Proof (alcohol)

Proof is a measure of the alcohol content in a spirit. The term originated in the United Kingdom and was used to denote the alcohol content of a spirit on a scale from 1 to 100. The proof system in the United States is different from the one used in the United Kingdom. In the United States, proof represents twice the alcohol content by volume. For example, a liquor with 50% alcohol by volume is 100-proof in the U.S.

History

The term "proof" dates back to 16th century England, when spirits were taxed at different rates depending on their alcohol content. The term was used to ensure that the alcohol was not watered down. The proof was determined by soaking a pellet of gunpowder in the spirit. If the gunpowder could still burn, the spirit was rated above proof and taxed at a higher rate.

Proof in the United States

In the United States, the proof is defined as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This system was adopted in 1848 and is simpler and more straightforward than the British system. The U.S. system allows for easy comparison between different types of spirits and their alcohol content.

Proof in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the proof system was based on the amount of alcohol necessary to ignite gunpowder. The British proof system was more complex than the American system and was replaced in 1980 by the simpler alcohol by volume (ABV) system.

See also

• Alcohol by volume
• Distilled beverage
• Alcohol proof in the United States
• Alcohol proof in the United Kingdom