MythBusters Season 3 Episode 25 Vodka Myths

The popular scientific television program MythBusters released its third season's 25th episode titled "Vodka Myths" aimed at demystifying a few of the most popular myths about the universally drank alcoholic beverage - vodka.

The hosts of the show started by investigating whether or not the famed "vodka eyeballing" trick was real. The trick involves pouring vodka directly into one's eyes as a way of experiencing an instantaneous alcoholic buzz. The hosts conducted an experiment with special sensors, observers, and technical equipment to record the phenomenon's effects on the eye. From the results, it was clear that vodka eyeballing is a real phenomenon, and the trick can be dangerous as the alcohol directly hitting the eyeball can lead to burns or corneal abrasions.

In another experiment, the hosts wanted to determine whether premium vodka was better than cheap vodka or if the difference in quality only exists in the mind. They assembled two sets of glasses, with one containing high-end vodka and the other with cheap vodka. Participants had to try both and judge which one they preferred and whether they could tell the difference between the two. Surprisingly, none of the tasters preferred the higher-end vodka, with most stating that it was merely a personal preference. The experiment showed that vodka quality comes down to a matter of personal taste.

The hosts also went on to test another popular myth that vodka could cure poison ivy rash. To do this, they placed an irritant substance equivalent to poison ivy on their hands and poured vodka onto one hand and water on the other hand to compare the effect. While some participants experienced temporary relief from the vodka, it turned out that it was because the alcohol numbed the skin's surface, not because it had any healing properties. The experiment showed that vodka does not have any medicinal attributes, and the only suitable remedy for poison ivy is professional medical treatment.

The show hosts also tackled the long-held belief that vodka can cause explosives to freeze, therefore rendering them ineffective. They set up a series of experiments with different alcohols, including vodka, to test the theory. The alcohols were placed in a container, which was then subjected to sub-zero temperatures, and explosives were added to the contents. The results showed that vodka had no effect on the explosives' freezing point, and the myth was confirmed to be false.

Lastly, the hosts investigated whether vodka can remove the smell of food, sweat, or other strong scents from clothing. To test this, they used two identical outfits, with one being soaked in water, followed by being doused in vodka; the other outfit was only soaked in water. Both outfits were hung to dry, and participants were asked to sniff both. Almost all the participants could not tell the difference between the outfit soaked in vodka or the one soaked in only water. It was concluded that while vodka could be a temporary solution to remove undesirable smells, it is not effective as washing the clothing in regular detergent.

In conclusion, the third season's 25th episode of MythBusters, titled "Vodka Myths," debunked several prominent myths surrounding vodka. The show's experiments demonstrated that vodka eyeballing is a real phenomenon but not one to be attempted as it can cause serious damage to eyesight. Vodka's quality comes down to personal taste and preference rather than the price or brand, and vodka does not have any medicinal properties. It was confirmed that vodka doesn't cause explosives to freeze or remove undesirable odors from clothes, albeit the alcohol may temporarily cancel out stronger scents.