What do you know about the drinks that come from distillation? Have you ever wondered how alcohol is made? Distilled beverages are becoming more popular as people explore various liquors. Here, we will highlight how different distilled spirits are made and how their processes influence the flavours you enjoy in your glass.

Vodka

Vodka is a famous distilled beverage, typically made from grains or potatoes. The production process involves fermenting the base ingredient and distilling it multiple times. Distillers dilute the alcohol with water, achieving a standard strength of around 40% ABV. Premium versions, like Avosh, undergo multiple distillations, resulting in an incredibly smooth and refined taste.

Whiskey

Whiskey is a spirit from fermented grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat. The distillate is then aged in oak barrels, which give whiskey its signature colour and flavour. The length of ageing impacts the final taste, with longer ageing creating richer flavours. Whiskey production involves mashing the grains, fermentation, distillation, and, finally, barrel aging for maturation.

Rum

Rum is made by distilling sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or fresh cane juice. The fermentation process converts sugars into alcohol, which is then distilled to create rum. Darker rums age more in barrels, developing a deeper flavour profile. Some rums are flavoured or spiced, while others are filtered to achieve a light, clean taste.

Gin

Gin is known for its distinct flavour from juniper berries and botanicals like coriander or citrus peels. The base spirit is a neutral grain alcohol, redistilled with botanicals to infuse flavours. Each gin has a unique taste depending on the botanicals used in the distillation process. Unlike whiskey or rum, gin does not require aging, making it quicker to produce.

Tequila

Tequila is a distilled beverage from the blue agave plant, commonly grown in Mexico. After harvesting, the heart of the agave is cooked, crushed, and fermented to extract the juices. Distillation follows, and the spirit is aged to develop various types like Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Reposado and Añejo tequilas are aged longer, creating more complex flavour profiles.

Brandy

Brandy is produced by distilling wine or fermented fruit juice, usually grapes. Cognac, a well-known type of brandy, is distilled from grapes and aged to enhance its complexity. The ageing process in barrels deepens the flavours, imparting fruit, spice, and wood notes. Brandy is often consumed neat and is known for its rich, smooth taste.

Absinthe

Absinthe is a spirit that distils botanicals such as wormwood, fennel, and anise. The base alcohol is infused with these botanicals and then redistilled to remove bitterness. After distillation, absinthe is typically diluted with water to achieve the desired strength. The spirit is bottled without ageing, creating a distinctively herbal and potent flavour.

Mezcal

Mezcal is distilled from agave, much like tequila, but uses different species of the plant. The heart of the agave, known as the piña, is roasted in underground pits before fermentation. This process gives mezcal its signature smoky flavour, setting it apart from other spirits. After fermentation, the liquid is distilled and aged for varying durations.

However, finding the perfect vodka can elevate your cocktail experience or even when enjoyed on its own. Purchasing from trusted shops ensures high-quality liquor with the ideal smoothness and flavour. Expertly crafted alcohol offers a refined taste that makes every sip enjoyable. Choose premium options from reputable stores to enjoy your drink at its finest.