Spirits
Spirit alcohol, commonly referred to as liquor or distilled spirits, encompasses a category of strong alcoholic drinks. These beverages are created through a process that begins with the fermentation of grains, fruits, or sugars. Following fermentation, the liquid undergoes distillation, which serves to concentrate the alcohol content.
Distillation Process: The key distinction of spirit alcohol lies in the distillation process. While wines and beers are produced through fermentation alone, spirits are subjected to distillation. This additional step increases the alcohol content significantly, resulting in beverages with a typical strength of 37.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or higher.
Common Types of Spirit Alcohol: Examples of spirit alcohol include vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila. Each of these is characterised by its relatively high alcohol concentration and the specific ingredients used in their initial fermentation process. Spirits stand apart from wines and beers due to both their production methods and their strength.