[expatguy]

What percentage are they talking about? Beer here is anywhere from 5% - 8.8% which is about double the strength of American beer.

An American Expat in Southeast Asia

[DainBramage]

In Texas its 6%.

[Renfield]

"....Beer here is anywhere from 5% - 8.8% which is about double the strength of American beer...."

Not any more, pal. That's about the average strength of American West Coast ales (Sierra Nevada, Liberty, Anderson Valley, Rogue, etc). These breweries all brew barley wines at 10-12% as well. Lots of strong beer here for those who desire it.

[B Knotts]

Beer here is anywhere from 5% - 8.8% which is about double the strength of American beer.

To clarify, you're talking about the old megabrewers. There are a lot of smaller (and, not-so-small) brewers making real beer in the U.S. these days. And, of course, there are also homebrewers. My "Old Smiling Jackass" homebrew is a bit over 10%. :-)

[toddlintown]

Alcoholic strength of some American beers by weight and volume

http://www.realbeer.com/edu/health/calories.php