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ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: Is the most commonly used
designation. It is also the most logical and easily understood
because it can be compared to wine and spirit labeling
specifications. To determine the proof, multiply the
alcohol-by-volume figure by two.
ALCOHOL BY WEIGHT: Is a term which is widely used,
but quite confusing. Since alcohol is lighter than water, a lower
proof figure will be obtained than the percentage-by-volume.
Several countries have there own system of calculating this
figure, based upon the amount of fermentable material used in
production. This would compare to density or specific gravity.
ALCOHOL
BY PERCENT: Alcoholic content is regulated
by each state and varies a great deal from state to state. In
California, for example, the maximum allowable percentage is 4%
by weight for lager, but there is no limit for ales, malt
liquors, etc. The only exception to this is military bases, which
are regulated by federal law and may only serve beer which is 3.2
% by weight.
Surprisingly, 22 states have no limit. Nearby Nevada and vacation favorite Hawaii both have no limit. Utah, on the other hand is 3.2% for all beers, including malt liquors. For some inexplicable reason most states prohibit the listing of alcoholic content on the bottle. The few states that do require a list of ingredients do not allow listing the exact percentage of alcohol.
The national average for lagers is 3.2 to 4.5% by weight; ale is 3.2 to 5% by weight, and malt liquor is 3.2 to 8% by weight. The foreign average for lagers is 3.5 to 4.5% by weight; pale ale is 4 to 5% by weight, 4 to 6% for dark ale and bock, and some malt liquors are considerably stronger.
By comparison, most wines range from 10 to 14% and spirits (whisky, gin, etc.) from 40 to 50%. Some grain alcohols, however, are as high as 90% alcohol. The percentage of alcohol in spirits is expressed as a proof which is double the actual percentage. For example, 100 proof is 50% alcohol. The term proof comes for the English practice of having to prove that an alcoholic drink was potent enough. This was accomplished by igniting it mixed with gunpowder. In order for this to work the drink had to be at least 57% alcohol or 114 proof.
LOW CAL BEERS
GENESEE LIGHT: 98 calories
MICHELOB LIGHT: 134 calories
MILLER LIGHT: 96 calories
SCHLITZ LIGHT: 98 calories
SCHMIDT'S LIGHT: 96 calories
BUDWEISER LIGHT: 108 calories
AMSTEL LIGHT: Produced by Heieken: 98 calories
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