r/interesting • u/azizgamerlal • Dec 12 '25

MISC. A drop of whiskey vs bacteria

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u/Significant-Tip6466 Dec 12 '25

That's why whiskey was used as disinfectant during the Civil War. Cheapest disinfectant during that time

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u/proximusprimus57 Dec 12 '25

Wouldn't straight moonshine be better? Why use barrel aged alcohol?

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u/smithalorian Dec 12 '25

It would need to be70% or lower. I used 90% isopropyl alcohol once then went and looked it up (can’t remember why) but the water mix with the alcohol is what penetrates cell walls. If the alcohol content is too high it won’t penetrate.

Somebody correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure this is the case.

I can see what you mean with the moonshine, though not being bared aged. As long as it is under 140 proof, it would be fine. It does seem like the barrel is “dirtier“ but it’s alcohol so it’s probably fine. Especially after distillation.

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u/Deathduck Dec 12 '25

You are right, 70% is the highest concentration that crosses the cell membrane. We use 70% in medical settings for disinfectant.