The Beer Bell Curve (makes for an interesting lunch conversation)

Jun 4, 2007   //   by Jonathan   //   Blog, Revelry  //  4 Comments

beerbellcurve.jpg

While at lunch with my co-workers today, an interesting subject rose to the surface: the Beer Bell Curve. I forget how… or why… but in general everyone is supportive of my brewing efforts, so most likely it came up in the ceaseless praise for being God’s gift to beer. But, as usual, I digress.

In essence, the “Beer Bell Curve” states that alcohol can improve your performance up to a point, but once you’ve reached that “optimum beeritude” (brewvana?), any additional alcohol will then lower your performance exponentially. This, apparently, is true not only with such games as beer pong and darts, but also with work, including, but not limited to, business writing and math equations. The Beer Bell Curve could also be applied within a social framework. A little beer loosens you up around others, a lot of beer knocks you out.

Question: Is this accurate? It makes sense to me, though I’m still having a hard time justifying going through life with a constant buzz.

  • http://www.thebeertap.typepad.com Jack

    I’ve come to a similar conclusion with friends as well (at work also…hmmm). The primary situation we applied it to was the quest to meet the fairer sex, but we also believed that it applied to others. The only difference was that each situation had its own “curve” dictating the point at which you reached diminishing returns. We liked to call this point “critical smooth”.

  • http://rooftopbrew.net Andy

    I don’t think the peak can be called “brewvana” because nirvana is the ultimate destination, an once you’ve reached it, you’re done. Perma-buzz.

    It’s been a while since discussed this, but we had similar conversations while drinking beer and riding wheelies up the street on my bike. Turns out there’s an optimum amount (2 beers) before you start over pedaling and loosing balance. Your results may vary based on weight and other less easily measured attributes.

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  • http://www.brewvana.wordpress.com J.

    A good topic for discussion. Find my “beerisophical investigations” here: http://brewvana.wordpress.com/2007/06/26/contemplating-beer-paradise/

    J.