overproof
Adjective: Describing an alcoholic beverage, especially rum or whisky, that has an alcohol content higher than the standard proof (typically 50% alcohol by volume or 100 proof in the US system). "Overproof" means the spirit exceeds the legally defined proof level for that type of drink.
- (The rum had a very high alcohol concentration, above the typical 40-50% ABV.)
- (Spirits with alcohol content above 100 proof are highly flammable.)
- (The rum's alcohol level exceeded the standard proof for regular rum.)
"Overproof rum": A specific category of rum, often between 57% and 75.5% ABV (151 proof), used in tropical cocktails like the Zombie or for blending.
- The classic Zombie cocktail calls for overproof rum to balance the sweet fruit juices. (A high-proof rum is necessary to maintain the drink's strength.)
"Overproof whisky": Rarely used for whisky, but when applied, it refers to cask-strength or barrel-proof whiskies that are bottled without dilution.
- Some connoisseurs prefer overproof whisky for its intense flavour and higher alcohol warmth. (Whisky bottled at its natural strength from the cask, above 50% ABV.)
Proof (noun): A measure of the alcohol content of a beverage. In the US, proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (e.g., 100 proof = 50% ABV).
- This vodka is 80 proof, which means it contains 40% alcohol. (Proof is a standard unit for measuring alcoholic strength.)
Proof spirit (noun): A mixture of alcohol and water with a specific gravity, historically used as a standard.
- The term "proof" originated from a test where gunpowder soaked in alcohol would still ignite. (A historical method to determine alcohol content.)
High-proof: having a high alcohol concentration, often used interchangeably with "overproof" but less specific.
- High-proof spirits are usually reserved for mixing or sipping cautiously. (Spirits with alcohol above the standard range.)
Cask-strength: (for whisky) bottled directly from the cask without dilution, resulting in a high alcohol percentage.
- Cask-strength whisky can be over 60% ABV, making it similar to overproof spirits. (Uncut whisky with natural alcohol content.)
- "Overproof" is not commonly used in idioms, but it appears in technical or practical contexts related to alcohol.
- "Proof of the pudding": A phrase meaning the true test is in the result, not directly related but shares the word "proof."
- The proof of the pudding is in the eating; an overproof rum must be handled with care to taste good. (The value of something is shown in its practical use.)