Beer Measurement by Strength – Alcohol Content

Beer strength measurement refers to the means of evaluating the beer by its strength. To measure the beer strength, “plato scale” is used. People who are new to beer brewing often get confused between the beer quality and beer strength measurement. People expect that the price they pay for the beer is for its quality. But the fact remains that stronger commercial beers are available for a higher price in the market. In alcoholic beverages, the amount of tax too is related to the alcohol content in the drink. Higher the strength, higher would be the price you would pay for the beer.

Gravity of wort is measured to find out the beer strength. This measurement is done before the fermentation process takes place. The beer strength depends on the sugar content and the amount of malt extract that has been added in the brew. The gravity of the beer can easily be measured using a hydrometer. Every brewery has a hydrometer to be able to know the perfect strength of beer.

Beer gravity

The gravity of beer can be categorized as follows:    

• Stout, Guinness- 1.040 – 1.046
• Draught Mild- 1.031 – 1.037
• Draught Bitter- 1.031 – 1.045
• Best Pale Ale- 1.040 – 1.050
• Light Ale (Bottle)-1.031 – 1.040
• Brown Ale- 1.030 – 1.041
• Mackeson- 1.044 – 1.048
• Lager Beers-1.030 – 1.036
• Strong Ales-1.066 – 1.078

This list comprises of beer with strong and light alcohol content. Some people who try to brew beer at home add more sugar and malt extract to the brew which makes the flavor awkward. The resultant beer becomes strong but does not have much of a body. Different types of malt grains can be added to the brew to increase or decrease the gravity.

To be able to get a strong beer, one can increase the malt extract and the amount of malt grain added to the brew. The gravity can then be adjusted using sugar. In case of strong ale beer and barley wines, the maturing period is longer as compared to the other types.

Measure of alcohol content in beer

The standard measure of alcohol content in an alcoholic drink is measured is ABV or Alcohol By Volume. This standard for measurement is used all around the globe to measure the strength of beer and other alcoholic beverages. Some of the countries refer to ABV as degrees Gay-Lussac.

As the taste of beer varies, the strength too varies. Most of the beers that you would find in the market are atleast 3% ABV. One can easily brew beer with an ABV in double figures. The name given to beer with an ABV of 8% is barley wine. Color can not help in knowing if a beer is strong or light. There are some ale beers that are pale in color and still have 6% ABV. If you need to find out the exact alcohol content in the beer, you can look up the information given on the container of the beer. You can find all varieties of beer in the market. Choose the one which you like and have a nice time.