The following details should give everyone an explanation on the alcohol content of all products. As is well known, all alcohol used for beverage purposes is subject to a very high excise tax. This tax is based on the strength of the particular alcoholic solution, such strength being ascertained by a specific gravity determination. This is done by distilling off the alcohol and weighing it, with the results expressed as a percentage of alcohol by weight or measuring the volume of alcohol driven off, expressing it as a percentage of alcohol by volume.

"Proof Spirit" is used to express the strength of alcoholic solutions. In the United States, any alcoholic solution containing 50% alcohol and 50% water by volume is said to be proof spirit, or 100 degrees proof, or simply 100 proof. For example, ordinary 95% (by volume) commercial ethyl alcohol is 95/50 x 100 = 190 degrees proof, or 90 overproof.

The two terms to remember then are O.P. (overproof) and U.P. (underproof). 100 litres of 190 degrees proof alcohol would be taxed as 190 litres of proof spirit.

The British system is in use in Canada and is more complicated. According to this system, any alcoholic solution containing 57.09% (by volume) alcohol and 42.91% water is said to be proof spirit or 100 degrees proof.

Commercial ethyl alcohol as defined by the Canadian Food and Drug Act must contain not less than 94.2% (by volume) absolute alcohol. Such alcohol would then be 94.2/57.09 x 100 = 165 degrees proof, or 65 O.P. Hence, commercial ethyl alcohol is sold in Canada as 165 degrees proof alcohol although it is normally at least of 95% strength and therefore, slightly higher proof.

Now with the above explanation, let us consider beer which normally contains 5% ethyl alcohol by volume. The degrees proof under the American system would then be 5/50 x 100 = 10 degrees proof or 90 U.P. The British system would be 5/57.09 x 100 = 8.76 degrees proof or 91.24 U.P.

The accepted limit for regular beer in Canada is 4.7% to 5.3% by volume, except for light beers and the premium malt liquors. In Saskatchewan, we are allowed to brew up to a strength of 8.0% by volume. Volume is connected to per cent by weight as follows:

(Alcohol by Volume x 0.79) / Specific Gravity of Beer = Alcohol % by Weight

As stated above, with some exceptions, Canadian beers contain 5% ethyl alcohol by volume. That means that in a 341 ml. (12 oz.) bottle of beer there is 17 ml (0.6 oz.) of ethyl alcohol/ as follows:

(5 / 100) x 341 = 17 ml.

The alcoholic content of Canadian beer can be compared with wine and liquor as follows:

Liquors	Alcohol By Volume	17 ml. Alcohol in:	0.6 oz. Alcohol in:
Beer	5.0%	1 beer (341 ml.)	1 beer (12 oz.)
Table Wine	12.0%	142 ml.	5 oz.
Canadian Wine	20.0%	85 ml.	3 oz.
Spirits	40.0%	43 ml.	1 1/2 oz.

Liquor gives a "lightening effect" when compared to beer based on the alcohol consumed. This is due to the fact there is nothing in liquor to delay the alcohol from entering the bloodstream. With beer, the alcohol is absorbed more slowly into the system. This is caused by the larger volume and the fact that proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins are also present in beer. This results in a more moderate and refreshing beverage.

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