Proof, Q.E.D.

The alcohol proof system can be a source of confusion, especially since it's usually pondered while consuming alcohol. In the U.S., the system is actually fairly simple: a spirit's proof number is twice the percent alcohol by volume (ABV), so standard 80 proof liquor contains 40 percent alcohol.

Like I said, simple. Also boring. The cool part is how and why the system developed, which was to allow early revenue collectors to determine (in the field and sans laboratories) whether a beverage was subject to liquor taxes. A small amount of the liquid in question would be poured on a pinch of gunpowder which the examiner then tried to light. If the wet powder burned the liquid had to contain more alcohol than water, at which point it was considered 100 percent proven taxable. The minimum alcohol content required for ignition actually turned out to be 57 percent ethanol, which the U.S. then rounded down to 50 percent to simplify its proof system. And that's how 50 percent alcohol became 100 proof.

So what does this mean to today's bartenders and hosts? A couple of things. First, that liquors of 100 proof or more (also know as overproof liquors) will burn. Second, and more importantly, that a mixed drink containing 1 shot (1.25 ounces) of standard 80 proof liquor actually contains 0.5 ounce of pure ethanol. Compare that with a 12-ounce domestic beer at about 4 percent alcohol (0.48 ounce ethanol), or a 5-ounce glass of wine at 12 percent alcohol (0.6 ounce ethanol), and you'll see that each of these common beverage servings contain about the same amount of ethanol -- about 1/2 ounce.

I know I've pointed this out before, but it bears repeating. And please keep it in mind when serving your guests...especially when that guy who's "only been drinking beer all night" wants to drive home.

International Podcasting Expo

Just wanted to let you know that I will be speaking at the Online International Podcasting Expo this coming weekend, October 20-22, 2006.

All you need is an internet connection with speakers to attend, and a headset microphone to participate verbally. My two seminars will be part of 40 audio/visual seminars and networking events based on Podcasting and Blogging.

My "Introduction to VideoCasting" session will be Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 9:00A EST, and my "Advanced VideoCasting" session will be Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 10:30P EST.

I will also have an online booth, where you can come and meet with me during the weekend, and you can visit the Exhibitor Halls and attend three Keynote Sessions for free. Joyce and Uchenna Agu, winners of Season 7 of CBS’s Amazing Race, will conduct a public interview during the Expo at 4:15pm EST on Saturday, October 21st. You can come and meet them in person.

You can check out the online schedule of speakers and topics here. Whether you are only researching the subject of Podcasting, have just started podcasting, or are an experienced Podcaster, this Expo will offer something for everyone.

An unlimited attendance ticket includes:
-Entrance to all 40+ Seminar, Workshop and Networking Sessions.
-Downloads of all recordings from these events.
-A FREE Lifetime License for Pamela Pro (a $25 Skype Add-On) that offers a Skype -Answering Machine, Auto Skype Chat Reply, Change Skype status when on a call, Skype Contact Personalisation, Separate Voicemail Greeting for your SkypeIn number, Time Scheduling, Email Forwarding, Call, Video and Chat Recording, Skype Podcasting and Blogging, Notes taking during call, Start other apps when you receive a Skype call and more.
-A FREE Recording and Editing Program for PCs – Wavepad.
-A FREE Mixing Program for PCs – MixPad.
-A FREE Podcasting Handbook multi-media ebook (a $19.95 value).
-Various other giveaways from seminar presenters, including my offer of our best-selling "Art of the Drink, Volume 1: Bar Essentials" DVD.

Tickets are only $25. To check it out and sign up, just click here.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Calling All AOTD Fans!

While we're on break (which, by the way, is almost over) and you find yourself with a few extra minutes that you'd normally spend watching the latest AOTD episode, it'd be great if you could help us spread the word about your favorite bartending podcast. We really need some reviews on iTunes, so if you like the show please find us under their Music Store/Podcasts/Arts/Food (or just search for "Art of the Drink" in the iTunes Music Store) and write a quick flattering sentence or two.

And if you happen to have another minute, maybe you could drop a quick e-mail to the YouTube folks at:

editor@youtube.com

asking them to review our videos (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drinkart) for a feature on the YouTube homepage. Thanks for all your support, and we'll be back with a new special episode in a few more days!