Is a pint equal to a fifth?

Answered by Joseph Vos

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that a pint is not equal to a fifth. Allow me to explain why.

Firstly, let's establish the measurements involved. A pint is a unit of volume commonly used to serve beverages, and it is equal to 473 mL. On the other hand, a fifth refers to a bottle size commonly used for liquor, which is approximately 750 mL.

To put it into perspective, a pint is roughly 60% of a fifth. This means that if you were to pour a pint of liquor into a bottle, you would need a little more than one and a half pints to fill a fifth-sized bottle completely.

It's important to note that the term “fifth” originated from the fact that a standard liquor bottle used to contain one-fifth of a gallon, which is equivalent to approximately 757 mL. However, over time, the size has been standardized to 750 mL.

When it comes to purchasing liquor, you are more likely to come across bottles in the 750 mL size, commonly known as a fifth. This size is widely used for various types of , including , , and . It provides a substantial amount of liquor for personal consumption or for entertaining guests.

On the other hand, pints are typically seen as serving sizes rather than bottle sizes. When you order a pint of at a bar, you are usually served a 473 mL glass. This is a common size for beer servings in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

In my personal experience, I have found that a pint is a great size for enjoying a single serving of beer or other beverages. It allows you to savor the flavors without feeling overwhelmed or having to commit to a larger bottle.

However, when it comes to purchasing liquor for personal use or hosting a gathering, a fifth (750 mL) is a more practical choice. It provides enough quantity to serve multiple drinks or to enjoy over a longer period without the need for frequent refills.

To summarize, a pint is not equal to a fifth. A pint is a serving size of 473 mL, commonly used for beer, while a fifth refers to a bottle size of approximately 750 mL, commonly used for liquor. While a pint may be suitable for individual consumption, a fifth offers a larger quantity for entertaining or personal use.