What is “proofing down” in distillation?

“Proofing down” refers to the process of adding water to a distilled spirit in order to lower its alcohol content before it is bottled. This practice is common in the distillation industry, as distilleries often produce spirits at a higher alcohol concentration than what consumers typically prefer.

By adjusting the alcohol content, distilleries can create a smoother tasting product that is more palatable and easier to enjoy. The resulting spirit will have a lower proof, which corresponds to a lower percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). This process not only makes the drink more approachable but also allows the flavors and characteristics of the spirit to be better appreciated by the drinker.

In contrast, increasing alcohol content, aging in barrels, or blending different spirits serve different purposes in the creation of spirits but do not pertain to the concept of "proofing down."