1. Intro
2. Understanding Alcohol Proof
3. Why Alcohol Proof Exists
4. How Alcohol Proof is Determined
- Burn or No Burn
- The Gunpowder Method
- Today's Testing Method
5. What Proof is Vodka?
6. The Range of Vodka Proofs
- 80 Proof Vodka
- 90 Proof Vodka
- 100 Proof Vodka
7. What's the Highest Proof Vodka?
8. Proof Can Help You Choose

If you're one of the countless people across the U.S. who enjoys vodka, you've likely heard the term 'alcohol proof', but what does that even mean? Alcohol proof is a way of measuring the amount of ethanol (alcohol) in an alcoholic drink.

Different types of alcohol can have different proofs, so where does vodka fall? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about vodka proof.

Alcohol proof isn't the only way to communicate alcohol content. The most common way alcohol companies worldwide provide this information is through an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentage, but before this alcohol proof was the dominant testing method.

The United States is the primary country that still uses the alcohol proof system, but it didn't originate there. It actually started in the 16th century in England. At the time, there were different taxes applied to different liquors depending on its alcohol content.

To accurately determine a tax rate for each product, a testing method was developed to show proof of alcohol content. Thus, alcohol proof was born and quickly became the unit at which ethanol was measured in alcoholic beverages.

Since testing alcohol for its ethanol levels was implemented, several evaluation methods have been used. Here's a brief history of the methods of yesteryear and how we test alcohol today.

Initially, the burn or no burn method was used. It was a simple system that determined liquor's potency by attempting to ignite it. If the alcohol set fire, it was considered "above proof". If it failed to ignite, it was considered "below proof". As straightforward as the test was, it was also flawed.

That's because the flammability of alcohol is significantly influenced by temperature. Depending on the time and place that the alcohol is being tested, the results could vary greatly. Since there was no way for people to control the climate or space for consistent testing, this method quickly went away as it was unreliable.

This was a slightly more accurate method that involved, you guessed it, gunpowder. Testing involved soaking a pellet of gunpowder in alcohol and trying to ignite it. Like the burn or no burn test, a flame indicated that the alcohol was "above proof" and failure to ignite was "under proof".

The reliability of the gunpowder test was better than the previous method, but it had its own variables that affected the outcome. Things like the pellet size and the length of time it was soaked in the alcohol could sway the results either way.

We're way past gunpowder and burn methods of testing alcohol proof. A more modern and accurate method of determining alcohol proof has since been developed, which is known as specific gravity. This type of test involves looking at the density ratio of the liquor and comparing it to water.

Once the specific gravity method was introduced, the old proofing methods fell out of favor. It gives precise alcohol content measurements, which is what ABV is based on, the primary system used around the globe.

Other proofing methods aren't used at all in today's world, and the alcohol proof listed on bottles distributed in the U.S. today is based on the alcohol's ABV. The proof is calculated by doubling the ABV percentage of the liquor. For example, 80 proof means that it's 40% alcohol by volume.

Now that you know a little background about alcohol proof, you're probably wondering what the alcohol content of your favorite spirit, vodka, is.

There is a range of proofs, but the standard proof of vodka is 80, which translates to 40% ABV. The U.S. requires that all vodka be at least 80 proof, but this standard varies between countries, although 80 proof is still common internationally.

That doesn't mean there aren't options with higher alcohol content. Many of your favorite brands also produce options that have higher levels of ethanol. Check out the list below to understand the range of proofs for vodka.

As we mentioned, this is the standard vodka proof in the U.S. and many other countries. Several well-known brands like Khor Vodka stick to this proof to provide the neutral flavor and smoothness you enjoy.

This vodka proof equates to 45% alcohol by volume. Many of the same standard brands that produce 80 proof vodka also have 90 proof options. This is a good option if you're looking for higher alcohol content without losing out on the mild flavor.

Looking for a real boost in your vodka? Try out a 100 proof vodka. These are some of the highest proof options you can find because they are 50% alcohol by volume. Some of the most popular brands make 100 proof vodka, so for a little extra you can add some more power to your drinks.

The highest proof vodka is 192, which equals 96% alcohol by volume. There aren't many brands that produce such a high grade, but it is out there. The brand with this high of content is Spirytus. But remember, such a strong vodka isn't for the faint of heart.

Understanding vodka proof can help you become a more discerning vodka connoisseur, and select the right brands for you. Although higher alcohol levels in vodka are available, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the quality you want.

Vodka is known and loved for its neutral flavor and color. For the smoothest and mildest vodka, 80 proof is always the best choice. With this volume of alcohol, you can look forward to mixed cocktails that are full of flavor with a mild aftertaste.

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