Explore the World of Alcoholic Beverages: A Flavor Journey

To obtain any alcoholic beverage fermentation is required and the strength of alcohol is increased by application of distillation. These drinks are distilled from a base of a fermented liquid and have a high percentage of alcohol compared to fermented drinks. Newly distilled spirit (young spirit) is raw, sharp and harsh in taste. These drinks are aged in wooden barrels to mellow and to make them flavourful.

Types of Distilled Alcoholic Beverages:

Alcoholic Beverage – Whiskey :

Whiskey is made by first fermenting grains with yeast to create a beer-like liquid, which is then distilled to increase the alcohol content. The resulting spirit is then aged in wooden barrels, typically made from oak, to impart flavor and color.

Following are some varieties of whiskey:

(i)Malt whiskey: This whiskey is manufactured by microbial fermentation and subsequent distillation of malted barley (barley grains are soaked in water and then germinated at 17°C).

(ii) Grain whiskey:

This whiskey is manufactured by the microbial fermentation and subsequent distillation of a mixture of malted and un-malted barley with un-malted maize.

(iii) Scotch whiskey:

Scotch whiskey is a type of whisky that is unique to Scotland, and is made from a combination of malted barley, water, and yeast. Scotch whiskey must be produced in Scotland, aged for a minimum of three years, and bottled at a minimum strength of 40% alcohol by volume. Some popular Scotch whiskey brands are Johnnie Walker, Glenlivet , Glenfiddich and Chivas regal.

(iv) Bourbon whiskey:

Bourbon whiskey is made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn, along with other grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. The resulting spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. To be called bourbon whiskey, the whiskey must be made in the United States.

Some of the most well-known bourbon whiskey brands include Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, and Bulleit.

(v) Irish whiskey:

This whiskey is prepared from a grain-mash in which rye is predominant. The whiskey must be produced in Ireland, aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years, and bottled at a minimum ABV of 40%.

Popular Irish whiskey brands include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, and Redbreast.

Alcoholic Beverage – Rum:

Alcoholic Beverage Rum is any alcoholic distillate from the fermented juice of sugarcane, sugarcane syrup, sugarcane molasses or other sugarcane by-product and contains about 40% alcohol. Rum is usually aged (matured) in charred white-oak barrels and possesses a characteristic flavour, aroma and colour.

Types of Rum:

• White Rum: These rums are also referred to as “silver” or “light” rums, in general, have very little flavour aside from a general sweetness. Light rums are sometimes filtered after aging to remove any colour. The majority of light rums come from Puerto Rico.

• Dark Rum: These are also known by their particular colour, such as brown, black, or red rums, are classes a grade darker than gold rums.

• Flavoured Rum: Flavoured Rums: These Rums are infused with flavours of fruits such as mango, orange, pineapple, coconut, starfruit or lime. These are generally less than 40% ABV (80 proof). They mostly serve to flavor similarly-themed tropical drinks but are also often drunk neat or with ice. This infusion of flavors occurs after fermentation and distillation. Various chemicals are added to the alcohol to simulate the tastes of food.

• Spiced Rum: These rums obtain their flavours through the addition of spices and, sometimes, caramel. Most are darker in colour, and based on gold rums. Some are significantly darker, while many cheaper brands are made from inexpensive white rums and darkened with caramel colour. Among the spices added are cinnamon, rosemary, absinthe/aniseed, pepper, cloves, and cardamom.

Alcoholic Beverage – Gin:

Alcoholic Beverage Gin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries. Gin is prepared by distillation from a fermented mash of malt or raw grain. The finest gin is distilled from the malt of barley and rye. It requires several distillations. The flavour of gin and its medicinal value are due to oil of juniper.

Alcoholic Beverage – Brandy:

Alcoholic Beverage Brandy is the distillation product of fermented grape juice (wine) and contains about 40-50% alcohol. The best brandy is made in France in the Charente district. The finest grade of brandy are made from the white wines. The brown colour of brandy develops when it is stored in wooden casks. Sometimes, the brandy is coloured with caramel.

Alcoholic Beverage – Cognac: Cognac is a type of brandy named after the French commune of Cognac. It is crafted in the nearby wine-producing region within the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments.

Cognac production is governed by French appellation laws, which set strict standards for its methods and naming. The primary grape used is Ugni blanc, locally known as Saint-Émilion. To be classified as Cognac, the brandy must be distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged for at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. Like whiskies and wines, Cognac matures through barrel aging, and often, it ages far beyond the legal minimum.

Alcoholic Beverage – Vodka:

Vodka is Russian alcoholic beverage (distilled) produced by the yeast fermentation of potatoes. It is allowed to age for long periods in wooden casks. Flavour and aroma are introduced into the purified alcohol during the blending process.

Alcoholic Beverage – Tequila:

Tequila is a distilled alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant, primarily produced in the region of Tequila, within the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and parts of Michoacán and Nayarit. If produced outside these specific areas, it is referred to as mezcal. Tequila, which embodies Mexican culture and heritage, typically contains between 40% and 50% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Alcoholic Beverage – Arrak : Arrack is a distilled alcoholic beverage commonly made in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It is produced from the fermented sap of coconut flowers or sugarcane, and in some regions, it can also be made with grains such as red rice or various fruits. The alcohol content typically ranges from 33% to 50% ABV.

In summary, Distilled alcoholic beverages are popular drinks made through distillation, a process that extracts alcohol from a fermented mix of grains, fruits, or other ingredients. Various types of distilled spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and brandy, each have unique production techniques and flavor profiles. The increasing popularity of these drinks is driven by the growth of craft distilleries and innovative products. However, it’s crucial to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly and adhere to legal drinking limits.