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Spirit Guide |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 04 April 2007 |
Spirits are distilled; this differs from beer and wine, which are fermented.
Fermented beverages are made by adding yeast to substances that contain sugar (malt, grapes, apples). The yeast converts the sugar into alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide (fermentation).
Distilled beverages are made from fermented grain mash or fermented fruit juice. The mash or juice is heated, giving off alcohol vapours. These vapours are collected and cooled to give a liquid whose flavour depends on the variety and quantity of grain, fruit and used. Further character is given to a spirit through variation in the fermentation, distillation and aging process.
The amount of ethanol in a spirit is expressed as proof. In the UK and Canada 57% ethanol is 100 proof. In the USA 50% alcohol is 100 proof.
Spirits can be divided into seven main categories: Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Rum, Whisky, Tequila and Liqueur.
| Gin is distilled from grain; flavoured with juniper berries and other herbs (anise, caraway, cassia bark, liquorice, citrus peel, cardamom and almonds). Variations in the additional herbs result in the distinct flavour of different brands of gin. | Vodka is made from barley, corn, rye or potatoes. It is not aged and has no taste, odour or colour.
| Brandy is a distilled from grape wine or other fermented fruit (blackberries, cherries, or plums) typically aged from 2 to 8 years, Brandy distilled in the Cognac region of France is labelled with letters designated by the Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac indicating its age and quality:
VS (very special) minimum age of 2 and half years
VSOP (very superior old pale) minimum age of 4 and half years
XO (extra old) 6 and half years or older
Ouzo, Armagnac, Grappa, Metaxa and Calvados are all types of Brandy.
| Rum is made form syrup of sugar cane, or from molasses. There are three varieties of rum; white (light), gold (amber) and dark, the colour arising mainly from the aging process. Spiced rums are also available.
| Whisky is made from barley, corn or rye. The majority are a blend of different whiskies made from different grains. Aging 6 years or more in oak casks (other woods are also used) develops flavour and colour. Scotch is known for its smoky flavour (the malt barley is dried over peat fires) and is primarily made from barley.
Whiskey refers to the Irish and American variety of the drink.
Bourbon is made in Bourbon county, Kentucky, from corn (50%+), barley and rye.
| Tequila is made from the juice of the blue agave (maguey plant) in the Jalisco region of Mexico (otherwise the drink is called Mezcal). Tequilas made with (and usually labelled) 100% agave are of higher quality. There spirit has four main types: Bianco (white/silver) not aged, or stored in stainless steel drums for a short period
Reposado (rested) briefly aged in wooden drums
Anejo (aged) aged for at least a year in wooden barrels no larger than 600 Litres
Joven (gold) not aged, but coloured with caramel to look like Anejo
| Liqueurs are made by flavouring spirits with various parts of plants, such as flowers, fruit and leaves. Liqueurs also contain sugar. The most popular flavours include orange (Triple Sec, Cointreau), apricot, coffee, blackberry, cherry, chocolate (creme de cacao, Bailey’s) peach, and peppermint.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 April 2007 )
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