Understanding the Risks of High-Proof Alcohols: Everclear vs. Beer

High-proof alcohols like Everclear can be extremely dangerous if not consumed responsibly. Understood correctly, the chemistry and health implications of these substances should be considered to ensure personal safety.

Mathematical Understanding of Alcohol Content

To begin with, the mathematical understanding of alcohol content is crucial. Whether you are sipping a shot of Everclear, which is 190 proof, or a standard 12 ounces of beer, the percentage of the chemical alcohol remains constant. For instance, 80 proof alcohol contains 40% chemical alcohol. Therefore, a 6 oz. glass of Everclear (190 proof) contains the same amount of chemical alcohol as 2.4 standard 12 oz. cans of beer.

How Alcohol is Absorbed and Eliminated

It takes approximately 1.5 hours for one standard drink to circulate through the body via the bloodstream, being oxidized by the liver. This time can extend to 2.5 hours if there is food in the stomach. There is no substance that can break down alcohol other than time. Thus, the key rule is to regulate the amount of alcohol consumed based on the time it takes to be eliminated.

Risks and Considerations

The rule of thumb is to limit alcohol consumption to around 10 drinks within an hour, as consuming more alcohol within a short timeframe can be potentially lethal. Pure alcohol, such as those found in Everclear, goes directly into the bloodstream in a matter of minutes, much faster than standard drinks with lower proof alcohol.

Example of Everclear Consumption

A standard US shot (44ml) of Everclear contains 41.8ml of ethanol. This amount is equivalent to the ethanol content in 836ml of a 5% beer. This highlights the significant difference in ethanol content and the potential for rapid intoxication.

Rapid Absorption and Toxicity

Due to its concentration, pure Everclear is extremely dangerous. The LD50 for pure ethanol is about 10cc, which is equivalent to one small shot of Everclear. Even with dilution by stomach fluids, consuming 2 or 3 shots of Everclear can lead to near-lethal intoxication very quickly.

Conclusion

In summary, high-proof alcohols like Everclear must be consumed with extreme caution. Understanding the mathematical content and the rate of absorption is crucial for personal safety. Always dilute such substances and be aware of the risks involved.

Stay Safe

We sincerely hope that this information helps you make informed decisions and stay safe while enjoying your drinks.