When was the last time you bought a bottle of booze based on its alcohol proof? It might sound like a silly question, but lots of people check the proof of the alcohol they purchase.
Alcohol proof is a measurement. You’ll find it in percentage form on the label of any purchasable alcoholic beverage. It indicates how much alcohol or ethanol is inside. The term originated in the United Kingdom and is equal to roughly 1.75 times the alcohol by volume (ABV). Today, the UK uses the alcohol by volume (ABV) standard over alcohol proof, but the US still uses alcohol proof, which is defined as twice the percentage of ABV.
The History of Alcohol Proof
The determination of the proof of alcohol started in 16th Century England. Alcohol, then called spirits, was taxed at different degrees based on its alcohol content. To determine the content of spirits, a pellet of gunpowder was drenched in it. If the powder burned afterwards, the alcohol was rated as ‘above proof’ and taxed at a higher rate. If the powder did not burn at all, it held less than 57.15 percent ABV and was taxed at a lower rate.
In 1816, the gunpowder test was replaced by a gravity test. In this UK test, the alcohol content was measured in “proof spirit,” which was said to be spirit (alcohol) with a gravity of 12/13 that of water and equal to 57.15 percent ABV.
The proof method used here in the US was established in 1848. It was loosely based on the percent of alcohol instead of specific gravity. 50 percent alcohol was equal to 100 proof. Today, we see alcohol content measured by its percentage of ABV.
Regulation of Alcohol
The European Union, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada all regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol. In the US, you must be 21 years of age to buy and consume alcohol. The proof bought determines impact. For example:
- 90 proof rum contains 45 percent alcohol by volume.
- 30 proof rum contains 15 percent alcohol by volume.
- The higher the proof, the more potent the alcohol, and the less it takes to feel its effects.
Drinking Responsibly
Alcohol is a legal addictive substance. For some, one drink is all it takes for the addiction to manifest. Alcohol dependency can be physical, psychological, or a combination of the two. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink as long as you drink responsibly.
In the US, 1 in 3 car crash deaths is caused by drunk driving. Part of drinking responsibly is knowing when it isn’t safe to drive. The legal driving limit in North Carolina is a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level. Depending on alcohol proof, the limit can be reached in 1 to 1.5 drinks. It pays to know the potency of what you are consuming.
Always designate a sober driver; someone who hasn’t had any alcohol. If you drink enough to feel buzzed, remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Call a cab. Call a friend. Call it quits before trouble ensues!