You have to wonder about alcohol content in wine. Where does wine stand in the spectrum of other drinks? While most people assume that beer is lighter in alcohol than wine, this isn’t always the case.

Let’s dispel some common misconceptions about beer vs. wine and other alcoholic drinks and see the wide variation of alcohol levels in beverages.

Alcohol Content in Wine

Alcohol Content in Different Types of Beer, Wine, and Liquor

BEER

Beer can swing wildly between low-alcohol lagers to teeth numbing IPAs and Stouts. Some brewers will choose sky-high ABV to preserve flavor and stability of a beer over time, to experiment like mad-scientists, and sometimes to follow a trending style. Here’s a list of popular beers that run the alcohol gamut.

3.5% Heineken Premium Light, Amstel Light

4% Guinness Black

4.2% Bud/Coors Light

4.4% Yuengling

4.6% Corona Extra

5% Coors/Budweiser/MGD/Stella Artois

5% Heineken

5.6% Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

8.4% Tripel Karmeliet (Belgium ale)

9% Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA (Imperial IPA)

WINE

Alcohol content in wine tends to follow the style and vintage closely. You aren’t likely to find your personal favorite with a wildly out of character alcohol rating. Here’s a list of common wines.

5-6.5% Moscato d’Asti

7-8% German Riesling

10.5-12% Most American, Austrian, and Australian Riesling

11.5-12.5% Lambrusco (sparkling red/rosé)

12-13% Most Pinot Grigio

12.5-13% Most Beaujolais

12.5-13% Most Sauvignon Blanc

13%-14% Most Pinot Noir and Red Bordeaux

13.5% – 15% Malbec

13-14.5% Most Chardonnay

13.5-14.5% Most Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and French Syrah

14 – 15% Most Shiraz and American Syrah

14.5% Sauternes (sweet white dessert wine)

14- 15.5% Most Zinfandel

14 – 15% Most Grenache

15% Muscat (sweet dessert wine)

15.9% Rombauer and Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel

16% Mollydooker Shiraz

17-21% Port, Madeira, Sherry, Other Fortified Dessert Wines

LIQUOR

20% VERMOUTH (technically, an aromatized wine with added spirits)

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17-20% SAKE

21-35% SHOCHU

30-39% FRUIT & HERB LIQUEUR

35-46% LIQUOR

35-40% Gin

35-46% Vodka

40-46% Whiskey, Scotch, Rum, Tequila

55-60% CASK STRENGTH WHISKEY/SCOTCH

How much alcohol in a serving of wine?

Explore wines of the world from lightest to strongest!

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