Why can I handle tequila but not rum?
The science behind why people react differently to various alcohols—like feeling great after tequila but crashing after rum—comes down to more than just chemistry. While ethanol is the common denominator in all alcoholic drinks, the real differences lie in the complex mix of flavor compounds, drinking context, and individual physiology. Dr. Jackie Barker and Dr. Tom Shellhammer explain that the way we consume alcohol—whether in a shot, a glass of wine, or a sugary cocktail—shapes our experience far more than the alcohol itself. They debunk the myth that 'alcohol is alcohol,' emphasizing that congeners, sugar, hydration, and even cultural habits influence how we feel the next day. The episode also tackles the growing trend of low-ABV and non-alcoholic beverages, driven by health concerns, younger generations avoiding intoxication, and a shift in social norms. Contrary to outdated claims that moderate drinking is heart-healthy, new data shows even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer and cardiovascular risks, with past studies likely skewed by confounding factors like lifestyle and health status in abstainers. The conversation reveals that our relationship with alcohol is deeply personal, shaped by biology, culture, and choice—not just chemistry. The most striking takeaway? The idea that 'you're not just drinking alcohol—you're drinking a story.
The difference in how you feel after tequila vs. rum is mostly due to context, drinking speed, and learned associations—not just the alcohol’s chemistry.
Even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer and cardiovascular risk, and past studies claiming 'moderate drinking is healthy' were likely skewed by unhealthy abstainers.
Non-alcoholic beer is booming because brewers now blend fermentation arrest, alcohol removal, and non-fermenting yeast to mimic taste without intoxication.
Sugary cocktails worsen hangovers not through a biochemical interaction with alcohol, but by amplifying dehydration and encouraging overconsumption.
Younger generations are choosing low-ABV or non-alcoholic drinks due to health awareness, lifestyle shifts, and changing social norms around intoxication.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Science of Summer Drinking
Host Jane Lindholm introduces the episode with a focus on the science of alcohol, setting the stage for a discussion on why people react differently to various drinks, even though ethanol is the common ingredient.
Why Tequila Feels Different Than Rum
“It's not necessarily the difference of the alcohol. It's the context and how you've learned to consume those alcohols.”
The Chemistry of Alcohol: More Than Just Ethanol
Dr. Tom Shellhammer explains that while all alcohols contain ethanol, the flavor, aroma, and effects come from congeners, fermentation byproducts, and added ingredients like sugar and salt.
The Mystery of Bob’s Alcohol-Induced Runaround
“He may have woken up still intoxicated, which drove him... to be motivated to run around and perhaps impact his home in unexpected ways.”
Tolerance and the Myth of the 'Hard Drinker'
The episode explores how regular drinkers develop tolerance, but binge drinkers may not—leading to unpredictable effects, especially when mixing substances like caffeine.
“That's not necessarily the difference of the alcohol. It's the context and how you've learned to consume those alcohols.”
“There's a lot baked into the data set that I think kind of created that false impression.”
“My first thought is that Bob may have woken up still intoxicated, which drove him... to be motivated to run around and perhaps impact his home in unexpected ways.”
Host
Guests
Dr. Jackie Barker
person
Dr. Tom Shellhammer
person
Jane Lindholm
person
Science Friday
organization
Drexel University
organization
Oregon State University
organization
Ira and Flora
person
American Society of Brewing Chemists
organization
Guinness Zero
product
Deschutes
product
What's sector growth without job growth?
25m • 6/1/2026
Parenting tips from the animal kingdom
21m • 6/8/2026
How extreme athletes like Alex Honnold keep their cool
22m • 6/9/2026
Episode 362: Aroma Hop Shelf Life
53m • 6/15/2026
Should we bring mountain lions back to the Northeast?
12m • 6/15/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime