Strawberry gin, like other flavoured gins, typically has a strength measured by its alcohol by volume (ABV). Based on specific examples, such as the widely available Puerto de Indias Strawberry, the strength is 37.5% ABV.
This strength is comparable to many standard gins and other spirits, falling within the common range for distilled alcoholic beverages.
Understanding ABV
ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume. It indicates the percentage of pure alcohol present in a given volume of liquid at a temperature of 20°C (68°F). The higher the ABV, the stronger the alcoholic content of the drink.
For context, the minimum ABV for gin in the EU is 37.5%. Many gins fall within the 40% to 47% range, but flavoured gins like strawberry varieties can sometimes be at the lower end of the spectrum while still meeting the legal definition of gin.
Strength of a Popular Strawberry Gin
According to the provided information:
- Puerto de Indias Strawberry is a flavoured gin from Seville, Spain.
- It has an ABV of 37.5%.
This specific example shows that a popular strawberry gin is bottled at the standard minimum strength for gin in Europe.
Comparative Strength
Here's how 37.5% ABV compares to other common alcoholic beverages:
| Beverage Type | Typical ABV Range |
|---|---|
| Beer | 4% - 6% |
| Wine | 12% - 14% |
| Liqueurs | 15% - 30% |
| Strawberry Gin | ~37.5% |
| Standard Gin / Vodka | 40% - 50%+ |
| Whiskey / Rum | 40% - 55%+ |
As you can see, a strawberry gin at 37.5% ABV is significantly stronger than wine or beer but slightly less potent than many traditional gins and other dark spirits which often exceed 40% ABV.
Factors Influencing Strength
While Puerto de Indias is 37.5% ABV, the exact strength of any strawberry gin can vary depending on the specific brand and how it's produced.
- Distillation Process: How the alcohol is distilled affects the initial strength before dilution.
- Dilution: After distillation, the spirit is diluted with water to reach the desired bottling strength (ABV).
- Legal Requirements: Minimum ABV laws for gin differ slightly by region (e.g., EU vs. US), influencing the lowest possible strength a product can be labelled as gin.
- Brand Choice: Producers decide the final ABV based on desired taste, texture, and market positioning. Some may choose a higher ABV to offer a more intense botanical flavour, while others might aim for a smoother, lower-strength profile.
Therefore, while a popular example is 37.5%, other brands of strawberry gin might have slightly different strengths, though they will typically fall within the range acceptable for gin.
In Conclusion
A common strength for strawberry gin, exemplified by a popular brand like Puerto de Indias Strawberry, is 37.5% ABV. This places it within the standard range for gin and other spirits, providing a significant alcoholic kick compared to lower-ABV drinks like wine or beer.
