Whiskey Alcohol Content
Most whiskey is 40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof. Jack Daniel’s, Jameson, Jim Beam, and Crown Royal are all 40%.2,3,4,5 A 1.5 oz shot is 1.0 standard drink.
Some bottles are stronger, like Crown Royal Black at 45%.6 Flavored whiskies are weaker: Fireball is 33% and Crown Royal Regal Apple is 35%.7,8
Whiskey ABV by Brand
These strengths are printed on labels approved by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB):
How Many Standard Drinks Are in Whiskey?
One U.S. standard drink is 14 grams of pure alcohol, the amount in a 1.5 oz shot of 40% liquor.1 At 40% ABV, here is how Whiskey adds up:
| Serving | ABV | Standard drinks |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 oz shot | 40% | 1.0 |
| 2 oz pour | 40% | 1.3 |
| 375 ml bottle | 40% | 8.5 |
| 750 ml bottle | 40% | 16.9 |
| 1.75 L bottle | 40% | 39.5 |
A whiskey and Coke made with 2 oz of whiskey is 1.3 standard drinks.
Whiskey vs Other Drinks
To count any mix of drinks, use the standard drink calculator.
How Much Whiskey Does It Take to Get Drunk?
That depends on your weight, your sex, and how fast you drink. Enter your weight below to see how many shots of whiskey reach each level.
Actual BAC depends on metabolism, food, and time.
Try our BAC calculator for more detailed tracking
Whiskey Alcohol FAQ
What proof is whiskey?
Most whiskey is 80 proof, or 40% ABV. Some bottles are higher, like Crown Royal Black at 90 proof.
Is whiskey stronger than vodka?
Usually not. Most whiskey and most vodka are both 40%.
Is Fireball whiskey?
Fireball is a cinnamon flavored whisky at 33%, weaker than regular 40% whiskey.
How many shots are in a 750 ml bottle?
A 750 ml bottle holds about 17 shots of 1.5 oz. A 1.75 L bottle holds about 39.
How many shots of whiskey does it take to get drunk?
Each 1.5 oz shot is 1.0 standard drinks. How many it takes depends on your weight, your sex, and how fast you drink. The calculator on this page shows your number.
To see how Whiskey affects your blood alcohol level, use the BAC calculator.
Sources
- NIAAA. What is a standard drink?
- TTB COLA 24159001000570. Jack Daniel’s whiskey label, 40% alc./vol. (80 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 25253001000586. Jameson Irish Whiskey label, 40% alc./vol. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 24310001000298. Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon label, 40% alc./vol. (80 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 23059001000808. Crown Royal Fine De Luxe label, 80 proof. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 23059001000819. Crown Royal Black label, 45% alc./vol. (90 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 22111001000867. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky label, 33% alc. by vol. (66 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 23143001000407. Crown Royal Regal Apple label, 35% alc./vol. (70 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.