By law in most regions (including Scotland and the US), a spirit must be at least 40% ABV to be legally called "whisky."
It is a common misconception that whisky is distilled at the same strength it is bottled. whisky alcohol percent
In Scotland, malt whisky is typically distilled to about 70% ABV . In the US, Bourbon cannot be distilled higher than 80% ABV (160 proof). By law in most regions (including Scotland and
Whisky strength isn't random; it's a choice made by the master blender to balance flavor and "burn." 1. The Standard (40% - 43% ABV) Whisky strength isn't random; it's a choice made
Whisky, also spelled whiskey, is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. The alcohol content of whisky can vary depending on the type, brand, and production methods. Here's a general overview of the typical alcohol percentages found in different types of whisky:
Most whisky leaves the barrel at a very high percentage and is diluted with water before bottling to reach a specific target. Common Alcohol Percentages in Whisky
It is usually diluted slightly with water before entering the barrel (often to around 62.5% ABV) because that specific concentration is thought to extract the best flavors—like vanilla and caramel—from the oak. The Science of Dilution