United Nations of Beer

Samichlaus beer

by Ashley Cotter-Cairns
(UNOB HQ)

Samichlaus beer (13-14% ABV)
Austria
Visit the UNOB's World beer guide
See our Christmas beer round-up!

Our 12 Beers of Christmas series continues with a knockout punch in the shape of the world's strongest lager.



Its strength won't do it a lot of good if it's similar to drinking paint thinner. Thankfully, not to mention amazingly, the alcohol taste of Samichlaus is barely noticeable.

True, it won't be to everybody's taste and it bears as much resemblence to a commercial lager as Arnie does to a politician. (What's that? Oh, right.)

Yes, Samichlaus is a strong one, but it's very dark, almost brown, and extremely sweet. If you've ever raided your parents' booze cabinet during a rebellious teenage phase, you'll know just how cloying some of the liquers can be, despite their ability to send you sideways.

Samichlaus is not QUITE that bad. But it is very fruity-tasting and bordering on too sweet for most average tastes (for which, read mine).

This is definitely a beer that needs a meal to accompany it. Probably the dessert course, given its sweetness. It could be used as a fine alternative to the super-sweet dessert wines people tend to serve.

There's a certain thrill in drinking a certified best-of breed. Something about swilling the world's strongest lager will send a tingle down your spine. Shortly afterwards, the warming alcohol will serve to continue that tingling all night long.

It's undeniably a special beer. Would I drink it again? Probably about once a year sounds right to me. Now, if only there were some kind of annual celebration I could dedicate it to...

Samichlaus beer scores Eight Maids a-Milking on the 12 Beers of Christmas index.