midstrength

Mid-strength is a term used in the beer industry to describe beers with a moderate alcohol content, positioned between full-strength and light or low-alcohol options. It is most commonly used in Australia and New Zealand, where beer categories traditionally include full-strength, mid-strength, and light. The ABV range associated with mid-strength products commonly falls around 3.5% to 4.5% in many markets, though precise thresholds vary by country and brand. Mid-strength beers are marketed as providing a balance between flavor and drinkability, offering lower alcohol per serving without sacrificing body or character that some consumers associate with standard-strength beers. They are often lighter in color and body than fuller-strength lagers, but the taste profile can cover a broad spectrum from pale lagers to pilsners and amber ales.

Market and policy considerations: In some jurisdictions, the mid-strength label aligns with regulatory definitions for lower-alcohol products, affecting labeling, packaging, and taxation. In others, the term is primarily a marketing category rather than a legal classification. The category's popularity has influenced brewer portfolios, with many brands offering a mid-strength option to appeal to casual or daytime drinking occasions and to regions with strict driving policies or lower permissible alcohol consumption.