Alcohol Content in Wine and Other Drinks

Where does wine stand in the spectrum of alcoholic drinks? While most people assume that beer is lighter 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 (Infographic)

Alcohol Content in Wine, Beer and Liquor - infographic

Alcohol Content in different kinds of Beer, Wine and Liquor

BEER[amazon asin=B0002NU48I&template=*lrc ad (right)]
  • 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)[amazon asin=B005LSA4GQ&template=*lrc ad (right)]
WINE
  • 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[amazon asin=B002FOFFW2&template=*lrc ad (right)]
  • 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[amazon asin=B007GE85L4&template=*lrc ad (right)]
20% VERMOUTH
 
17-20% SAKE
 
21-35% SHOCHU
 
30-39% FRUIT & HERB LIQUEUR
 
35-46% LIQUOR
  • 35-40% Gin
  • 35-46% Vodka
  • 40-46% Whisky, Scotch, Rum, Tequila
55-60% CASK STRENGTH WHISKY/SCOTCH
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Reprinted with permission from Wine Folly.