The short answer: In the US, proof is twice the alcohol by volume, so 100 proof is 50% alcohol. Higher proof usually means more concentrated flavor and more heat. A few drops of water lower the burn and often bring out aromas you couldn't smell before.
Proof in numbers
- 80 proof (40% ABV): the legal minimum for bourbon, and typical for vodka and many spirits
- 90 to 100 proof (45 to 50%): the sweet spot for a lot of bourbon; bottled-in-bond is exactly 100
- 110 proof and up (55%+): cask strength or barrel proof territory
What higher proof does
Less water in the bottle means more of everything else: more flavor, more body and more heat. That's why many enthusiasts prefer higher-proof bottles. They can always add water, but they can't take it out.
How to drink a high-proof pour
- Taste it neat first, in small sips.
- Add a few drops of water, swirl, wait a moment and taste again.
- Keep adding a little at a time until it tastes best to you.
A large ice cube does the same thing more slowly, chilling and diluting as it melts.
FAQ
Is higher proof better?
Not necessarily. It's more intense. The best proof is the one you enjoy.
Why is the proof different on bottles of the same brand?
Many brands release the same whiskey at different proofs, such as a standard bottling and a barrel-proof one.