A.K.A Alcohol By Volume.

This abbreviation is used to indicate the measured strength of alcohol in percentages as it compares to the total volume of liquid. A spirit that may be 40% ABV, has 40% alcohol and 60% water content.  The EU specifies that these measurements need to be taken at 20C.

Although there are different ways of measuring the content of alcohol in a liquid, the ABV method has now been generally accepted and written into law worldwide.

Please also refer to “Proof”