Alcohol: 8 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Alcohol is widely consumed across the globe in many forms. It is the go-to drink to relish joyous cheer, soothing relaxation, and pain easing powers. Alcoholic drinks have become an intricate part of many cultures over the centuries.

Alcohol is an interesting substance that can bring both benefits as well as health challenges based on usage. The moment an alcoholic drink enters your system, it triggers a lineup of physiological changes that alters your heart, brain, and body. Not just the interaction, there is so much to learn about the composition, manufacturing, storage, taste, quality, value, and myths about these drinks.

Here are 8 Interesting Alcohol Facts You Might Not Know

1. A Drink Is A Drink

The alcohol content of the drink depends on how high the proof is, the value of which is measured using the ABV scale. Different drinks contain varying amounts of ABV or alcohol by volume percentage. For example, the beer carries between 4-8%, liqueurs at about 15%, fortified wine between 16-24%, gin/rum/whiskey between 35 -50%. The type of alcohol in each of these drinks is ethanol, which is the only alcohol for safe consumption.

But that said, the alcohol content in all drinks has the same effect during the dot drug test. So, if you planned to down just a couple of beers hoping it would not get caught in the analyzer, you are wrong.

2. Spirits Are Fat-Free 

Spirits are a broad classification of alcoholic drinks where unsweetened and distilled alcohol is produced from fermented mixture. Examples of distilled spirits are tequila, gin, brandy, rum, vodka, which are typically more potent and punchier than wine or beer. Not just that, spirits contain no fats. They are also free of carbohydrates and cholesterol. So, if you are looking for an excuse to get a second drink while on a diet, well, you have all the more reason to choose a smooth whiskey.

3. Alcohol Does Not Give You Memory Loss 

So why do you experience memory loss when you are drinking? It turns out it is not a loss of memory but the inability to form new ones. The effect of alcohol on the hypothalamus causes your brain to stop recording or creating new memories when you are intoxicated. Your brain might lose the ability to make any new memories after long durations of drinking. So you probably never even registered the events of the long drinking season to begin with, which is why you could not recollect the details.

4. Absinthe Is Not Hallucinogenic 

Not more than alcoholic drinks like vodka, whiskey, or rum anyways. Absinthe is a mystical green liquor brimming with the flavors of herbs. Towards the early 20th century, the French winemaking industry and the temperance movement analyzed the growing popularity of the drink in Europe that got people drunk faster.

Quoting one incident where an alcoholic killed his entire family, the movement propagated the idea that absinthe has hallucinogenic tendencies that could cause extreme behavior when consumed, which led to its ban. Today, you can easily find high-quality absinthe in American and European markets with an exceptional earthy aroma and intense bitter flavors.

5. Older Is Not Always Better

Yes, spirit and wine aging are critical to enhancing the flavor palette of the drink and elegantly smooth it out. But the common saying older is better does not always apply beyond a certain point. It is possible to overage the spirit that could cause the different components of the drinks to separate and induce an odd taste.

While there is no golden number for the aging time, spirits aged in used barrels typically take more time to soak in the components than those in new barrels. So, next time you think about buying a pricey bottle of 50 years old whiskey, be careful and understand if it has aged well.

6. Your Favorite Gin And Tonic Has Colonial Indian Origins

The popular gin and tonic cocktail hails from the British colonizing India. The British mixed the medicinal quinine tonic used for treating malaria with gin to mask the bitter taste and make it more palatable. Today this popular drink uses high-quality, artisanal tonics to create an enriching palette of flavors.

7. Women Interacts With Alcohol Differently Than Men

Indeed, women have a slightly different relationship with alcohol than men. The reason behind this is that men and women process alcohol very differently in the body.

First, men naturally have a higher concentration of water in the system at about 61%. It enables better dilution of the consumed alcohol. Also, the low body fat compared to women enables a lower alcohol concentration to stay in the blood.

Next, the alleviated concentration of dehydrogenase in women results in slower alcohol processing in the body before it enters the bloodstream. So it takes longer for the alcohol to completely exit the system.  Don`t forget, hormone fluctuation close to menstruation can cause women to get drunk fast. So, if you would like to enjoy a girl’s night to chill, but with a light bar tab, then let your cycles take the wheels.

8. Beer Is Older Than You Thought  

The oldest known recipe in the world is that of beer. The recipe is older than that of all other alcohols like wine and whiskey. Since farming and cultivation began over 10,000 years ago, the possibility of fermentation grains has also existed. An ancient poem scripted during the Sumerian times talks about the goddess of beer Ninkasi as the one with the power to satisfy human desire. Scripts translated from the era reveal the actual recipe of the drink prepared by the people.

Conclusion

These are some interesting facts about the alcohol we consume for fun and relaxation. Whether it is a toast to a celebration and a soothing drink to ease your nerves, the right spirits can always make a difference. So, get a glass of a drink that pleases you best, and enjoy its intricate flavors and bold punch in all its beauty.

Watch this space for updates in the Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.