To continue our speculation, we can assume that our terminal gravity—to have produced that 4 percent alcohol content after fermentation—would have been about 42 percent of that figure. Forty-two percent of 12.5 (the original gravity) would give us a terminal gravity that would yield about 5.25 percent unfermentables.
That in turn would give us a guess at the terminal gravity: i.e., about specific gravity 1.0283 or 7.1 degrees Plato, from which we can conclude that there are about 7.1 percent remaining unfermentables in the beer—that would be our carbohydrate content. Thus 7.1 times 4 gives us 28.4 calories from that source. Total so far, (100 + 28.4) about 128 calories. And we also know that there is about one gram of unfermentable protein remaining in the beer, yielding another four calories: Total 132 calories. Not particularly accurate, but a fairly close approximation nevertheless.
Now in Fred Lite, we’re drinking equal parts water and good beer in alternation, so there are now 66 total calories per 12 ounces consumed, which is actually lower than most light beers, which come in around 90 or so total. So we’re right on target in Fred Lite. Still too many calories? Just add more water before or after the fact. Fred Lite will improve your life because it also helps control your alcohol intake, whilst still enjoying the good taste. And the extra water inside you is good for your system.
Why Do We Drink?
Colin Dexter’s hero, Inspector Morse in the PBS series by the same name, put the whole thing in perspective when he said, “Light beer is the invention of the Dark Prince.” Light beer gives us alcohol but little flavor.
Do we drink only to get drunk? If so I recommend Everclear at 95 percent alcohol. A couple of glasses should do the trick. But if we have some other reason to drink (taste? enjoyment? conversation?) then beer, ale, sake and even wine are my choices. All have taste to enhance one’s enjoyment and generate conversation.
We really do need a lighter beer, one with about 3.5 percent ABV (or less) to drink over a two- or three-hour period and preferably one with flavor. Color might be welcome, too. The now defunct Grant’s Brewery once brewed Celtic Ale, just such a beer. In the British style known as “mild,” it had only 99 calories, in deference to those who fear they’d drink themselves into obesity. The alcohol content was 3.4 percent ABV. It had good color at 25 SRM, but it was also very flavorful with 3.95 percent dextrin!
The brewery no longer exists, and this wonderful beer didn’t sell because Americans are simply not interested in a beer type called mild. Moreover, American ale drinkers definitely go for the alcohol. Pity, that. Of my friends who drink “light” beer, most consume it by the six-pack while watching football on TV. Not much weight control there. Let me suggest that if weight control is a problem, drink less, but drink better. Self-brew your own Fred Lite!
*Original gravity measures the amount of fermentable and unfermentable materials dissolved in wort (the sweet liquid that will become beer) before fermentation.
**Earl Stewart, Schwartz Laboratory, in the now defunct American Brewer, April 1954.
