In this brief article, we will provide an answer to the question, “What has more alcohol, wine or beer?”. Furthermore, we will elaborate on the types and uses of alcohol.
What has more alcohol, wine or beer?
The amount of alcohol in the wine is more as compared to beer.
Generally, wine has about 8% to 25% ABV. While beer has 0.05% to 12% ABV.
But, do not be fooled by the ABV. Just because you have 25% ABV does not mean you will automatically get more intoxicated than the 12% ABV partner.
Also, not all wine and beer are produced in the same way. You can have a hard cider or low alcohol beer that is 0.05% ABV and still get thrashed. Various aspects will decide how intoxicated you can get including:
- The duration of the alcohol
- Your bodyweight
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
- How quickly alcohol is body metabolism
- Your gender
- Any medicines you are taking
- The amount of food you have consumed
- Your overall health
How to determine alcohol content?
The content of alcohol is determined by measuring the volume. This is also known as ABV. The original gravity of alcohol is subtracted from the final gravity. Then this number is multiplied by 131.25. The obtained number is the percent of alcohol present in the drink.
What are the types of alcohol?
There are three types of alcohol which are as follows.
Methyl alcohol: The common use of methyl alcohol is in manufacturing. Another name of methyl alcohol is wood alcohol.
Countless uses of methyl alcohol include its use as paint remover, anti-freezing agent and to make plastics and explosives. Also, to protect the fuel from freezing, methyl alcohol is added to the fuels of cars and boats.
Isopropyl alcohol: The main use of isopropyl alcohol is in sterilization. The alternative name of Isopropyl alcohol is rubbing alcohol. It is used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. Cosmetics, lotions and cleaning products also contain Isopropyl alcohol.
Ethyl alcohol: The production of ethyl alcohol takes place by the fermentation of multiple sugars, starches and yeast. The best thing about this alcohol is its ability to affect behavior and mood positively.
Our liver can easily metabolize ethyl alcohol but in limited quantities. But the long term use of ethyl alcohol damages the liver and brain. Coordination and judgment abilities are also disturbed due to long term use of ethyl alcohol.
What methods are used in the production of alcohol?
Two methods commonly used to make alcohol are as follows.
Fermentation of carbohydrates: This process starts with glucose. There are two parts to the fermentation of carbohydrates. Breakdown of glucose is carried out in the first step, which forms 2 pyruvate molecules. This breakdown is carried out by yeast. The first part is known as glycolysis.
Two pyruvate molecules formed in the first step are converted into 2 molecules of carbon dioxide and two molecules of ethanol in the second step. The second step is known as fermentation.
From the fermentation of carbohydrates, ATP is obtained along-with alcohol. ATP provides energy to our body under anaerobic conditions. In both steps of fermentation of carbohydrates, multiple electron acceptors are used.
Hydration of ethylene: The production of alcohol by hydration of ethylene is carried out in three steps. These steps are as follows.
- The hydrogen atoms of phosphoric acid are positively charged. A strong bond is formed between one hydrogen atom and a carbon-carbon double bond.
- The electrons in the pi part of the bond move toward the bottom for making a new bond with hydrogen when it breaks. Due to this, the electrons in the hydrogen-oxygen bond are forced down entirely on the oxygen.
- A reaction between lone pairs present on water molecules and carbonium ions takes place. Ion carrying a positive charge on the carbon atom is known as carbocation.
- After reaction with the dihydrogen phosphate, there is a removal of one of the hydrogen atoms on the oxygen atom. Regeneration of phosphoric acid, which serves as a catalyst, takes place and ethanol is obtained.
What are the uses of alcohol?
Uses of alcohol are as follows.
As a chemical feedstock: To carry out the production of methanal by catalytic oxidation, methanol is used as a chemical feedstock on a large scale. Besides this, it is also used to make acetic acid.
As a solvent: Alcohol can be used as a solvent for resins, dyes and inks. Alcohol also finds its uses as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry.
As a fuel: The purpose of adding alcohol to fuel is to improve combustion. It is used as an additive in petrol.
Other FAQs about Wine that you may be interested in.
Can you cook with wine when pregnant?
Does red wine have to be refrigerated?
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have provided an answer to the question, “What has more alcohol, wine or beer?”. Furthermore, we have elaborated on the types and uses of alcohol.
References
https://www.alcoholhelp.com/alcohol/types-of-alcohol/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/alcohol-fermentation-definition-equation-process.html
