Super strong beer in Malaysia: When I first explored the corner shops of Malaysia, I found cans labelled Extra Strong, Ultra Strong and Super Strong, some claiming a frankly ridiculous 12–15% alcohol. This is the story of Hunter Super Strong, Weidmann Ultrastrong and a Georgetown evening that ended rather earlier than planned.
Why Are Some Beers in Malaysia So Strong?
Most everyday lagers are nowhere near 15% ABV. The attraction of these unusually strong cans is their much higher alcohol content, often advertised directly on the packaging. The names range from Extra Strong to Ultra Strong, but the ABV printed on the can is what matters. These are individual brands sold in Malaysia, not a typical strength for Malaysian beer.
For comparison, Carlsberg currently lists the UK version of Special Brew at 7.5% ABV; the 8.8% figure below is what I associated with the drink when I wrote this original account.
Discovering Super Strong Beer in Malaysia
Where I come from Carlsberg Special Brew is synonymous with park bench and back alley boozing. It tastes like “rocket fuel” and is branded a drink for drunks due to its hefty 8.8% alcohol content. It is hard to find higher in the UK. In Malaysia Carlsberg Special Brew is tame. An average beer. Drink it with noodles. This is because Malaysia is home to the Super Beers. At every corner shop next to tins of Pepsi and Lychee Juice sit a selection of Extra Strong, Ultra Strong and Super Strong beers. Between 12% and 15% Alc.
Hunter Super Strong and Weidmann Ultrastrong
While my initial choice was drawn to the cuddly animal tins I thought best to play safe with Hunter Super Strong. “Brewed in Belgium”, “Premium Lager” sounds delightful. The highest alcohol content of 15%. This was not my first time sampling Malaysia’s super beers. I once bought a tin of Weidmann Ultrastrong after a romantic wine and dine in Langkawi. Things got blurry. Fanfan shouted. Today I will be sensible and I shall kick back in my Georgetown Heritage Hotel and sip it from sober.
What Does 15% Super Strong Beer Taste Like?
I paid RM6.50 for my tin at the time; price not so different than a tin of Heineken. Opens like beer, looks like beer, tastes similar to a beer. If I had to describe the taste it would be “super strong beer” or “beer with extra alcohol”, maybe a taste of Vodka. I won’t be downing pints and instead sip a glass while I blog. I get tipsy quick without noticing. Half the tin down I feel lazy. Full tin down I had cancelled my plans for the night and resorted to a night in with a Subway sandwich. Fanfan shouted over Skype. I am not new to strong alcohol and it is in fact my travel essential and I recently wrote a guide to the best alcohols in nearby Asia. A 500ml tin of 15% beer is not so different from a bottle of wine or Japanese sake. Good to get drunk but not recommended for daytime beering.
At 15% ABV, a 500ml can contains 7.5 UK units of alcohol — considerably more than an ordinary lager. That helps explain why my “sensible” night didn’t go quite to plan. This is a tasting memory, not a recommendation to drink high-strength beers quickly.
Super Strong Beer in Malaysia: FAQs
Can beer really contain 15% alcohol?
Yes. Some beers reach 15% ABV or more, although that is far stronger than typical lager. Always check the label, as brands and strengths vary.
What are Hunter Super Strong and Weidmann Ultrastrong?
They were two high-strength beer brands I encountered while travelling in Malaysia. My photographs show the cans I found, rather than a guarantee of what shops sell today.
Is Carlsberg Special Brew stronger than these Malaysian beers?
No. The current UK Special Brew is listed at 7.5% ABV, whereas the Hunter Super Strong can I photographed was marked 15%.
Where did you find super strong beers in Malaysia?
I came across them in convenience stores while travelling around Malaysia, including Georgetown in Penang and Langkawi. Selection differs by shop and location.
My Langkawi experience is part of a longer story about duty-free alcohol in Langkawi, while our Malaysian food guide offers something more substantial to eat.
I am having an Amigos Premium Strong beer right now. I find these beers are the only ones that go down comfortably after a curry!
Almost all the so called strong beers are fakes.They never have the alcohol content listed on the cans.At the most they have an alcohol content of 7% and thats being generous.
Used to have special brew of Carlsberg which is 9% alcohol level but don’t know for whatever reason they reduced d alcohol level to 6.5%. I am extremely disappointed.
Can i get long can beer atlas 14 per cent
Where to buy Damburger 12.3
I want eagl strong beer for export to Africa
Hello sir I am Emmanuel from Africa Kigali Rwanda but I have a business in DRC goma I am interested to import super strong beer from your country, l am waiting your good results about quotation, fob price and cif price to Dar es salaam ,packaging 24 cans by 500ml from 9.5 vol% to 16vol% thank you sir..
Blame it on the bucky
I need a 16percent longcan beer maybe I need 500 or 1000 grede if u can support me pls emelbme as soon as possible I’m waiting for yr answer
THIS IS ALL BULLSH*t
How come. Shared this back 12 years ago. Curious how it’s changed.