $1,159, making it one of the world’s top beer brands. Known for its radical approach to craft beer, Scottish brand Brewdog incorporated nettles and Scottish-sourced water into its beer, then packaged it in a stuffed animal, making it a true benchmark.
Beyond its incredible alcohol content, the brand has earned admiration for its bold—and controversial—brewing and marketing strategies.
5. The Lost Abbey - Cable Car Kriek
The Lost Abbey, a California-based brewery, produces Cable Car Kriek, which retails for $923. Acclaimed for its innovative Belgian-style beers blended with American spontaneity, The Lost Abbey favors barrel aging and souring processes, which contribute to a complex and satisfying profile.
The popularity of Cable Car Kriek is rooted in its limited availability and artisanal quality. It’s sold primarily at Toronado Bar in San Francisco, adding a touch of exclusivity to its brand.
Its intricate flavor profile, created by a blend of barrel aging and acidification processes, has won the hearts of those who appreciate artisanal excellence and unique tasting experiences. The brand’s history and unconventional sales method enhance its appeal, making it a prestigious beer worth seeking out.
6. De Cam e 3 Fonteinen Millenium Geuze 1998
Introduced in 1998 in Belgium ahead of the celebrations to welcome the new millennium, this beer is a collaboration between De Cam and 3 Fonteinen. It contains 7% alcohol, and although only 8,000 were produced, it can still be found well-preserved in the finest cellars around the world. But beware of the price, which is around $600 for a half-liter.
The popularity of De Cam & 3 Fonteinen Millennium Geuze 1998 stems from both breweries’ prestigious reputations and their commitment to traditional, artisanal geuze brewing methods. The collaboration between these two beer giants creates an extraordinary tasting experience, making it a highly sought-after and prized addition to beer connoisseurs’ collections.
7. Sink The Bismarck by Brewdog
Sink the Bismarck, another creation from Scottish brewery Brewdog, boasts an impressive 41% ABV and is priced at $459 per 750ml bottle.
Brewdog’s Sink the Bismarck is renowned for its bold attempt to push the boundaries of brewing and its intense flavor, achieved through an innovative production process called ice distillation. The brand’s willingness to experiment and challenge traditional brewing norms has earned it a following among beer enthusiasts who appreciate the creativity and boldness found in Brewdog beers.
8. Vieille Bon Secours Beer
Belgian brewery Caulier has produced another expensive beer, a top-fermented ale called Vieille Bon Secours Ale, which retails for $750. Known for producing high-quality beers with complex flavors, this rare beer has become a luxury item among beer connoisseurs and collectors.
The popularity of Vieille Bon Secours Ale lies in its rich flavor, deep-rooted tradition, extraordinary packaging, and limited availability. Its complex and refined flavor profile, combined with the prestige of a renowned Belgian brewery, makes this beer a highly desirable product for those who appreciate and seek exceptional beers.
9. Carlsberg Jacobsen Vintage
This barley wine beer, matured in Swedish and French oak barrels for six months with aromas of vanilla and cocoa, was created by the world-renowned Danish brewery Carlsberg to challenge the luxury wine market. 600 bottles were produced annually from 2008 to 2010. ABV: 10.5%.
Bottles retail for an impressive $400 for 375 ml. With an ABV of 10.5% and aged for six months in French and Swedish oak barrels, this beer demonstrates Carlsberg’s commitment to creating innovative and high-quality beer experiences.
Carlsberg Jacobsen Vintage is prized for its unique flavor profile, the result of a meticulous aging process. Aficionados appreciate the brewery’s commitment to craft brewing, as well as its established brand reputation.
10. Schorschbrau Schorschbock 57
Schorschbräu, a small German brewery, is known for challenging the boundaries of traditional brewing. Its Schorschbock 57, priced at $275 for 330 ml, is an extremely powerful beer with an astonishing 57.5% ABV.
This robust beer is the result of a brewing war with BrewDog, which aims to create the world’s strongest beer. The brewery has only produced 36 bottles.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Le 10 birre più costose al mondo
