What is a 'Strong' Beer?
Before determining the strength of Great Northern, it's important to understand how beer strength is generally categorised. Beer's alcohol content is measured by Alcohol By Volume (ABV). While there is no universal standard, a beer is often considered 'strong' when its ABV exceeds 6%, with some premium or imperial styles reaching 8% or higher. In Australia, the terminology can be more nuanced, with 'full strength' often referring to beers in the 4-5% ABV range, which are common sessionable lagers. This creates a point of confusion for many drinkers who associate 'full strength' with high potency.
The Great Northern Range: Breaking Down the Alcohol Content
Great Northern offers a few different products, each with a distinct ABV, catering to different consumer preferences.
- Great Northern Original: Marketed as a "full strength" lager, the Original has an ABV of 4.2%. This is a light, crisp, and refreshing beer designed for the hot Queensland climate. While labeled "full strength" in the context of mainstream Australian lagers, it is not internationally considered a strong beer.
- Great Northern Super Crisp: This mid-strength variant has a lower ABV of 3.5%. It is brewed for an easy-going lifestyle and is lighter in flavour and body than the Original.
- Great Northern Zero: As the name suggests, this is a non-alcoholic option with 0.0% ABV. It provides the crisp, fruity flavour of a lager without the alcohol.
Comparison Table: Great Northern vs. Other Popular Australian Lagers
| Beer Brand | Type | ABV | Is it 'Strong'? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Northern Original | Full Strength Lager | 4.2% | No | Labeled 'full strength' for the Australian market. |
| Great Northern Super Crisp | Mid-Strength Lager | 3.5% | No | A lighter, sessionable beer. |
| Victoria Bitter (VB) | Full Strength Lager | 4.9% | No | A classic Australian full-strength beer. |
| Tooheys New | Full Strength Lager | 4.6% | No | Another popular full-strength Australian market lager. |
| XXXX Gold | Mid-Strength Lager | 3.5% | No | Competitor in the Australian mid-strength market. |
| Imperial Stout (example) | Stout | Typically > 8% | Yes | A true example of a strong beer style. |
The Misconception of 'Full Strength'
The term "full strength" on a Great Northern Original bottle refers to its place within the Australian commercial beer market, not its absolute strength. It distinguishes it from the mid-strength Super Crisp and the non-alcoholic Zero. In Australia, a standard full-strength beer typically has an ABV around 4% to 5%. For comparison, some craft IPAs or Belgian ales can have alcohol contents far exceeding this range, solidifying the idea that Great Northern is a relatively moderate beer by international standards. The Queensland-based brewery prioritises a refreshing, easy-drinking style over high alcohol content, fitting the outdoor lifestyle it represents.
What Influences a Beer's Strength?
Several factors contribute to a beer's final ABV:
- Ingredients: The fermentable sugars from grains like barley and malt are what the yeast consumes to produce alcohol. The more sugars available, the higher the potential ABV.
- Yeast Type: Ale yeast can tolerate higher alcohol environments, allowing brewers to create stronger ales. Lager yeast, which is used for Great Northern, is more delicate and typically results in a lower ABV.
- Brewing Process: Techniques such as freeze distillation, used for some exceptionally strong craft beers, can concentrate alcohol levels dramatically. Great Northern's brewing process focuses on a light stable hop and pale malt for a clean, crisp finish, not maximum strength.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Great Northern is not a strong beer. While its Original Lager is classified as 'full strength' in the Australian market at 4.2% ABV, this falls well below the international benchmark for a strong beer. The brand's focus on refreshment and easy drinkability for the Australian climate is evident in its entire product line, which includes the moderate 3.5% Super Crisp and the non-alcoholic Zero. For those seeking a higher alcohol beer, Great Northern is not the right choice; its reputation is built on being a sessionable, crisp lager, not on potency.
