Alcohol by Volume
The metric system is extensively used throughout Europe, and is relatively simple. The % AbV (absolute alcohol by volume) multiplied by 10 immediately tells you how many millilitres of alcohol there are in 1 litre of the drink.
The following values are a rough guide as to what may be expected:
- beers
- 2-7 % AbV
- wines
- 10-15 % AbV
- sherries & ports
- 20 % AbV
- spirits & liqueurs
- 20-40 % AbV
N.B. Some drinks such as tequila, absinthe and 'overproof' rum can have much higher values.
