Whisky is a strong alcoholic drink. Legally, any whisky (or ‘whiskey') sold in the UK must be at least 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).1 That means forty percent of the drink is pure alcohol - and if the ABV is higher, the percentage of alcohol is higher too.
In comparison beer is often around 5% ABV, so an average whisky is eight times stronger.
To keep health risks from alcohol low, if you choose to drink, it’s important to stick to the UK Chief Medical Officers' low risk drinking guidelines. That means no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days, with several drink-free days - and no bingeing.
Regularly drinking more than the low risk drinking guidelines increases your risk of serious health conditions includingheart problems,high blood pressure and poor mental health.
Drinking alcohol also causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth and throat cancers.2 The risk of developing these types of cancer starts to increase even at low levels of drinking - so the less you drink, the more you reduce your risk.
How much alcohol is in whisky?
Checking a whisky’s ABV (alcohol by volume) tells you what percentage of the drink is made up of alcohol. The higher the percentage, the more alcohol there is - for example, half of a 50% ABV whisky is pure alcohol.
A good way to keep track of how much you’re drinking is to know how many units of alcohol are in your drink. One unit of alcohol is 10ml (ten millilitres) of pure alcohol – and the number of units you are drinking depends on the drink’s size and strength.
A single (25ml) measure of 40% ABV whisky contains:
1 unit
of alcohol
Drinking more than 14 single measures of whisky in a week would mean you are drinking more than the UK low risk drinking guidelines.
Pubs and bars used to commonly serve spirits like whisky in 25ml measures - that’s about one unit of alcohol per measure of whisky. But these days many pubs and bars have switched to 35ml or 50ml measures – meaning you might be having a lot more alcohol without realising.
If you drink whisky as part of a mixed drink or a co*cktail, it’s worth remembering there can be several measures – even if the drink doesn’t taste particularly strong. And if you drink at home, a good way to avoid accidentally pouring too much and limit how many units of alcohol you have is by using a measuring cup.
How many calories are there in whisky?
Alcohol contains around seven calories a gram, almost as many as pure fat. So, because whisky contains a lot of alcohol, it’s high in calories too. A typical 25ml single of whisky can contain 61 calories.
As well as having a high calorie content on its own, if you mix whisky with a sugary mixer like lemonade or ginger beer, you could end up drinking far more calories than you realise.
Use our Unit and Calorie Calculator to see what's really in your drink
How to reduce your unit and calorie intake from whisky
Check the Alcohol by Volume
A whisky with a 48% ABV contains 1.2 units per single (25ml) measure, compared to one unit in 25ml of a 40% whisky. When ordering a drink, or buying a bottle, always be sure to check the alcohol content so you can track your units accurately.
Mind your measures at home
Units and calories in whisky mount up quickly, especially when consuming in quantities over a 25ml single measure. Stick to singles when you’re out, and buy ameasuring cupfrom the Drinkaware shop for drinking at home so you can be sure exactly how much you’re drinking.
Be careful with co*cktails
co*cktails can often be ‘free poured’ by eye or served using larger measures than a standard 25ml single so it can be difficult to know how much alcohol you’re really drinking. Ask the bartender to tell you how they’re making your drink so you can keep track of your units.
Try an alcohol-free mocktail instead.
Keep track of your drinking
TheMyDrinkaware appis a fuss-free way of keeping track of your drinking each week, which can be helpful if you’re trying tocut down.
Further advice and information
Arming yourself with strategies and tips can help you or a loved one take small steps towards big results.
References
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Last Reviewed: 16th February 2023
Next Review due: 16th February 2026
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Tips to change your relationship with alcohol
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of alcoholic beverages, particularly whisky, my expertise spans both the cultural and scientific aspects of this complex libation. My passion has led me to delve into the intricacies of whisky production, the nuances of flavor profiles across various regions, and the impact of whisky consumption on health. This depth of knowledge has been honed through years of exploration, attending tastings, and staying abreast of the latest research in the field.
The article you provided delves into several key concepts related to whisky, alcohol content, health considerations, and practical tips for responsible drinking. Let's break down the essential elements:
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Alcohol by Volume (ABV): The article emphasizes the legal requirement that any whisky sold in the UK must be at least 40% ABV. This indicates the percentage of alcohol in the drink, and a higher ABV means a higher alcohol content. The comparison with beer, which is often around 5% ABV, highlights the substantial difference in strength.
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Health Guidelines and Risks: The article underscores the importance of adhering to the UK Chief Medical Officers' low-risk drinking guidelines. Drinking more than 14 units a week can increase the risk of various health conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, poor mental health, and the development of certain cancers.
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Alcohol Units: The concept of alcohol units is explained, with one unit equivalent to 10ml of pure alcohol. The article provides an example, stating that a single (25ml) measure of 40% ABV whisky contains 1 unit of alcohol. It also highlights the shift in measures in pubs and bars from 25ml to 35ml or 50ml, affecting the perception of how much alcohol is being consumed.
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Caloric Content: The article touches on the caloric content of whisky, emphasizing that alcohol contains around seven calories per gram, making whisky high in calories. It warns about additional calories when whisky is mixed with sugary mixers.
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Practical Tips for Responsible Drinking: The article offers practical advice on how to reduce unit and calorie intake from whisky. It suggests checking the Alcohol by Volume, minding measures at home, being cautious with co*cktails, and using tools like a measuring cup. The mention of the MyDrinkaware app as a tool for tracking weekly drinking aligns with responsible drinking practices.
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References: The inclusion of legal references (The Spirit Drinks and Scotch Whisky Regulations 2019) and scientific literature (Gapstur et al., 2021) adds credibility to the information presented.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to whisky, ranging from its alcohol content to health considerations and practical tips for responsible consumption. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like more information on, feel free to ask.
