International Beer Day: The Most Expensive Beers in History

An ice-cold beer, a sunny patio, and good friends may be all you need to celebrate International Beer Day. But beyond the familiar pleasure of raising a glass, beer also has an exclusive side filled with ancient recipes, unusual ingredients, and collectibles valued at six figures.

From a brew inspired by the pharaohs to an empty can worth more than many luxury cars, these stories reveal just how expensive beer culture can become.

International Beer Day and the Story of Tutankhamun Ale

Our first stop takes us back thousands of years to ancient Egypt.

In the 1990s, researchers studied remains discovered at an ancient Egyptian brewery. Inspired by their findings, brewers created Tutankhamun Ale, a modern recreation of beer from the age of the pharaohs.

Only 1,000 bottles were produced, making the release exclusive from the start. The first bottle sold for around $7,300.

Its value came from more than the beer itself. Buyers were also paying for its connection to history and the rare opportunity to experience a flavor inspired by one of the world’s earliest brewing traditions.

Antarctic Nail Ale: A Beer From the End of the World

The next story takes us to one of the most remote places on Earth.

Antarctic Nail Ale was brewed using water obtained from Antarctic ice. Its first bottle sold for approximately $565 at a charity auction supporting marine conservation. A second bottle later fetched more than $1,270.

The unusual ingredient, limited production, and environmental cause helped turn the beer into something far more valuable than an ordinary drink. It became a rare experience tied to a place few people will ever visit.

A Vintage Beer Can Worth More Than $100,000

The most expensive item on this list could not be enjoyed at happy hour.

In 2025, a rare Chief Oshkosh beer can from the 1950s sold for approximately $112,700. The can was empty, but its remarkable condition made it a collector’s grail.

For serious collectors, age, rarity, packaging, and preservation can matter just as much as what was once inside. In this case, an everyday object became an extraordinary piece of American brewing history.

This International Beer Day, these stories are a reminder that beer can be much more than a drink. It can also become a historical artifact, an exclusive experience, or a highly prized collectible.

Of course, some luxuries remain wonderfully simple: a cold beer and good company.

If you hit the Mega Millions jackpot in TuLotero, would you add one of these rare finds to your collection?