BrewDog's James and Martin show off their increasing costume wardrobe, and new beer

Scottish brewery BrewDog has reclaimed the record for the world’s strongest beer with a 41% abv IPA called Sink the Bismarck.

BrewDog initially claimed the record last year when it unveiled a 32% beer called Tactical Nuclear Penguin late last year. The record was shortlived however with German brewer, Schorschbrau, recently reclaiming the mantle releasing the 40% strength Schorschbock.

Sink the Bismarck is described as a “quadruple IPA” containing four times the hops, four times the bitterness and is frozen four times to distil it to its high strength.

The brewery has previously been criticised for producing high alcohol beers but managing director James Watt has told the BBC the company was doing all it could to promote a new and responsible approach to beer drinking.

“Beer has a terrible reputation in Britain, it’s ignorant to assume that a beer can’t be enjoyed responsibly like a nice dram or a glass of fine wine. A beer like Sink the Bismarck should be enjoyed in spirit sized measures.

“It is important that you be careful with this beer and show it the same amount of sceptical, tentative respect you would show an international chess superstar, clown or gypsy.”

The beer will reportedly cost GBP40 (AUD70) and only be available online. The brewery’s previous record holder, the 32%abv Tactical Nuclear Penguin, will be available in Australia in mid-March. Perth-based online beer store, International Beer Shop, is taking pre-orders for the beer which will cost AUD130 per 330ml bottle.

Update.

James Watt has published a lengthy discussion about why the launched the beer on BeerAdvocate, though little on the beer itself.

There’s not much information available on the beer, but the team at BrewDog once again put their video making talents on display below:
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Sink the Bismarck from BrewDog on Vimeo.

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