Understanding the Strength of 18/70 La Rubia
The 18/70 La Rubia beer has a specific and well-documented strength, which is measured as 6.2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV). This places it firmly in the category of a strong lager, differentiating it from many of the lighter, more sessionable lagers that often dominate the market. Its ABV is a key feature, contributing significantly to its full-bodied flavor and more substantial character. While some product listings might indicate a slightly lower percentage, such as 6%, the most widely referenced figures from platforms like Untappd, Pint Please, and Brewver all confirm the 6.2% mark for the main 'La Rubia' version.
For drinkers, a 6.2% ABV means a more pronounced and warming alcohol presence, particularly when compared to a typical 4-5% lager. This added strength often requires a brewing process that incorporates a higher proportion of malts, which in turn influences the beer's color, body, and overall flavor complexity. This is evident in 18/70's profile, as discussed in the section on its taste. The name '18/70' itself is a reference to a limited production that began in a small bar in San Sebastian, before it was scaled up and adopted by Heineken Spain.
The Origin and Brewing Process
18/70 La Rubia is a product of Spanish brewing heritage, though it is currently produced and distributed by Heineken España. It originated from a small-scale, bar-level production before gaining commercial success. This backstory adds a layer of authenticity to the brand, despite its large-scale production today. The beer is brewed using a recipe that includes a specific combination of Nugget and Perle hops, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and bitter notes. The recipe also utilizes a generous amount of malt, which is responsible for its 'special' status and fuller body compared to many competitors.
The brewing process is designed to create a Vienna-style amber lager, a style known for its smooth, malty flavor and reddish-amber color. The result is a beer with a consistent and visually appealing dark blond color and a robust foam head.
Taste Profile and Serving Suggestions
Beyond its strength, 18/70 La Rubia offers a complex and rewarding taste experience. The malts provide a solid foundation, contributing notes of toffee, biscuit, and caramel. This malty sweetness is balanced by the distinct aroma and bitterness from the Nugget and Perle hops, which lend a fruity and mildly bitter aftertaste. The beer is gently carbonated, allowing the full range of flavors to come through without being overpowered by excessive fizz.
Tasting Notes for 18/70 La Rubia:
- Aroma: Toffee and biscuit notes dominate, with subtle fruity undertones.
- Flavor: A balanced interplay of malty sweetness (caramel, toffee) and a gentle, bitter hop character.
- Body: Medium to full-bodied, with more substance than a typical pale lager.
- Finish: A slightly bitter yet clean finish that lingers on the palate.
This robust flavor profile makes it suitable for pairing with heartier dishes, such as meats or strong, savory meals. It is best enjoyed chilled to allow the malt and hop notes to shine.
Comparing 18/70's ABV to Other Beers
To put the strength of 18/70 La Rubia into perspective, it helps to compare its ABV to other common beer types. The 6.2% ABV is noticeably higher than a standard American or European pale lager, but still well below that of very strong craft beers. Here is a comparative table to illustrate the difference.
| Beer Type | Typical ABV Range | How 18/70 Compares |
|---|---|---|
| American Pale Lager | 4.0% - 5.0% | 18/70 is significantly stronger and more full-bodied. |
| European Pale Lager | 4.5% - 5.5% | 18/70 offers a noticeably higher alcohol content and more complex flavor. |
| Standard IPA | 6.0% - 7.5% | 18/70 is on the lower end of the IPA spectrum, but shares a similar strength profile. |
| Stout | 4.0% - 10.0%+ | 18/70 is less alcoholic than most imperial stouts but stronger than some dry stouts. |
| Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen) | 4.5% - 6.0% | 18/70 is slightly higher in ABV, with a richer malt character rather than the fruity, clove notes of a hefeweizen. |
This comparison highlights that 18/70 is a middle-ground beer, offering more substance and flavor than a standard session lager without being as overwhelming as some high-alcohol craft varieties. Its position allows it to be both an easy-drinking option and a flavorful choice, depending on the occasion.
Conclusion
The strength of 18 70 beer is a well-established 6.2% ABV, a characteristic that defines its more robust flavor and body compared to many mainstream lagers. This Spanish amber lager, known as 18/70 La Rubia, combines a rich malty profile of toffee and biscuit with the balancing bitterness and fruitiness of Nugget and Perle hops. Although it began as a limited, local production, it has grown in popularity and is now widely available, offering a flavorful and balanced drinking experience. Its moderate-to-high alcohol content and nuanced taste make it a versatile choice for those seeking something more substantial than a typical light beer. For further reading, check out the 18/70 website for more information.
What is the strength of 18 70 beer?
- Alcohol Content: The 18/70 La Rubia beer has an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of 6.2%, classifying it as a strong lager.
- Flavor Profile: The 6.2% strength is complemented by a flavor profile featuring toffee, biscuit, and caramel notes, with a mild bitterness.
- Origin: Originally from a limited production in the Basque Country, it is now made by Heineken España.
- Comparison: With a 6.2% ABV, it is stronger than most standard pale lagers but within the range of some lighter IPAs.
- Brewing: Its higher ABV is achieved through a recipe that uses more malts and specific hops (Nugget and Perle) than standard lagers.
