Tabulation of Alcohol Content of Beer and Malt Beverages

Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Volume 24, Number 3, April, pp.202-210

Tabulation of Alcohol Content of Beer and Malt Beverages

Glenn A. Case, Sandra Distefano, and Barry K. Logan
Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services, Washington State Patrol, 2203 Airport Way South, Seattle, Washington 98134

We present data from the analysis of the alcohol content of 391 beers and malt beverages available for sale in the State of Washington. The beverages were tested by gas chromatography for their alcohol content. Considerable variability in the alcoholic strength was found, even within the same class. Overall, the range of concentrations was 2.92% (v/v) to 15.66% (v/v). The alcohol content of beverages consumed is a critical factor in Widmark or volume-of-distribution-type calculations used to estimate blood or breath alcohol content from patterns of alcohol consumption. Using the correct alcohol content for beer, when the brand is known, can make a significant difference in the reliability of the calculation, and the data presented here should assist with optimizing the accuracy of the calculation.

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