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What is 'Proof' as in spirits?

PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2017 10:16 pm
by packapoo
Just read elsewhere that the measurement of 'proof' seems to have a different standard in UK as opposed to USA. Would that be correct? 57% UK/50% US.

(Always seemed to me that to talk proof as opposed to ABV simply set you out as a knob-jockey) ;D ;D

Re: What is 'Proof' as in spirits?

PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2017 12:23 am
by Curmudgeon
US proof is double UK alcohol by volume.

eg 40% abv = 80 proof, 37% abv = 74 proof.

Re: What is 'Proof' as in spirits?

PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2017 6:43 am
by gaza the instructor
Proof was set up to see if a spirit when poured
on gunpowder would still light. This is because the Navy
used to store the Gin under lock and key with the powder.
If the gin spilt on the powder it could still be lit. ;)

Re: What is 'Proof' as in spirits?

PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2017 11:55 pm
by packapoo
Curmudgeon wrote:US proof is double UK alcohol by volume.

eg 40% abv = 80 proof, 37% abv = 74 proof.


Yes, that's what I'd always believed too so I was surprised to read that the figures differed.

Allegedly.....

Re: What is 'Proof' as in spirits?

PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2017 12:02 am
by tealby

Re: What is 'Proof' as in spirits?

PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2017 12:08 am
by Curmudgeon