What amount of alcohol is equivalent in one and one-half ounces of 86 proof liquor?

One and one-half ounces of 86 proof liquor contains the same amount of alcohol as 12 ounces of beer because both drinks provide an equivalent amount of pure alcohol when calculated based on standard serving sizes.

The proof of liquor indicates its alcohol content, with 86 proof containing 43% alcohol by volume (ABV). The amount of pure alcohol in one and one-half ounces of 86 proof liquor can be calculated as follows:

1.5 ounces x 0.43 = 0.645 ounces of pure alcohol.

In comparison, a typical serving size for beer is 12 ounces, and the average beer has an alcohol content of about 5% ABV. This means:

12 ounces x 0.05 = 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.

Thus, 12 ounces of beer is roughly equivalent in alcohol content to one and one-half ounces of 86 proof liquor. This equivalency is key for understanding how alcohol affects impairment and for responsible consumption, as well as for making informed choices while operating a vehicle or motorcycle.