Alcohol why proof

Grain alcohol or spirits may be labeled using proof rather than percent alcohol. Here's what proof means and an explanation of why it's used and how it's determined. Alcohol proof is twice the volume percentage of ethyl alcohol ethanol in an alcoholic beverage. It is a measure of the ethanol a specific type of alcohol content of an alcoholic beverage.

However, the UK now uses ABV as the standard to express alcohol concentration, rather than the original definition of proof. Pure alcohol or absolute alcohol is proof. However, because alcohol and water form an azeotropic mixture , this purity level cannot be obtained using simple distillation.

Since ABV is the basis for calculated alcohol proof, it's useful to know how alcohol by volume is determined. There are two methods: measuring alcohol by volume and measuring alcohol by mass. Countries belonging to the European Union may measure ABV using either mass percent or volume percent. The United States measures alcohol content in terms of alcohol percent by volume.

The percentage of alcohol by volume must be labelled, although most liquors also state proof. Alcohol content may vary within 0. Officially, Canada uses US labeling stating percent alcohol by volume, although the UK proof standard may still be seen and heard. The UK used to measure alcohol content using proof spirit. The term came from the 16th century when British sailors were given rations of rum.

In order to demonstrate the rum hadn't been watered down, it was "proved" by covering it with gunpowder and igniting it.

If the rum didn't burn, it contained too much water and was "under proof", while if it burned, this meant at least In , the specific gravity test replaced the gunpowder test. Until January 1, , the UK measured alcohol content using proof spirit, which was equivalent to The taxes for other alcohols — those more or less than proof — would be taxed accordingly based on their relationship to this proof baseline.

The scale used to be different in the U. Which made proof numbers different in the U. K than in the U. The use of proof in relation to ABV is an honor reserved mostly for liquors above 40 proof in strength. No alcohol that can safely or legally be ingested by human beings can reach proof. In fact, drinking proof alcohol is already extremely dangerous and is not legal in some states.

The dangers of drinking high-proof spirits are similar to the risks of drinking too much alcohol in general. These include:. There is also a much higher chance of developing alcohol poisoning if you drink high-proof spirits. Signs to watch out for include:. If you think somebody is experiencing alcohol poisoning or any other related health problem, seek medical help immediately.

Information about Alcohol. Mostofsky, E. American journal of public health, 9 , — National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Alcohol's Effects on the Body. National Health Services. The Risks of Drinking Too Much. What is a Standard Drink? Rethinking Drinking. Cocktail Content Calculator.

Home » Alcohol » Alcohol Proof. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information : verify here. Updated on October 26, Medically Reviewed. Written by. Jordan Flagel. Evidence Based. Jump to topic. We're here to help you or your loved one. Professional guidance and support is available. Begin a life of recovery by reaching out to a specialist today. Signs to watch out for include: Pale skin Slow or irregular breathing Difficulty walking Hypothermia Stomach and intestinal bleeding Stupor Unsteadiness Vomiting, particularly with blood.

What's Next? Alcohol Tolerance.