Alcoholic beverage

Alcoholic beverage: An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol (commonly called alcohol). Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits.

Alcohol content of beverages

The concentration of alcohol in a beverage is usually stated as the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) or—in the United States—as proof. In the U.S., proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., 80 proof = 40% ABV). Degrees proof were formerly used in the United Kingdom, where 100 degrees proof was equivalent to 57.1% ABV. Historically, this was the most dilute spirit that would sustain the combustion of gunpowder.

Ordinary distillation cannot produce alcohol of more than 95.6% ABV (191.2 proof) because at that point alcohol is an azeotrope with water. A spirit which contains a very high level of alcohol and does not contain any added flavoring is commonly called a neutral spirit. Generally, any distilled alcoholic beverage of 170 proof or higher is considered to be a neutral spirit.[6]

Most yeasts cannot reproduce when the concentration of alcohol is higher than about 18%, so that is the practical limit for the strength of fermented beverages such as wine, beer, and sake. Strains of yeast have been developed that can reproduce in solutions of up to 25% ABV.

Effect of Alcohol on Human Beings

Effect of Alcohol

Chemically the term alcohol refers to a group of organic compounds, having -OH group in their composition. But the word alcohol used by the common man refers to ethyl alcohol or ethanol. It has a variety of uses, especially as a solvent.n small quantities it may serve as a source of energy, but in large amounts, it affects the nervous system. The person experiences loss of control over muscles and loses his or her sense of balance and mental ability. It can be a habit forming activity. If consumed over a period of time, alcohol can ruin one's health especially the liver, which gets affected by cirrhosis. This type of consumption can be fatal and ruins one's family life.