The difference between 3.2 beer and regular beer lies in the alcohol content. When we talk about alcohol content, modern drinkers are more familiar with the term ABV (alcohol by volume). In the case of 3.2 beer, although it is labeled as 3.2 percent, it is actually equivalent to 4.0 percent beer in terms of ABV.
To put this into perspective, let's consider some popular “regular” beers. Amstel Light, for example, has an ABV of 4.1 percent, which is very similar to the ABV of 3.2 beer. Similarly, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light all have an ABV of 4.2 percent, again not too different from 3.2 beer.
It is important to note that the term “3.2 beer” refers to the maximum allowable alcohol content by weight, not by volume. In the past, some states in the United States had restrictions on the alcohol content of beer sold in certain establishments. These restrictions often limited the alcohol content to 3.2 percent by weight. However, when we convert this to ABV, it is actually higher at 4.0 percent.
The reason for this difference is that alcohol is less dense than water. Therefore, when we measure alcohol content by volume, it will be slightly higher than when measured by weight. This is why 3.2 percent beer, when converted to ABV, ends up being closer to the alcohol content of many popular “full” beers.
It is worth noting that these restrictions on alcohol content have changed over time. Many states have lifted or modified the 3.2 beer restrictions, allowing for the sale of higher ABV beers in various establishments. This means that the distinction between 3.2 beer and regular beer is becoming less relevant.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered situations where customers were surprised to learn that 3.2 beer was not significantly lower in alcohol content compared to their preferred “regular” beers. This misconception may stem from the labeling of 3.2 beer as such, without explicitly indicating the higher ABV equivalent.
To summarize, the difference between 3.2 beer and regular beer is primarily in the labeling and the measurement of alcohol content. While 3.2 beer may be labeled as such, it actually has an ABV of 4.0 percent, which is comparable to the alcohol content of many popular “full” beers. As restrictions on alcohol content have evolved, the distinction between 3.2 beer and regular beer has become less significant.