When it comes to beers, Malaysia offers something a bit more intense than what you might find in many other countries. While in the UK, Carlsberg Special Brew is often associated with binge drinking due to its 8.8% alcohol content, it seems almost tame in Malaysia. The country is home to some truly “super” beers, with alcohol percentages that can reach between 12% and 15%, far higher than the average beer.

The World of Super Strong Beers

In Malaysia, you’ll find a variety of beers labeled as Extra Strong, Ultra Strong, and Super Strong at almost every corner shop, sitting alongside more familiar soft drinks like Pepsi and Lychee Juice. These powerful brews are a common sight and are often sold for prices not much higher than regular beers like Heineken.

Picking Your Poison

During one of my visits, I decided to try Hunter Super Strong, a beer brewed in Belgium with a hefty 15% alcohol content. It sounded promising: “Premium Lager” was written on the tin, and I was eager to see what Malaysia’s strong beers had to offer. This wasn’t my first run-in with such potent drinks—previously, I had a memorable (or rather, blurry) encounter with Weidmann Ultrastrong in Langkawi after a wine and dine evening. To keep things in check this time, I planned to enjoy my beer in moderation, sipping it slowly while relaxing at my hotel in Georgetown.

Strong Beer Prices

At around 6.5 RM for a 500ml can, the price of these strong beers is surprisingly affordable—similar to what you might pay for a regular beer like Heineken. When you crack open a can, it looks and smells like beer, but the taste? It’s definitely stronger. I’d describe it as a beer with an extra punch, almost like mixing beer with vodka. It’s not a drink you would chug down, but rather sip slowly.

Proceed with Caution

I quickly learned that drinking too much too fast can lead to some unexpected results. After only half a can, I started feeling the effects. By the time I finished the whole can, my plans for the evening were cancelled, and I ended up staying in with a Subway sandwich, chatting with Fanfan on Skype. Super strong beers like these pack quite a punch, and while they can certainly get you drunk quickly, they are not ideal for daytime drinking.

In summary, Malaysia’s super strong beers are an interesting experience for anyone looking to try something a bit different. With their high alcohol content and unique flavors, they offer a quick way to unwind—but be warned, moderation is key.