Alcohol Testing Device

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seven77

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Hello. I've searched for a while, but is there any sort of device out there that can determine the alcohol content of a beverage? I'm sure it's possible to create such a device cheaply, due to all the breathalizers out there... I'm assuming it'd use the same technology.

If anyone knows of such a device, let me know! I think it'd be a cool gadget to have around the house.

edit: erm... after thinking about this question for a while. I do NOT mean a hydrometer. I know you can deterimine alcohol content when brewing with a hydrometer. I'm actually looking for a device that I can pour a drink into, or dip the device into the drink and it'll give me an alcohol content reading.
 
my liver works awesome determining the alcohol content, send me some to test mate ;)

i think you have to measure it somehow or induce some chemical reaction. don't know much more.
 
seven77 said:
Hello. I've searched for a while, but is there any sort of device out there that can determine the alcohol content of a beverage? I'm sure it's possible to create such a device cheaply, due to all the breathalizers out there... I'm assuming it'd use the same technology.

If anyone knows of such a device, let me know! I think it'd be a cool gadget to have around the house.

edit: erm... after thinking about this question for a while. I do NOT mean a hydrometer. I know you can deterimine alcohol content when brewing with a hydrometer. I'm actually looking for a device that I can pour a drink into, or dip the device into the drink and it'll give me an alcohol content reading.

Best I could find is a hydrometer w/ a Potential Alcohol scale on it. A scale on the hydrometer which treats the estimated sugar content as "pre-alcohol." As fermentation continues, the alcohol content (by volume) can be estimated by subtracting the current potential alcohol reading from the original one.

But I know something like that must exist. My g/f's dad makes 'shine from the leftover seeds and stuff from his wine batches. Says it starts off at 140 proof, and he waters it down to 100. He's supposed to show me how he does this in like October, I think.
 
NUCC98 said:
Best I could find is a hydrometer w/ a Potential Alcohol scale on it. A scale on the hydrometer which treats the estimated sugar content as "pre-alcohol." As fermentation continues, the alcohol content (by volume) can be estimated by subtracting the current potential alcohol reading from the original one.

But I know something like that must exist. My g/f's dad makes 'shine from the leftover seeds and stuff from his wine batches. Says it starts off at 140 proof, and he waters it down to 100. He's supposed to show me how he does this in like October, I think.
There's actually a formula to convert the difference in your hydrometer readings (before and after fermentation) to a % ABV. I don't know it off the top of my head though... but with that any old hydrometer would do the trick. This is really the easiest way that I know to check %ABV...
 
They make test-strips to put in your mouth, to tell you if you're over the limit to drive, so the technology exists...
 
You can use a refractometer and I think it will give a pretty accurate alcohol reading. Here's an article you can read about it.

http://***********/feature/1132.html
 
seven77 said:
Hello. I've searched for a while, but is there any sort of device out there that can determine the alcohol content of a beverage? I'm sure it's possible to create such a device cheaply, due to all the breathalizers out there... I'm assuming it'd use the same technology.

If anyone knows of such a device, let me know! I think it'd be a cool gadget to have around the house.

edit: erm... after thinking about this question for a while. I do NOT mean a hydrometer. I know you can deterimine alcohol content when brewing with a hydrometer. I'm actually looking for a device that I can pour a drink into, or dip the device into the drink and it'll give me an alcohol content reading.

I purchased a hydrometer that gives an alcohol reading. Not specific gravity. The only problem is that it is good for above 10% stuff. But, just to let you know it is available.
 
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