TTB | Distilled Spirits | Proofing Tutorial

Envelope Get Email Updates

Distilled Spirits Proofing Processes

Distilled spirits plant proprietors are required to determine taxes owed on spirits removed from their bonded premises. To do this, proprietors will need to "gauge" the spirits—that is, determine the quantity and proof of the spirits.

If you are a distilled spirits plant proprietor, it is important that you know how to proof your spirits correctly. We’ve listed below some resources to help guide you through the proofing process , including our TTB Proofing Video Series.

TTB Proofing Resources

Introduction to Proofing Video Series Graphic of a divider blue line. Part 1 - Proofing Spirits with a Hydrometer Graphic of a divider blue line. Part 2 - Proofing Spirits with a Densitometer Graphic of a divider blue line. Part 3 - Distilling Spirits for Proofing Graphic of a divider blue line. Part 4 - Determining Proof Obscuration by Evaporation

Introduction to Proofing
Video Series (4:09)

TTB's Beverage Alcohol Laboratory offers a proofing video series to walk you through several frequently used procedures to proof distilled spirits correctly.

Part 1 - Proofing Spirits with a Hydrometer (4:29)

Learn how to proof spirits using a hydrometer; this technique is cost effective and accurate.

Part 2 - Proofing Spirits with a Densitometer (3:19)

Learn how to proof spirits using a densitometer; this technique is fast and can be automated.

Part 3 - Distilling Spirits for Proofing (4:54)

High solid spirits must be distilled before proofing. Learn how to distill samples using a small laboratory distillation unit.

Part 4 - Determining Proof Obscuration by Evaporation (3:08)

Dissolved solids may obscure the true proof of a sample. Learn how to determine proof obscuration using the evaporation method.

Other TTB Proofing Resources

 

Green icon with a white phone. CONTACT US

Distilled Spirits Contacts
TTB desires to maintain a high level of communication with industry members, trade associations, state governments, and other federal agencies. For information regarding alcohol fuel, nonbeverage products, industrial alcohol, specially denatured alcohol, and tax free fuel, please view the information on the Other Alcohol pages.

Spirits Permits, Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) or Alcohol Fuel Plant (AFP)
If you have questions regarding permits, applications, bonds, tax payments, etc., you may contact the National Revenue Center.

  • Online: Contact Us Form
  • Phone: 877-882-3277 (toll free)
  • Mail: TTB National Revenue Center
    550 Main Street, Room 8002
    Cincinnati OH 45202

For more information on techniques used in determining proof, you may contact the Scientific Services Division online.

Labeling Contacts

  • Online: Contact Us Form
  • Phone:  866-927-2533 (option 4)
  • Mail:  Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division
    1310 G Street, NW, Box 12
    Washington, DC 20005

Page last reviewed: October 10, 2014
Page last updated: August 31, 2020
Maintained by: Scientific Services Division