Some time later this month should you happen to wander into your local liquor store and ask for a half‐gallon of Scotch, you may be surprised to learn that the half‐gallon has shrunk by almost 5 ounces to 1.75 liters. But don't worry. There should be a similar decrease in price, too.

On Oct. 1, the liquor industry officially went metric. As a result, all whisky, vodka and other distilled spirits sold in the United States may now be legally offered in metric‐sized bottles.

Instead of the confusing array of 38 different sizes and shapes now sold, liquor will be bottled in six standard sizes. For example, a fifth which is 25.6 fluid ounces, will he replaced by a slightly smaller 750 milliliter bottle, equivalent to 25.4 ounces. The old quart, or 32‐ounce bottle, wit he marketed as a liter holding 33.8 fluid ounces.

Easier for Consumer

The change should make things much easier for the consumer. “The 38 sizes came in so many shapes and designs that a bottle could look larger and actually have less content,” said Malcolm E. Harris, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “On top of this, cordials and specialty items were not bound by the sizes. was a big mess. Now everything has to be in compliance with the six sizes and the label will clearly spell out the number of ounces and metric measure.”