This one I must hear in my shop every day and every day: That the liquor is really more so than beer, or that it is the manner in which we drink it?

As someone who's been running Harry's Liquor for years and helping customers order liquor online, I can tell you there's more to it than meets the eye. Although the direct answer is yes, liquor is usually more potent, the facts vary on the size of a serving, alcohol by volume (ABV) and how your body is responding to each drink.

We shall dissect the facts, clarify a couple of myths and enable you to make some well-thought decisions the next time you go to the shelves or enter an order online.

Understanding Alcohol Strength: It’s All About ABV

Alcohol by volume (ABV) he informs you how much pure alcohol a drink contains. Ethanol is found in beer, wine and spirits, although in varying levels.

• The average ABV of beer ranges between 4%-7% depending on the style and brand.
• Wine averages 12%-15% ABV.
• Liquor is generally in the range of 35-50 ABV, and some spirits are above 60.

Yes, beer is weaker than liquor, as far as weight goes. However, being strong is not the whole story. The manner in which you consume it alters its body experience.

1. Standard Drinks Equalize the Playing Field

The theory of a standard drink assists in the comparison of various alcohol types. It is made out of pure alcohol content:

• Beer: 12 oz at 5% ABV
• Wine: 5 oz at 12% ABV
• Liquor: 1.5 oz (a standard shot) at 40 per cent ABV.

The size of each of these servings is approximately equal in the content of alcohol, approximately 14 grams. This implies that one glass full of spirits should entirely match a can of beer in the level of intake of ethanol.

The majority of people do not drink whiskey as slowly as they drink beer though. Liquor can be made to seem much stronger due to the pace and the amount being served.

2. Why Liquor Hits Faster

Liquor is not only in a higher percentage of alcohol per ounce, but it is also absorbed quicker. The reduced amount of serving, no carbonation and the increased concentration ensure that ethanol gets into your blood more rapidly.

When customers at Harry's wine and liquor are questioned as to why they get tipsy after a drink or two and not after a beer, I respond in the following manner: not what you drink but how fast and how much of it you drink.

3. Mixers Can Be Deceptive

It can be diluted with spirits and soda, juice, and energy drinks, which then cover the intense alcohol taste. This easy makes one underestimate the amount of liquor he or she is drinking.This is one of the reasons why I always remind customers to slow down on this, like they may feel that the cocktail is light, but it can be several shots of hard liquor.

If you order liquor online, check the ABV before mixing. The pre-mixed drinks may have as much as two standard drinks in one can or bottle.

4. Beer vs. Liquor: Hydration and Calories

The other difference that was not taken into account when comparing beer and liquor is the aspect of hydration and calorie effects.

• Beer holds greater amounts of liquid volume and carbohydrates, which means that you are drinking more water (and are filling up quicker).
• Liquor, however, contains high levels of calorie, but is normally drunk in lesser amounts.

Getting in the mood of drinking and being hydrating at the same time, replace every alcohol drink with a glass of water. It's a tip I give to customers who stock up at Harry's Liquor before parties or events, it keeps you feeling your best the next morning.

5. Batch Freshness and Authenticity Still Matter

It does not matter whether you drink beer or bourbon, but it depends upon the quality of the product. When you order liquor online, look for trusted retailers that ensure product authenticity and batch freshness. At Harry's Liquor Store, for example, we rotate our stock regularly and partner with authorized distributors only.

The following are what to consider in purchasing the spirits either online or in-store:

• Test the seal and the cap, they are supposed to be untouched and tamper resistant.
• Check labels, batch code and country of origin.
• Extreme heat or exposure to light cause alteration in the flavor and aroma of high-quality liquors.

True, properly preserved spirits will always provide a more pleasant, easy going experience of drinking, and in many cases, a safer one.

6. Choose What Suits Your Taste and Tolerance

The more powerful drink is not necessarily the one that is good. Others love the refreshing, cool sensation of beer and some love the flavor of bourbon or rum. It merely depends on your mood, the event and your tolerance.

Many of my regulars at Harry's Liquor enjoy both, a cold beer during the game and a neat whiskey to unwind afterward. Balance is key.

In the End

Then, does liquid have more strength than beer? By no means, at least according to the figures. However the true response lies in the way you consume, the combination that you make and the way your body processes it.

The next time you order liquor online or pick up your favorite bottle from Harry's Liquor, take a moment to think about what you're drinking and why. Being aware of alcohol strength, pacing and authenticity makes you a conscious drinker and not a casual one.

And, ultimately, there is no need to drink good liquor by the strength of it, but by tasting the hand, the quality and experience of all the pouring.