Historical Ale Gallon
Modern equivalent
4.621 litres
A Tudor-era 282 cubic-inch measure for malt liquor, intentionally sized larger than wine measures to give working-class consumers a more generous pour per penny.
Reflecting historical class structures and beverage taxes, the ale gallon was deliberately set larger than its wine counterpart. By establishing a statutory volume of 282 cubic inches for domestic malt liquors, authorities protected common consumers purchasing daily ales and beers from being overcharged relative to affluent wine drinkers.