We are going to know the alcohol percentage of craft beer, that is one of the most consumed beverages by Spaniards throughout the year. But, despite being consumed throughout the month, when summer arrives, the number of liters of beer consumed increases significantly. For beer lovers, there are few things more refreshing and satisfying than an ice-cold beer to beat the heat.

However, as we told you a week ago in the post “Differences Between Craft and Industrial Beer,” not all beers are the same. And we’re not just referring to their flavor, color, or ingredients, but also to the beer’s alcohol percentage. Some say that industrial beers are smoother than craft beers, and others think just the opposite. So, to clear up any doubts, today we’re going to delve deeper into beer’s alcohol content.

Alcohol in Beer

Unless it’s a zero-alcohol or zero-alcohol beer, the alcohol percentage of the beverage will directly depend on the amount of fermentable sugars in the malt used in the brewing process. What does this mean? Basically, the alcohol percentage of beer can vary greatly from one variety to another, regardless of whether it’s industrial or craft beer.

In beer, the alcohol content is directly related not only to the malt but also to the yeast, the temperature at which it’s brewed, and the other ingredients used in its production. To calculate the exact percentage, you need to compare the density of the beer with that of water. As a general rule, the alcohol content ranges from 2% to 12%, although there are cases in which it is exceeded, with beers with over 60% alcohol by volume.

Industrial Beers

Now that you have more information about beer’s alcohol percentage, it’s time to compare the alcohol content of industrial beers with craft beers. In Spain, companies offer many different varieties of beer. However, each brewery has its own standard beer, so to speak. In this case, if we consider the main brands and their best-selling beers, this is the alcohol content of each:

Cruzcampo Pilsen: 4.8º
Estrella de Levante Classic: 4.8º
Amstel Original: 5.0º
Ambar Especial: 5.2º
Estrella Damm Original: 5.4º
Alhambra Especial: 5.4º
Estrella Galicia: 5.5º

Craft Beers

When it comes to craft beers, the percentages vary greatly. In fact, it would be impossible to compile the alcohol content of all the beers of this type sold in our country. As a general rule, the alcohol content ranges from 5º to 12º, although there are some varieties with a higher percentage due to their production process.

However, the difference is not only in the alcohol content. Craft beers are very different from commercial beers because their brewing processes are completely different, as are the ingredients used and the nuances they achieve in terms of color, texture, aroma, and flavor.