Division 3.4

Real alcoholic strength by volume:

The real alcoholic strength by volume of spirit drinks is equal to the number of litres of ethyl alcohol contained in 100 l of a water-alcohol mixture having the same density as the alcohol or spirit after distillation. The reference values for alcoholic strength by volume (% vol) at 20 °C versus density at 20 °C for different water-alcohol mixtures that are to be used are those given in the international table adopted by the International Legal Metrology Organisation in its Recommendation No 22.

The general equation relating the alcoholic strength by volume and density of a water-alcohol mixture at a given temperature is given on page 40 in Chapter 3 ‘Alcoholic strength by volume’ of the Annex to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2676/90 (OJ L 272, 3.10.1990, p. 1) or in the manual of analysis methods of the OIV (1994) (p. 17).

Conversion formula:

where

ASM

alcoholic strength by mass,

ρ₂₀ (alcohol)

789,24 kg/m³