The term “70cl” in liquor refers to the standard bottle size of 700 milliliters. This size is commonly used in Europe and has been mandated by legislation since 1990. As a sommelier and brewer, I have come across this bottle size in various spirits and liquors throughout my career.
The decision to use 70cl as the legislation size in Europe was made by the European Union. This piece of legislation aimed to standardize the bottle sizes for spirits and liquors across member countries. Prior to this, bottle sizes varied widely, causing confusion and inconsistencies in the market.
The 70cl size has become the standard for spirits in Europe, and many producers have adapted their packaging to comply with this requirement. It is important to note that this legislation only applies to the European market, and other regions may have different standard bottle sizes.
When it comes to retail locations, the choice between 70cl and 750ml (75cl) bottles depends on the specific market. In Europe, where 70cl is the standard, most spirits and liquors will be packaged in this size. However, in regions outside of Europe, such as the United States, the standard bottle size is typically 750ml.
As a sommelier, I have encountered situations where the availability of certain spirits or liquors in different bottle sizes has impacted the retail experience. For example, when sourcing products for a European-themed event, it was essential to ensure that the spirits were available in 70cl bottles to maintain authenticity.
In the retail setting, it is important for both consumers and retailers to be aware of the standard bottle sizes for spirits and liquors in their respective markets. This knowledge can help avoid confusion and ensure that products are stocked and sold correctly.
To summarize, 70cl in liquor refers to the standard bottle size of 700 milliliters that is mandated by legislation in Europe. This size was introduced in 1990 by the European Union to standardize bottle sizes for spirits and liquors. While 70cl is the legislation size in Europe, other regions, such as the United States, typically use 750ml as the standard bottle size. It is important for both consumers and retailers to be familiar with the standard bottle sizes in their respective markets to ensure consistency and accuracy in the retail experience.