Определение и Значение "proof"

What is "proof"?

Proof refers to a unit of measurement indicating the alcoholic strength of a beverage, particularly distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin. In the United States, proof is defined as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, a beverage with 40% ABV would be considered 80 proof. Historically, the term "proof" originated in the United Kingdom, where it showed the alcohol content of spirits in relation to the amount of gunpowder that could still catch fire when soaked in the spirit. Today, it serves as a standard measure of alcohol strength, with 100 proof being typical for many spirits.