Saturday, May 23, 2009

Today's awesome amazing fact

I've often wondered why 100 proof was 50% alcohol. The Bourbon FAQ explains why:
Before the hydrometer became a common instrument of the distiller there existed a method of proofing known as "gunpowder proof". It was a simple procedure and took advantage of readily available "tools". Bourbon and gunpowder were mixed in equal proportions in a small fireproof vessel and ignited. If the flame burned yellow the liquor was too strong, if it burned blue the proof was true. A yellow proofed liquor was mellowed with spring water until it burned blue. The proof of a blue flame spirit was about 100, or 50 per cent.

I have to think there is probably nothing more awesome than taking gunpowder and spirit, mixing it together, and setting it on fire...

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Jack in the box

This is old, but I just saw my first Jack in the Box stoner commercial. Apparently this is a series...