There are two different numbers on a bottle containing an alcoholic drink. The first one will show an ABV percentage representing alcohol by volume. It is easy to understand as it simply refers to the percentage of alcohol in the entire liquid. Because it is so easy to use and understand, it is also an international standard.
The other number indicates the proof, which is a measurement that varies from country to country. It first appeared in 16th century England where such drinks were taxed higher by the government. In the United States, this standard is easy to understand because it makes a drink with 50% alcohol to be exactly 100 proof.
Summary
The most common way to find the alcohol proof in a given liquid, you have to double the volume percentage noted, so 20% alcohol becomes 40 proof.
As we tested various alcohol proof testers, the best one clearly is : Hydrometer Alcohol Meter Test Kit
In this article, we’ll also go over different the following topics:
- Examples of alcohol with different proofs
- Typical alcohol percentages in different beverages
Continue reading
Let’s dive deeper into this subject and learn more about this standard. Below, you will find 7 interesting facts about “proof alcohol.”
We’ll look at some of these things:
- Proof vs. percent
- The highest-proof
- A chart with different types of beverages
- How to test
- Hydrometers
What is proof in alcohol?
Proof in alcohol is a unit of measurement that will help you determine the content of alcohol in a beverage. If the concentration is high, the drink is also strong. For tax purposes, it was decided by the government that any liquor bottle that has 50% alcohol will be considered 100 proof.
It is a standard used to determine the tax on alcoholic drinks. A bottle of vodka with 40% alcohol can be considered 80 proof, and so on. Some strong drinks with 96% alcohol can reach 192 proof, while soft ones will go as low as 80 proof.
But this standard varies worldwide, so it is not a universal international measurement system. For example, a French liquor with 60% alcohol would be considered 60 proof by the French government.
Alcohol proof chart
| Type of drink | ABV | Proof |
| Malt Beverage | 15% | 30 |
| Beer | 4-8% | 8 – 16 |
| Unfortified Wine | 14-16% | 28 – 32 |
| Fortified Wine | 16-24% | 32 – 48 |
| Liqueurs | 15% | 30 |
| Tequila | 50% | 100 |
| Whiskey | 36-50% | 72 – 100 |
| Rum | 36-50% | 72 – 100 |
| Gin | 36-50% | 72 – 100 |
| Vodka | 40-95% | 40 – 190 |
Proof versus percent
There are 2 methods for finding out the alcohol content of a beverage: proof and alcohol by volume. The proof of an alcoholic beverage in the US will always be double the ABV. That is why a whisky with 50% alcohol is also called ”100-proof whisky”.
Alcohol by volume is commonly abbreviated as ABV, and it measures the ethanol content in an alcoholic beverage. The result is expressed as a volume percentage, and this is a standard that is used worldwide.
On the other hand, proof is a measurement system developed by the British Royal Navy in the 18th century when seamen received a daily ration of rum. Because rum contained 57% alcohol, the volume was graded as 100 proof.
What is the highest number possible?
Most of the time, proof is used mainly in liquors that are at least 40 proof. The lowest-proof drinks can go as low as 66 and even 42-proof. However, to be considered a straight liquor, the beverage has to feature at least 80 proof.
On the other hand, a highly concentrated beverage can reach up to 192 proof in the United States. The strongest one you will find on the shelf is Spirytus, a Polish vodka with 96% alcohol or 192 proof.
Compared to Everclear which has 95% alcohol, Spirytus has a higher alcohol percentage. Pure alcohol is also known as ethanol and is very volatile. It dissipates more easily than water. When it is exposed to air, it will draw out any moisture from the atmosphere.
Therefore, it is impossible to drink 200-proof alcohol. As you pour it into the glass, it will no longer have the same concentration by the time you bring the glass to your lips. You might find 200-proof alcohol in some stores, but it isn’t sold for personal consumption.
How to test
There are many methods to test alcohol, but using a hydrometer is the most effective. The hydrometer is an instrument that will measure the percentage of alcohol in a beverage. It measures the density of your drink while comparing it to the standard density of water.
There are two types of hydrometers used by experts in breweries. These are the brewing hydrometer and proofing hydrometer. Their main difference is the scale they use.
The brewing hydrometer can only measure up to 20% alcohol, while the proofing one is much more advantaged. It can measure up to 200 proofs or 100% ABV. To measure your drink, you must float the hydrometer above it and check the reading on its side.
Check the product below if you are wondering where to find a good hydrometer. After researching the market for hours, it is the best one we could find.
| Alcohol proof | Example |
| 70 | Southern Comfort |
| 80 | Jameson Irish Whiskey |
| 120 | Everclear 120 |
| 150 | Sierra Tequila Silver |
| 180 | River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum |
| 190 | Everclear |
Hydrometer Test Kit: American-Made
This high-quality product is fully American-made, so you can rest assured that you will get an original product manufactured within the country. It meets and also exceeds the standards imposed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. You can measure concentrations from 0 to 200, with readings visible on the scale.
Whether you want to measure moonshine, corn whiskey, or high-alcohol liquor, this tool is the best to get the job done. Inside the package, you can find the hydrometer alongside a solid borosilicate glass test tube when the order gets delivered to you.
A stainless steel bottle brush is also included, designed for use in a very narrow test jar. A microfiber cloth and operation instructions are also provided to know how to measure your beverage properly and easily.
| Name | Hydrometer Alcohol Meter Test Kit |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Brewing America |
| Package Dimensions | 14.76 x 4.61 x 3.03 inches |
Pros
- You receive a great set.
- It comes from a trusted manufacturer.
- It’s easy to use.
- It can be a great gift.
- It’s packaged well.
Cons
- There are ones that are a bit cheaper.
- A user had ordered it, but it came without a hydrometer. However, the situation was quickly fixed.
