Tag: History of alcohol

The modern measurement of Alcohol by Volume (ABV) replaced older, confusing systems like the proof standard, with the United Kingdom making the official switch in 1980. This move marked the end of a long and inconsistent history of measuring alcohol strength, originally linked to a primitive gunpowder test.

Back in 16th-century England, the term "proof" was coined through a crude gunpowder test to determine the alcohol content of spirits for taxation purposes. If the liquor-soaked gunpowder could still ignite, it was considered proof of high alcohol content. Today, this term has evolved, and understanding what does "proof" mean is crucial for modern drinkers and mixologists alike.

In the early 20th century, a moral panic fueled by sensationalized crime stories and biased research led to the widespread prohibition of a specific green spirit. This article reveals the fascinating and often misrepresented history to answer the question: **What alcoholic drink was banned** for nearly a century?.