Alcohol by volume (ABV)
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Measurements and calculations”.
Explanation
The share of alcohol in the finished beer, in percent by volume. It is calculated from original and final gravity: the more sugar the yeast ferments, the higher it is. The final-beer calculator shows it.
Work it out yourself
Final beer calculator – Work out the alcohol content, attenuation, colour and bitterness of your beer – before brewing as a plan, and afterwards with your measured values.
Test your knowledge
Which rule of thumb gives the alcohol from SG values?
- (OG − FG) × 131
- FG − OG
- OG × 10
Show answer
Correct: (OG − FG) × 131. Example: 1.050 and 1.010 give about 5.2 % ABV. There are more precise formulas for strong beers.
What is a barley wine?
- A very strong ale reminiscent of wine
- A white wine spritzer
- A wine made from barley
Show answer
Correct: A very strong ale reminiscent of wine. Barley wine often has 8–12 % ABV and can mature for years.
In which country is “Vorchdorf”?
- Austria
- Iceland
- Switzerland
Show answer
Correct: Austria. Every year on 6 December, Samichlaus beer is brewed at Schloss Eggenberg. It matures for ten months and has 14 % ABV.
Typical in these countries
Related terms
All terms in “Measurements and calculations” · Brewing glossary