Category: Canadian culture

Historically, Canadian beers did have a higher average alcohol content than many of their US counterparts due to differing measurement methods. But today, the simple answer to whether Canadian beer has a higher alcohol content is more nuanced than it once was.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the term '26er' originated from a 26-ounce imperial measurement for liquor bottles, a term that persisted even after the country adopted the metric system. A modern 26er is a 750ml bottle, which is the standard size for most spirits sold today. Understanding this historical measurement and its modern equivalent helps clarify common Canadian beverage slang.