Another "Point Two" Ripoff

I spent a number of years in Kansas, both as a minor and as an adult. At one time, Kansas bridged that gap and kept in touch with its prohibitionist roots by selling 18 – 20 year olds (and anyone else who wandered into the taverns, groceries, and convenience stores) 3.2% beer. Measured by weight, the alcohol content is actually 4% by volume. Many "real" beers produced here and elsewhere range from 4 – 5% by volume, so the differences are often minimal. However, probably for tax (and sin-tax) purposes, a few states still distinguish and restrict certain types of sales to "three-two" beers.

Recently, I've discovered another "point two" — one that makes more of a difference. If you have some European imports sitting around the house, take a look at their labels. Where many beers destined for U. S. import traditionally followed our 12 ounce bottling system, a growing number of them have dropped the volume to 11.2 oz. That's .8 oz. less per bottle or 4.8 per six pack. However, I haven't noticed any importers who've dropped the price by a similar percentage.

Now if the InBev purchase of Anheuser-Busch is completed, does this mean that Bud Light will be .8 ounces lighter in months to come?

Orycteropus Afer is owner of Aardvark Alley.

Technorati Tags: beer | 3.2 percent beer | 3-2 beer | three-two beer | twelve ounce bottles | 12 ounce bottles | eleven point two ounce bottles | 11.2 ounce bottles | opinion | Anheuser-Busch | InBev | Aardvark Alley | Purpose Driven Drinking