Does beer and wine get you drunk?

Answered by Robert Golston

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that both and have the potential to get you drunk. However, the rate at which you feel inebriated can vary depending on several factors such as the content, the amount consumed, and individual tolerance levels.

Let's start by discussing wine. Wine typically has a higher alcohol content compared to beer. On average, wine contains around 12-15% alcohol by volume (ABV), whereas beer usually ranges from 4-6% ABV. This means that wine contains approximately 3.2 times more alcohol than beer.

When it comes to the rate at which you feel the effects of alcohol, it can vary from person to person. However, generally speaking, wine is known to have a quicker onset of intoxication compared to beer. This is because the higher alcohol content in wine allows it to be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. As a result, you may start feeling the effects of wine in a relatively shorter period of time.

On the other hand, beer may take a bit longer to have the same impact. The lower alcohol content in beer means that it takes longer to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, you may need to consume a larger volume of beer compared to wine to experience the same level of intoxication.

It's worth noting that individual tolerance levels can also play a significant role in how quickly one feels inebriated. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and previous alcohol consumption can influence how alcohol affects each individual. Someone with a higher tolerance may require more alcohol to feel drunk, while someone with a lower tolerance may feel the effects more quickly.

In terms of the duration of intoxication, both beer and wine can have a lasting impact. The effects of alcohol can vary depending on the amount consumed, individual tolerance, and the rate of alcohol metabolism. Generally, it takes the body about one hour to metabolize one standard drink (containing approximately 14 grams of alcohol). However, this can vary depending on factors such as gender, age, and overall health.

To summarize, both beer and wine have the potential to get you drunk. Wine, with its higher alcohol content, may lead to a quicker onset of intoxication compared to beer. However, the rate at which you feel drunk can vary depending on individual factors such as tolerance, metabolism, and the amount consumed. It is always important to consume alcohol responsibly and be aware of your own limits.