Spirit Dilution Calculator

This spirit dilution calculator is used to calculate the amount of water needed to dilute high-proof spirits DOWN to a desired alcohol percentage.

The calculator takes into account the initial volume and alcohol percentage of the spirit, as well as the desired alcohol percentage of the diluted spirit, to calculate the amount of water needed for dilution.

This will help you avoid over-dilution or under-dilution, which can negatively affect the flavor and quality of the spirit.

It also saves you time and effort in calculating dilution ratios manually, making the process more efficient.

Calculation Formula

The formula for calculating the dilution of distilled spirits is as follows:

Final volume of the diluted spirits = (Initial volume of the spirits x Initial alcohol percentage) / Desired alcohol percentage

To use this formula, you need to know the initial volume of the spirits (in milliliters or liters), the initial alcohol percentage (usually measured in proof or ABV), and the desired alcohol percentage of the diluted spirits.

For example, if you have 500 milliliters of spirits with an initial alcohol percentage of 80 proof (40% ABV) and you want to dilute it to 60 proof (30% ABV), the formula would be:

Final volume of diluted spirits = (500 ml x 40%) / 30% Final volume of diluted spirits = (200 ml) / 0.3 Final volume of diluted spirits = 666.67 ml (rounded to the nearest milliliter)

Therefore, you would need to add 166.67 milliliters of water to the 500 milliliters of spirits to dilute it to 60 proof.

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Worked Examples:

Let’s look at a few examples of using the calculator

Example 1: Proofing Down Aged Whiskey

Let’s say you have a barrel of whiskey that’s been aging for a few years and has an alcohol percentage of 60% ABV (120 proof). You want to bottle the whiskey at 45% ABV (90 proof) to make it more approachable for drinkers who prefer lower proof spirits.

To determine how much water you need to add to the barrel to reach your desired alcohol percentage, you can use the dilution calculator formula:

Final volume of diluted whiskey = (Initial volume of whiskey x Initial alcohol percentage) / Desired alcohol percentage

Let’s assume the barrel contains 200 liters of whiskey.

Final volume of diluted whiskey = (200 L x 60%) / 45% Final volume of diluted whiskey = (120 L) / 0.45 Final volume of diluted whiskey = 266.67 L (rounded to the nearest liter)

This means that to dilute the whiskey to 45% ABV, you need to add 66.67 liters of water to the barrel (266.67 L – 200 L = 66.67 L).

Once you’ve added the water to the barrel, you can let the whiskey rest for a few days or weeks to allow the flavors to fully integrate before bottling. By using the dilution calculator, you can ensure that you achieve the desired alcohol percentage and maintain the quality and taste of your whiskey.

Example 2: Diluting 95% Neutral to make 40% Vodka

Image of diy distilling measuring out the vodka

Let’s say you have 1 liter of 95% ethanol and you want to dilute it to make 5 liters of vodka with an alcohol content of 40% ABV.

To determine how much water you need to add to the 1 liter of 95% ethanol, you can use the dilution calculator formula:

Final volume of diluted vodka = (Initial volume of ethanol x Initial alcohol percentage) / Desired alcohol percentage

First, you need to convert the initial alcohol percentage of the 95% ethanol to decimal form (i.e., 0.95).

Final volume of diluted vodka = (1 L x 0.95) / 0.40 Final volume of diluted vodka = 2.375 L (rounded to the nearest milliliter)

This means that you need to add 1.375 liters of water to the 1 liter of 95% ethanol to make 5 liters of vodka with an alcohol content of 40% ABV (5 L – 1 L = 4 L total volume of vodka needed, 4 L – 2.375 L = 1.625 L water needed).

To dilute the 1 liter of 95% ethanol, you can measure out 1.375 liters of water and add it to a container, then add the 1 liter of 95% ethanol and stir well. Repeat this process four more times to make 5 liters of vodka with an alcohol content of 40% ABV.

Remember to always be careful when handling high-proof alcohol and to use accurate measuring tools to ensure your calculations are correct.

Example 3: Diluting Gin

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Let’s say you have 500 milliliters of 80% ABV gin and you want to dilute it to 40% ABV to make it more suitable for mixing in cocktails.

To determine how much water you need to add to the gin to reach your desired alcohol percentage, you can use the dilution calculator formula:

Final volume of diluted gin = (Initial volume of gin x Initial alcohol percentage) / Desired alcohol percentage

First, you need to convert the initial alcohol percentage of the gin to decimal form (i.e., 0.80).

Final volume of diluted gin = (500 mL x 0.80) / 0.40 Final volume of diluted gin = 1000 mL (or 1 liter)

This means that to dilute the gin to 40% ABV, you need to add 500 milliliters of water to the 500 milliliters of 80% ABV gin.

To dilute the gin, you can measure out 500 milliliters of water and add it to a container, then add the 500 milliliters of gin and stir well. This will give you 1 liter of diluted gin with an alcohol content of 40% ABV, which is suitable for mixing in cocktails or enjoying on its own.