5 New High ABV Imperial Beers You Need to Try

Do you feel it? In the air? It’s the whooshing of the pendulum of beer trends as it swings from non-alcoholic to high proof.

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The beer industry loves a trend. There was the IPA IBU arms race of the early 2010s, the race to have the most face-puckeringly tart sour ale a few years after that, or the more recent quest to create a non-alcoholic beer that actually tastes like beer. Now, it looks like the new trend that everyone is hopping on is creating high proof brews—imperial beers, if you’re in on the lingo—that come in at around 8-12% ABV.

And you know it’s a true trend when even the big breweries get in on the fun. I recently tasted five new high proof beers from some breweries that sell their wares nationwide—and they’re all worth seeking out. Here are five extra boozy brewskis to try right now.

Golden Road Mango Cart Mas (8%)

This amped up version of Golden Road’s most celebrated beer (Mango Cart) is bursting with the flavor of mango nectar. It’s definitely heavier than the OG Mango Cart but it’s still refreshing and gulpable. And it doesn’t taste that much boozier (the fruit flavor does a good job of covering that up). I honestly prefer it to the classic Mango Cart and hope it sticks around!

Shock Top High Voltage (9.6%)

I haven’t had Shock Top for ages. There was a time when it was my go-to dive bar beer for day drinking (yes, I day drinked in dive bars regularly enough to have a go-to beer for the occasion, it was New York, I was young, sue me). But I remember the flavor enough to know that I like the extra boozy version much better. It has a touch more of a tropical flavor than the original, which is all orange. It’s bigger and rounder and much more interesting. If you haven’t bought a Shock Top in a while, this is the time to get back on that horse.

Voodoo Ranger G Force (11%)

Another mango-flavored brew (it’s actually more mango-y than the Mango Cart Mas), this one comes out swinging at 11% ABV. It’s boooooozy. But, again, that fruit flavor helps balance out that kick. You can only get it in a giant can, and I’d recommend splitting that with a buddy. It’s a lot—not just in terms of alcohol, but flavor too.

Modelo Chelada Suprema Tropical (8%)

Modelo took their fruity Cheladas and turned the volume way up–they usually come in at 3.5% ABV. The Tropical flavor is super fruity and very guava forward with just a hint of spice on the end. It’s a bit like fizzy Sangria. Not sure I could finish a whole tall boy, but I’d happily sip on one of these at an LAFC game.

Modelo Chelada Suprema Tropical (8%)

Now this is interesting. It’s like Tajin-dusted mango. It’s a little salty and spicy and sweet (though less sweet than you might expect) all at once. You’re either going to love or hate this flavor profile. It’s worth a try either way.

About the Author

Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients. Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it. What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now). Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test! Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.