DRUNKENESS IS ONLY A PLASTIC POUCH OF POWDER AWAY!
THAT'S RIGHT.
THE FUTURE IS HERE EVERYBODY.
Hey everyone, Laci Green here for DNews!
Back in my day, if we wanted to get drunk we had to carry a bottle of booze through
the snow, uphill...BOTH WAYS.
But now, kids have "Palcohol".
It's a new and improved way to get drunk that could hit the shelves later this year.
Scientists behind the product have turned liquid alcohol into a powder that you can
mix with water to make your drink.
Their website reports that they have 6 varieties: rum, vodka, and 4 types of cocktails.
Last week, the news spread that Palcohol received its federal approval, causing a mad frenzy....as
you might imagine.
Then a few days later the feds were like OWAIT JK.
That was a mistake.
Palcohol's parent company said the mistake was related to how much powder comes in the
bag and that they're going to resubmit them for approval.
It's worth noting that other countries like Japan, The Netherlands (of course), and Germany
already have similar products on the market.
But how exactly is liquid alcohol turned into a powder?
An old patent from the 1970s lets the public in on Palcohol's boozy little secrets.
First, they dehydrate a vapor-sorbable carbohydrate base down to a moisture content of less than
1%.
Ideally, this carbohydrate powder is one that is easily dissolved in water and perhaps has
a little bit of sweetness.
Once it's been dehydrated to the extreme, the carbohydrate powder is ready to absorb
the ethanol.
Combine in the proper proportions and VOILA!
You have alcohol in powder form.
In order to stay fresh, the powder has to stay in a sealed container, otherwise the
ethanol vapors will seep out.
Palcohol says that their powders are 58% alcohol by weight -- which is why it's also highly
flammable.
When you mix it with water, the percentage is reduced to 12%.
And, FYI, each pouch contains about 80 calories.
Is powdered alcohol the great idea we've all been hoping for?
Well, it depends who you ask.
I think for most people, regular liquid booze is probably fine...but it is a solution for
people who want to take it on the go without carrying heavy bottles.
Think hikers, backpackers, and people who want to slip it in their drink at lunch.
And speaking of slipping things in drinks: that's one of my concerns with a powdered
alcohol - it's actually a little easier to abuse.
In fact, the original Palcohol website MIGHT be described as WILDLY irresponsible, and
COMPLETELY out of control.
Originally, they openly highlighting the fact that you can sneak it into concerts or that
-- even though you shouldn't because that's dangerous kids!
-- it CAN be snorted.
And that it'll get you drunk superfast.
Wink wink.
Since the news broke via public records of the approval, Palcohol added a shiny and professional
new face to their website.
Smart move there.
So folks, is this something you might try if it regains its approval?
Tell me what you think in the comments and if you'd like to learn more check out Anywho's
episode on Palcohol, link down below!
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