Definition of "overproof"
overproof
adjective
not comparable
Possessing a higher proportion of alcohol than proof spirit.
Quotations
In overproof spirit, the per centage overproof always represents the quantity of water it will take to reduce it to proof. By adding its per centage overproof to 100, we obtain a number, which, multiplied by any number of gallons, and divided by 100, will give the exact number of proof gallons which is contained in the given quantity of spirit of that strength.
1851, Arnold James Cooley, “ALCOHOL”, in The Book of Useful Knowledge: A Cyclopædia of Six Thousand Practical Receipts, and Collateral Information, including Medicine, Pharmacy, and Domestic Economy. […], New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, […], page 35, column 1
Now the rum, as has been said, was criminally overproof, and they had had no intoxicants for a long time. And so a couple of stiff drinks produced a beautiful and generous expansion of soul. The mean cabin became larger, the fire warmer and more cheerful, and life generally of a more roseate hue. They began to feel the prodigal Thanksgiving spirit, and to regret their limited opportunities for satisfying it.
1922 November 25, A[rthur] M[urray] Chisholm, “A Thousand a Plate”, in Western Story Magazine, volume XXX, number 4, New York, N.Y.: Street & Smith Corporation, chapter II, page 93, column 2
The Zombie, created by Don the Beachcomber, first appeared in 1934 as a hangover cure. […] The rule of no more than two per person was in place from the moment of its conception, due to the sheer amount of booze in the drink, not to mention the overproof rum float on top, and this still remains in place in many venues to this day.
2015, Emma Stokes, “Overproof”, in The Periodic Table of Cocktails, London: Ebury Press, Ebury Publishing, page 139
noun
plural overproofs
A spirit possessing a higher proportion of alcohol than proof spirit.
Quotations
[E]ach degree of the hydrometer, when at or near proof, is about a quart in a hundred gallons stronger or weaker, as the hydrometer vibrates under or over the silver speck or sight on the index or upper stem; at the intermediate or strong overproofs, is about a pint in ditto; and at the low underproofs is about three pints in ditto.
1806, Peter Jonas, “Method of Ascertaining the Strength of Spiritous Liquors by Clarke’s Hydrometer”, in The Genuine Art of Gauging Made Easy and Familiar; Exhibiting All the Principal Methods Actually Practised by the Officers of His Majesty’s Revenue of Excise and Customs: [...], London: Printed [by C[harles] Whittingham] for Dring and Fage, […], page 367
At a Committee of the City of London Chess Club, held on the 18th of January, it was decided to set on foot three even tourneys. In these contests the competitors in each of the tourneys play upon even terms, and they all play together. Tournament No. 1 will be of the Pawn and move strength, and there will be included in the same the strongest members of the Pawn and two moves class. Tournament No. 2 will consist of the averae players of the last-named class, and to them will be added the overproofs of the Knight strength.]
[1875 February, “The Month”, in W. N. Potter, editor, The City of London Chess Magazine, volume II, London: Longmans, Green, & Co., published 1876, pages 5–6
verb
third-person singular simple present overproofs, present participle overproofing, simple past and past participle overproofed
(transitive, baking) To proof (allow dough containing yeast to rise) excessively.
Quotations
The product may have an open or irregular grain because of the following: a. Underproofing or Overproofing the Dough. b. Too Little Fermentation. c. Baking in an Oven That is Too Cool.
1962 August 8, “Yeast Doughs”, in Pastry Baking (Department of the Army Technical Manual; TM 10-411; Department of the Air Force Manual; AFM 146-11), Washington, D.C.: Departments of the Army and the Air Force; U.S. Government Printing Office, part 2 (Production of Pastry Items), section IV (Faults, Causes, and Corrections), paragraph 173, page 134, column 2
[I]f the loaf is overproofed, it will not rise or brown in the oven and will taste of alcohol. Usually, even the act of moving the overproofed loaf into the oven will cause it to collapse and flatten. If this happens, punch down the loaf, reshape it, and proof again. Although the flavor will be slightly compromised, the loaf will be saved. Note: You can only save it once, and this works best if the dough is overproofed by no more than 30 to 45 minutes. If the dough has been forgotten for hours, it's hopeless.
2008, Cindy Mushet, “Yeast Breads and Rolls”, in The Art and Soul of Baking, Kansas City, Mo.: Andrews McMeel Publishing, page 70
Learn when dough is ready to be shaped. When the first rise is complete, dough should feel airy and have a lightness to it. […] With time, you will learn when the dough's lightness is good and be able to catch it before it overproofs.
2014, Tabitha Alterman, “Yeast and Wild Yeast (Sourdough) Breads: Fun with Fermentation”, in Whole Grain Baking Made Easy: Craft Delicious, Healthful Breads, Pastries, Desserts, and More: Including a Comprehensive Guide to Grinding Grains, Minneapolis, Minn.: Voyageur Press, Quarto Publishing Group USA, page 99, column 1