[neilep (OP)]

Dearest Alcys,

I'm a tea totaller but we've all seen the scene on TV when someone takes a drink of a strong alcoholic beverage ...then they pull a face and their voice has gone except for a gasp of air !!...

...what's that all about ? and does it really happen ?...has it ever happened to you ?...I've never seen it happen amongst alcy loving peeps that I know...but there must be some truth to it yes ?..

..an explanation into the biology of it would be nice.

whajafink ?


Men are the same as women, just inside out !

[ROBERT]

My guess is that inhaling the vapour from a strong alcohol solution, (whisky is about 40% ethanol), coating the pharynx, is sufficient to remove the lubrication from the vocal chords, instantly causing a hoarse voice.

Heavy drinkers who take spirits do have hoarse voices.
The gravel voiced Keith Richards (of the Rolling Stones) is said to be keen on "Jack Daniels" whisky.
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/c/z/czp108/example1.htm

[Karen W.]

Hey Neil there was one time I tried a small drink( a small gulp)  of This boot leg white lighting so to speak that my mother in law brought back from Arkansaw from her Uncles Still! Holly crude Just one sip absolutely took my breath away. The alchhol content was so High I could hardly breath. It made me choke and sputter, once I was able to get some air.WHEW! I 'll not ever do that again! It really can happen, but I think It is only with very strong liquior like you stated. This stuff was burning all the way down and up into my nostrills, sure clear your nose fast if you were sick, but I don't recommend it. I am not a drinker, so I am probably a whimp, but never again!!!...Karen

[ROBERT]

From personal experience I know that strong drink dehydrates tissues.
The day after the first, (and last), time I drank neat whisky, the skin on my lips dried up and peeled off like sunburn. [xx(]

[neilep (OP)]

THANK YOU Robert & Karen,

So, ti's true !....cheers !!

Men are the same as women, just inside out !