Drinking High Proof Spirits

[CaptMorgan]

Why does the liquor store sell 100 & 150 proof it is not supposed to drank? Cinnamon schapps is one I like at 100 proof as a shipping shot.

[rad14701]

Why does the liquor store sell 100 & 150 proof it is not supposed to drank? Cinnamon schapps is one I like at 100 proof as a shipping shot.

Nothing wrong with 100 proof spirits... It's when you get into the 110 - 120 proof range that you shouldn't drink it straight... If you look on a bottle of higher proof spirits it usually states not to be consumed with out diluting... 151 Rum is a good example, as is 150 or 190 proof Everclear... Just because they sell it doesn't mean you should drink it straight...

151 Rum Warning

Everclear 190 Warning

[Kareltje]

STROH <80> , THE Austrian original, is 80 %ABV and has no warning. But it is commonly known that you should not drink it straight.
Some friends used it to play fire-breathers towards each other.

[Kareltje]

Speaking for myself: I found that one should be very careful about using bottles and labels.
At one time I almost put a beerbottle to my mouth, that I myself had filled with turpentine.
A neighbour drank from a small bottle that I had filled with 80 %ABV. I especially used the small bottle for him to dilute in a normal bottle, but forgot to tell him that.
Now I use different labels for high proof or drinkable proof and I use a warning label.

[shadylane]

Drinking High Proof Spirits
Below 50%abv take the shot, then the water chaser.
Above 50%abv put the water chaser in your mouth, then take the shot
If your drunk enough to dribble, don't smoke