I shoulda known a technician would show up. You're right. Alcohol still means calories; in fact Atkins' diet books talk about alcohol being a "slow down factor" in weight loss, actually having more impact on metabolism mechanisms than calories would have.
That said, a scotch or two has less carbohydrates than an equivalent amount of beer.
Hey, I like 'em both, though not at a single setting (usually). Nevertheless, I was pointing out that alcohol itself, while not considered a protein, fat, or carbohydrate by the food folks is a source of calories. Pure grain alcohol, with none of the "big 3" still packs in a good amount of calories. In my little nutrition text, it lists 80 proof gin as having 97 calories, and zero fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The only point I was making was that alcohol is calorie-intense.
Still, a scotch or two isn't a big deal (nor is a beer or two). Plus, when you factor in the benefits that a single malt has on the soul, you have to favor a couple of scotches here and there. :^)