Why Sherlock Holmes' Sobriety Scheme Won't Work

by The Drink Nation on Jan 8, 2014 in Culture

By keeping close track of exactly how much alcohol you consume in a given period of time, is it possible to ride that fine line between mild intoxication — or slightly buzzed, if you prefer — and all out sloppy drunkenness?

It’s an interesting concept that served as a well played subplot in the most recent episode of the hit BBC program Sherlock, “The Sign of Three.”

For those who haven’t seen it yet, here’s a quick recap.

Ahead of sidekick Watson’s wedding day, Sherlock Holmes takes him out for a stag party (that’s a bachelor party for us Yanks). Prior to stepping out for the evening, he asks pathology lab assistant Molly Hooper to calculate both his and Watson’s ideal alcohol intake to, as he put it, “remain in the sweet spot,” adding that “light headed is good."

From there Holmes and Watson begin hitting bars, drinking only a prescribed 437 milliliters of beer at a time from graduated cylinders. To further avoid inebriation, they factor in things like the time between drinks, and the number of trips to the loo.

Without giving away too much, this effort to avoid getting stinking drunk is ultimately foiled. You’ll have to watch it to find out why.

But in theory, carefully measured beer consumption, as Holmes envisioned, could conceivably keep you relatively sober in a marathon session, like a bachelor party. However, our informal polling of medical and scientific professionals has determined that it’s way more complicated than what was depicted in that Sherlock episode.

First off, it would require multiple experiments on each individual drinking, and meticulously accurate measurements over time to gather enough useful data that could be compared to known metabolic standards to get a close approximation of a person’s ability to metabolize alcohol.

And even then, a straight measure of alcohol intake on it’s own just won’t produce reliable information. There are countless other variables — everything from height and weight to how much and how long ago food was consumed — that would have to be taken into consideration.

Nonetheless, we still think drinking beer out of graduated cylinders looks pretty cool, and would love to see the trend take off.


Tags: Beer, Education
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close