Proof is a measure of the alcohol content in a beverage, specifically referring to the percentage of ethanol by volume. In the United States, the proof system is used, where the proof is simply double the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) percentage. For example, a spirit with 40% ABV would be 80-proof
. The proof system has its origins in 16th century England, where it was used to determine the strength of a spirit based on its ability to ignite a gunpowder pellet soaked in it
. Wine typically has a lower alcohol content compared to hard liquor, with an average glass of wine containing about 11% to 13% alcohol. Bottles of wine can range from as little as 5.5% ABV to as much as 20%
. Beer and wine generally have lower alcohol contents than hard liquor, which is why they are not typically measured by proof. The proof system was created for liquors above 40 proof in strength
. In summary, proof is a measure of the alcohol content in a beverage, with a higher proof indicating a stronger drink. The proof system is primarily used for hard liquor, while beer and wine have lower alcohol contents and are not typically measured by proof.
