Poll: your ideal ABV

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Orca, Jan 20, 2014.

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If nothing else was affected, what would you choose as the ideal ABV for your beer?

  1. 0%

    14 vote(s)
    2.2%

  2. 1-3%

    23 vote(s)
    3.7%

  3. 4-6%

    179 vote(s)
    28.5%

  4. 7-9%

    299 vote(s)
    47.7%

  5. 10-12%

    54 vote(s)
    8.6%

  6. 13-15%

    11 vote(s)
    1.8%

  7. 16-18%

    2 vote(s)
    0.3%

  8. 19% or higher

    6 vote(s)
    1.0%

  9. I wouldn't change a thing, even if I could

    20 vote(s)
    3.2%

  10. Other/depends on the situation (explain)

    19 vote(s)
    3.0%
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  1. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I actually wanted a 6-7% option. :confused:

    I went with 7-9%. At 7% (or 6%, damnit), I feel like I can drink a bunch and not get affected, and it's a great range for single IPAs. Getting up closer to 10%, the beer feels bigger, like a big DIPA or stout.

    That said, I love lower ABV lambics and Flanders ales (5% or less). Super, super tasty, and yet you can consume a volume the likes of which is normally reserved for the BMC drinkers of the world. Not my favorite range, but I love that such great tasting beer doesn't have to be high ABV.
     
    #101 Roguer, Jan 24, 2014
  2. StLeasy

    StLeasy Initiate (0) Sep 8, 2013 Illinois

    I vote variety too; the ABV I desire most depends entirely on the setting. If I just HAD to pick.. I guess 7-9%. Not too light, not too heavy. Most of my favorite anytime/every-day beers fall in that range.
     
    #102 StLeasy, Jan 24, 2014
  3. Thankin_Hank

    Thankin_Hank Grand Pooh-Bah (4,024) Nov 18, 2013 Texas
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    As long as it's good and I ain't driving. I want to ride to Russian River Brewing California and spend a few days.
     
    #103 Thankin_Hank, Jan 24, 2014
  4. PaulyB83

    PaulyB83 Maven (1,399) Sep 1, 2013 Michigan

    Just added some water to my glass of St. Bernardus, it was...um...good!?
     
    #104 PaulyB83, Jan 24, 2014
    Givemebeer likes this.
  5. patto1ro

    patto1ro Pooh-Bah (2,084) Apr 26, 2004 Netherlands
    Pooh-Bah

    3.2%.
     
    #105 patto1ro, Jan 24, 2014
    A_Frayed_Knot likes this.
  6. Wanderer4beer

    Wanderer4beer Initiate (0) Dec 29, 2013 California

    I cast my vote for the 7-9% range. It gives you the ability to drink more then a few and get that magical feeling that only boozes can give. In the tasty drink of the gods, Beer. Yet you don't have to spend too much of your time in the can.
     
    #106 Wanderer4beer, Jan 24, 2014
  7. Kerrie

    Kerrie Initiate (0) Aug 24, 2012 Michigan

    Depends on the situation, of course. Sometimes I'd like a session beer for outdoor drinking, parties, social gatherings, etc. Last night, I wanted some 10+ ABV nightcaps. They all have their place, assuming one knows their limit. So I wouldn't change anything and they're all welcome in my fridge.
     
    #107 Kerrie, Jan 24, 2014
    Andrew041180 likes this.
  8. LostHighway

    LostHighway Pundit (986) Jan 29, 2007 Minnesota

    I voted 4% - 6% but 3% - 5% is probably closer to my actual sensibilities. A little alcohol is a good thing but if the flavor is there without it there is little justification for high ABV unless your primary motivation is to get drunk.
     
    #108 LostHighway, Jan 24, 2014
  9. StuartCarter

    StuartCarter Pundit (922) Apr 25, 2006 Alabama

    most of the time I prefer lower ABV so that I can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into producing a delicious 3.x% beer.

    Then there's the Imperial Stout nights where all bets are off :grinning:
     
    #109 StuartCarter, Jan 24, 2014
    Rhf9120 likes this.
  10. ChefHopMeister

    ChefHopMeister Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2010 Virginia

    Best ABV? It's driven by mood and situation. Low abv (5.0ish) for session drinking, mid abv (7-9ish) for stretched out enjoyment and high abv (10+) for take your time sipping. My $0.02 in a nut shell.
     
    #110 ChefHopMeister, Jan 24, 2014
    beergoot and Rhf9120 like this.
  11. Rhf9120

    Rhf9120 Initiate (0) Jan 4, 2014 Rhode Island

    Couldn't have put it better myself.
     
    #111 Rhf9120, Jan 24, 2014
    Jsteez likes this.
  12. Jsteez

    Jsteez Savant (1,233) Apr 28, 2012 Utah

    Great points here. The more I've refined my palate, the more I, too, appreciate good tasting beers with an ABV from 4.5-6.5%. I voted 4-6%, but there are some English style beers that are 3.5% and they taste great! Drinkability and flavor is what really matters to me. I like to sip and enjoy every beer I taste.
     
    #112 Jsteez, Jan 25, 2014
    utopiajane likes this.
  13. Jsteez

    Jsteez Savant (1,233) Apr 28, 2012 Utah

    Although I voted 4-6% as the ideal, I, too, am "all over the map". My appetite changes from week to week, season to season.
     
    #113 Jsteez, Jan 25, 2014
  14. Hop-Droppen-Roll

    Hop-Droppen-Roll Initiate (0) Nov 5, 2013 Minnesota

    This is a little silly, it's like asking 'what's your ideal driving speed?' One size don't fit all.
     
    #114 Hop-Droppen-Roll, Jan 25, 2014
    Rhf9120 likes this.
  15. WadeBridgman

    WadeBridgman Zealot (728) Oct 18, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    Ideally anything over 6% but the sky's the limit if it's hidden well
     
    #115 WadeBridgman, Jan 25, 2014
  16. Zorro

    Zorro Grand Pooh-Bah (3,258) Dec 25, 2003 California
    Pooh-Bah

    Who are the 14 numb-nuts who picked 0%?
     
    #116 Zorro, Jan 25, 2014
  17. cincysig

    cincysig Pundit (755) Sep 15, 2010 Connecticut

    5 - 8%
     
    #117 cincysig, Jan 25, 2014
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