Why Your Pint is Getting Weaker

I know some states restrict ABV, but do any tax based on ABV? Never heard of this happening here.

 

Yeah, that article is discussing the UK market. In the US a few states have slightly different excise tax rates for beer based on alcohol content. Unfortunately, the Tax Foundation's list no longer specifies which ones, instead lumping them in with other state regulations (under the (d) footnote):

Texas used to have different excise tax rates on "beer" defined as 4% abw or less) and "ale," when over 4% abw beer, ale and malt liquor was taxed at a slightly higher rate ($6.138/bbl. vs $6/bbl).

 

I was on vacation in Scotland last summer and most all the beers at the pubs were <5% ABV. I was told by bartenders that they tax heavily on the higher ABV beers so many pubs stopped serving them. Was really looking for some Wee Heavy’s on tap but struck out.

 

I’m still waiting for the ABV inflation to come down in America so we have more 5% and under options.

 

Why? Aren’t Miller Lite and Corona enough for you?

 

Did you find a nice variety of local examples of scotch ale around or did you tend to see the same beers on tap as you travelled around?

 

I doubt alcohol tax would add 5 cents to any pint so there’s that.

 

Edinburgh had some variety and a few incredible cask ale opinions like Timothy Talylor Landlord (but very crowded). I spent a lot of my time in more rurual towns in the western Highlands and Isle of Skye. Absolutely incredible trip. Found some scotch ale in bottles at a convienence store in Isle of Skye. Had some difficulty finding Orkney beers (like Skullsplitter). Wasn’t exactly a beer Mecca but you always had decent options most anywhere it seemed (and high quality Scotch Whisky was everywhere). Tenants Ale was everywhere (not very good though). I found Belhaven’s Best was fairly prevalent and that was my pub “go-to” option as it was pretty solid.

 

Interesting.
I havseen this around here, but only drink high ABV craft beers anymore.

 

Are beers with an ABV greater than 3.5% fairly uncommon? On average, how much does one serving of craft beer cost?

Cheers

 

In UT we’re taxed an additional 15.875% tax on everything over 5%. All draft beer is 5% or less. Honestly it’s great. We have 2 beers of draft under 4%, and a plethora between 4 and 5%.

 

The US Federal Excise Tax on Beer is based on the size of the brewery's total yearly barrelage, and varies from $3.50 - $16 - $18 per barrel. So, yeah, between 2¢ and 8¢ per pint.

Plus the state excise tax noted above "Rates range from as low as $0.02 per gallon in Wyoming to as high as $1.29 per gallon in Tennessee." So, divide those amounts by 8 for the pint rate.