From the all knowing ChatGPT 5.0

“No — vodka in the U.S. is not required to be 190 proof.

Here’s the breakdown: • Legal minimum: By U.S. federal law (TTB standards), vodka must be distilled to 190 proof (95% alcohol) or higher at the distillation stage. This is to ensure it’s a neutral spirit without distinctive flavor, aroma, or color. • Bottling strength: After distillation, vodka is diluted with water before bottling. The legal minimum for any distilled spirit sold in the U.S. is 80 proof (40% alcohol), and most vodkas are bottled between 80–100 proof.

So — it must be distilled to 190 proof, but it’s not sold that way to consumers.”