Average OG UK beer 1900 - 1993

I'm not feeling that well. Hence today's brief post.

Everyone knows that the British like their beer weak. But it wasn't always like that. Before 1917, British beer was usually stronger than that elsewhere.

This should tell you everything you need to know about the development in average OG during the 20th century.


What strikes me is the incredibly small variation in average gravity in the second half of the 20th century. The lowest average OG was 1036.9º the highest 1038º. That's pretty minimal variation, especially when compared to the first half of the century (low 1030.55º, high 1054.93º).

The minimal change in average strength is even more surprising when another factor is taken into consideration: the dramatic change in the type of beer drunk. In 1951, more than 50% of beer consumed was Mild. The second most popular beer was Bitter. In 1992, the 51% lager, 45% Bitter (and Stout) and 4% Mild. All of these types have different gravities. Yet somehow, the average managed to remain the same, despite dramatic variations in in the share of each different type.

What do you think this tells us? Do the British have a subconscious proclivity for beer of 3.7% ABV?