As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on why certain bottle sizes are referred to as a “fifth” and a “handle.” The terms “fifth” and “handle” are primarily used in the context of liquor bottles, particularly in the United States.
Let's start with the term “fifth.” In the past, liquor was commonly sold in gallon-sized bottles. However, consumers often found it more convenient to purchase smaller quantities. As a result, distilleries began offering bottles that contained one-fifth of a gallon, which equates to approximately 750 milliliters or 25.4 fluid ounces. This size became widely adopted as the standard bottle size for liquor. Over time, people started referring to this bottle size as a “fifth” due to its one-fifth volume in relation to a gallon.
Interestingly, the term “fifth” has persisted even though the metric system has become more widely used in the United States. The conversion of one-fifth of a gallon to 750 milliliters is not an exact equivalence, but it has become the accepted measurement for a standard bottle of liquor.
Now, let's move on to the term “handle.” A handle refers to a larger size of liquor bottle, typically holding 1.75 liters or 59.2 fluid ounces. The name “handle” comes from the fact that these bottles often have a built-in handle on one side, which makes them easier to carry. The handle size is commonly found for popular liquor brands and is often more cost-effective for consumers who frequently enjoy their favorite spirits.
It's worth noting that the terms “fifth” and “handle” are specific to the United States and may not be as commonly used in other countries. Different regions may have their own unique names for various bottle sizes.
To further illustrate the usage of these terms, let me share a personal experience. As a sommelier, I have encountered many customers who are familiar with the terms “fifth” and “handle” when referring to liquor bottle sizes. It has become part of the vernacular in the industry, and customers often use these terms when requesting a specific size of their preferred spirits.
The terms “fifth” and “handle” originated from the standard bottle sizes of liquor in the United States. A fifth refers to a bottle containing one-fifth of a gallon, while a handle typically refers to a larger bottle with a built-in handle and holds 1.75 liters. These terms have become ingrained in the American liquor industry and are widely used by consumers and professionals alike.