How Much Alcohol Is in Beer?

A close-up view of a glass of cold beer.

When it comes to measuring the alcohol content of beer, there are many aspects to consider. The alcohol content in drinks such as beer and wine is typically measured by ABV, which means alcohol by volume. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the standard ABV for 12 ounces of beer is 5%. This percentage shows how much alcohol is in your beverage. So, a standard 12-ounce beer would include 5% alcohol. However, this can change depending on the type of beer and serving size. The alcohol content in beers can range anywhere from 3% or higher.

At Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, NJ, we offer many styles of beer with varying alcohol contents catered to suit any beer lover’s needs. Here, we explain how to measure alcohol content and the different styles of beer we sell.

Measuring Alcohol Content

To obtain the amount of alcohol in a beverage, brewmasters may use a tool called a hydrometer. A hydrometer is a type of weighted ruler that measures how much sugar ferments into alcohol. Alcohol forms through a process called fermentation. This is when sugars inside craft beer and other beverages transform into alcohol through time. A hydrometer takes measurements before and after fermentation. This shows how much sugar has fermented into alcohol and tells you how much alcohol is in the beverage.

Breweries may use other methods to determine the alcohol content in beer and other drinks, including:

Refractometer
Gas chromatography
Distillation

Alcohol Contents for Popular Beer Styles

Depending on the style of beer, the alcohol content in a drink can vary. This is because beer can undergo many different alterations, fermentation processes, and other aspects. While some IPAs may be higher in alcohol content, others may fall lower on the scale. Here are some of the beers we sell and their alcohol contents:

German Hefeweizen

German hefeweizen is a style of beer that uses wheat malt to create a balance of fruity and clove flavors. While the beer is typically cloudy in appearance, it’s satisfyingly high in carbonation to quench any thirst. This type of beer pairs well with seafood and is typically low in alcohol content, ranging from 4.9% to 5.6%. Try our selection of German Hefeweizen beers from popular brands like Community Beer Works and Schöfferhofer.

American Pale Ales

American pale ale takes notes from English pale ales, sporting herbal flavors with pine and citrus tones. They are typically a light, caramel color and pair well with any meal from light salads to burgers. American pale ales, such as Dogfish Head and Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale, can have an alcohol content of 4.4% to 5.4%.

Pilsner Beers

Light in color, pilsner beers are great for those who enjoy the balanced taste of bitter and sweet. With a mixed malt and hop flavor, this style of beer is a popular choice among beer lovers. Joe Canal’s sells pilsners from well-known brands like Yuengling Brewery and Double Nickel Brewing Company. These can vary in alcohol content from 4.1% to 5.3%.

Imperial IPAs

This type of beer tastes delicious alongside a pork chop or salmon dinner. Imperial IPA is dark in color, bitter in taste, and high in alcohol content. Because of the varying fermentation process, imperial IPAs provide a stronger flavor than American IPAs. Delicious brews by brands like Cape May Brewing Company, Flying Dog, and Lagunitas Brewing Company are popular choices among the beer lover community. Imperial IPAs can have an alcohol content of 7.6% to 10.6%.

Ciders

While cider isn’t beer, it also forms through a fermentation process using apple juice. Similar in appearance, ciders give off a sweeter flavor in comparison to beer. Ciders can range in colors and flavors from dry to sweet. Popular cider brands like Angry Orchard and Hudson North Cider Co. can vary in alcohol content from 3% to 8.5%, but other ciders may be higher.

Tripels

Tripels are known for their yeast-driven complexity. This Belgian-style beer sometimes features a mild spicy flavor but almost always falls on the higher end of the ABV spectrum, ranging from 7.1%-10.1%.

Stouts

Recognizable for its deep brown, almost black coloring, stouts boast roasted flavor notes of coffee and dark chocolate. What gives stouts their signature appearance is the unmalted roasted barley. Available in multiple varieties, stouts generally have an ABV range of 5.5%-8%.

Russian Imperial Stout

As legend has it, Russian imperial stout beer was first brewed in England for Emperor Peter the Great of Russia. Russian imperial stouts can range from 8%-12% ABV, meaning you can expect all the same great flavors of a traditional stout – with a little more of a kick.

Browse Our Beer Selection at Joe Canal’s

Joe Canal’s prides itself on providing Lawrenceville, NJ, with quality and convenience. Our staff has the knowledge to assist customers with selecting the ideal beverage choice for any occasion. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding our products. Our Lawrenceville location makes shopping easy with our local delivery service. Joe Canal’s can ship wine, spirits, and other beverages to any location in New Jersey. To learn more about our wide selection of beers in stock, contact us at Joe Canal’s today.