The ABV Atlas

So far, each and every one of these serpents, wyverns, and basilisks has been working towards something, and that is the Dragon, a four-legged and winged creature that wears a crown and is the ultimate predator of all time. It sits above its treasure hoard and rules over the whole family of dragons. Fourteen point something is the ideal place where the rule of this dragon would be effective as this is the ceiling point where beer would go without any freezing process by brewers. This band represents the natural limit of fermentation.

The limit that yeast can withstand

This has a physical limit of sorts. While a beer ferments, the alcohol created slowly poisons the yeast itself, and thus the majority of yeast strains fall before reaching that strength, with only the hardiest of yeasts being able to ferment a beer up to 14% and beyond, through patience and careful conditioning. Thus, this band marks a physical high water mark for beers, and the beers in here, barrel-aged imperial stouts, barleywines, strong ales, and old ales, represent the limit of living yeast.

Full fortified strength

A 14% ABV is comparable to port, sherry and their fuller counterparts, in which respect these beers are more akin to those drinks – sipped in moderation, warming, heavy, more of a digestif than a beverage. Here the alcohol delivers the intense, liqueur-like complexity: waves of dark fruits, molasses, oak, vanilla, chocolate and leather, all wrapped up in a body so intense as to coat the glass. Such beers call for a snifter, a fireside and a leisurely evening in direct proportion to the complexity delivered.

The dragon's treasure

As the dragon guards its hoard, these beers are jealously guarded – brewed in minuscule amounts, bottled, aged for years or even decades, sought after as collector's items by enthusiasts. Age suits these beers well – the fierce youthfulness gives way to something profoundly mature and integrated. This is the peak of the great draconic climb and the height of what brewing can achieve through fermentation alone. In Beyond the Dragons, the Atlas looks towards the true giants and titans of extremes – beers which have their power not from yeast, but rather through ice, patience and sheer daring.

Below is whatever Hop Horizons has logged in the 14.0–14.9% range, ranked and broken down strength by strength.