motobrewer
I'm no atheist scientist, but...
After all that work it still was not over 40% because it would not light with a match. That is where the term "proof" came from....it would light on fire at 40%. If yours does not light up it's not 40%. Even though it is not 40% it is definitely a higher ABV than before the freeze. It is a fun project and I plan on doing it again sometime.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/bi-polar-bear-30-abv-367718/
no. 40% abv will not ignite at room temperature. it has to be around 50% to auto-ignite at 75F. 40% will ignite around 80F.