Too Absent Herald

The reason why alcohol is defined both by a percent and a proof (where the proof = 2 X %) is because of an outdated technique that was used to ‘prove’ the alcohol content of a given liquid. At the time this formula was introduced an accurate hydrometer could not be produced for a reasonable amount of capital, so determining the amount of alcohol required substantially more finagling.

The method involved the following:

Distillers added equal parts salt-peter (Potassium Nitrate) and sulfur to a volume of their alcoholic beverage. If added such that the combined salt peter and sulfur were equal in volume to the beverage under testing, the distiller would create a convenient combination of alcohol, water, and gunpowder. If the amounts of alcohol and water were equal, and the gunpowder twice that amount (by volume), the solution would burn in a constant, brilliant blue color. This color was considered adequate proof that 1/2 the solution was pure alcohol. If the ratio of water to alcohol favored the water, the mixture would not burn, while adding alcohol would cause the mixture to burn cooler (changing the flame to more erratic reds and yellows). The different results led to . . . that’s right, the terms over and under-proof.

The real question? I can buy a digital hydrometer online for less than $25.00. Why the fuck do I still need to know what two times the percent alcohol in my bottle is?

All intellectual endeavors aside: have you seen ‘Psycho Beach Party’? I think it’s playing on HBO this month. you should see it.

Piece.