IF you feel like your favourite beer is getting you more drunk than usual on holidays, you’re not going mad.
Many of Britain’s favourite lagers have been watered down in recent years… but only in the UK.
Your favourite beer could be getting your MORE drunk on your holiday as it’s stronger abroad Credit: Getty
Amstel is among the string of popular brands that have watered down their beers in recent years Credit: Alamy
This week, Carling joined the string of iconic beer brands changing their recipes for Brits to contain less alcohol.
From October, its namesake lager sold in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country will contain 3.4% ABV – down from 4%.
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But buy a Carling in Ireland, Spain or France, and you’ll still get the original recipe.
The changes aren’t because British drinkers want weaker drinks, despite many brands saying punters prefer the taste of lower-alcohol beers.
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It’s thanks to the UK’s beer duty system, which charges manufacturers higher rates of tax for selling stronger drinks.
According to the TaxPayers’ Alliance, Britain has the second-highest beer duty compared to EU member states, only below Finland.
Since 2023, beers with an ABV of 1.3% to 3.4% are taxed at a rate of £9.96 per litre of pure alcohol.
But those with an ABV between 3.5% and 8.4% must pay a far higher £22.58 per litre.
Rather than stump up the extra tax and lose money, many brands have simply decided to change their recipes for the UK market to contain less alcohol.
In many cases, it means Brits are paying the same price for watered-down beer – in what has been dubbed “drinkflation”.
Others have pumped up their prices, like Guinness, which went up in price by 5.2% in April – around an extra 4p per pint.
If you’re wondering if YOUR favourite beer has gotten weaker and how it compares to abroad – here’s our full list:
Stella Artois
Stella Artois is now 4.6% ABV in the UK Credit: Getty
Stella Artois had its alcohol content slashed to 4.6% in the UK in 2020, down from 4.8%.
But back in 2012, the lager was 5% ABV in the UK.
According to the Grocer, if you buy a pint of Stella in Belgium, where it’s brewed, it will be 5.2%.
Amstel
Amstel has reduced the alcohol content in its cans and bottles Credit: Alamy
Amstel is one of a string of brews owned by Heineken that has reduced its alcohol content to 3.4% since 2024.
However, this is just in its cans and bottles sold in supermarkets.
A pint of Amstel in the UK has an ABV of 4.1%. However in other markets, such as its home country the Netherlands, it’s 5%.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg cut its alcohol content in the UK in 2023 Credit: PA:Press Association
Carlsberg was one of the first brewers to slash its alcohol content to 3.4% after the new beer duty rules came into force in 2023.
It cut its alcohol content from 3.8%.
In other countries, such as Copenhagen where it’s brewed, it’s sold at 5% ABV.
Grolsch
Grolsch contains 3.4% alcohol in Britain Credit: Rob Western – NI Syndication
Grolsch Premium Pilsner contains 3.4% alcohol in the UK, after it was relaunched in the UK in 2020 with less alcohol.
Before then, it was sold at 4% ABV.
But if you buy a bottle or pint of the Dutch beer from anywhere else in Europe, it will have a higher 5% alcohol content.
Mythos
Mythos is weaker in the UK than in Greece Credit: Alamy
Mythos launched in the UK earlier this year – but with less alcohol than what you get on your Greek holiday.
Bottles sold in supermarkets contain 4.6% alcohol.
However, if you head to Santorini or Crete – or anywhere else in Europe – your Mythos will have 5% ABV.
San Miguel
San Miguel is one of the strongest beer options you can find on UK shelves or at the bar Credit: Gary Stone
San Miguel is one of the stronger beer options available in the UK, at 5% ABV.
But it’s still stronger in Spain, where you’ll find it has 5.4% alcohol.
Carling
Carling announced this week it’s slashing its alcohol content for the UK market Credit: Stewart Williams
Carling announced this week that it’s the latest beer brand to slash its alcohol content.
From October, cans and bottles sold in supermarkets will contain 3.4% alcohol – down from 4%.
But maker Molson Coors says the change only applies to the UK, and drinkers in places like Ireland will still get the original recipe.
Estrella
Estrella is sold at 4.6% ABV in the UK Credit: Alamy
Estrella is sold with an ABV of 4.6% in the UK.
But in its home country of Spain, it’s a lot higher at 5.4%.
Cruzcampo
Cruzcampo has an alcohol content of 4.4% Credit: Gary Stone
Cruzcampo Spanish lager is sold in the UK with an alcohol content of 4.4%.
But the same drink in Spain contains 4.8% alcohol.
