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.

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