Spirits

Spirits are distilled alcoholic beverages produced by fermenting sugars from grains, fruits, or other fermentables and then concentrating the resulting alcohol through distillation. The process increases alcohol content and concentrates flavors and aromas. Spirits typically range from 20 to 60 percent alcohol by volume, though some varieties reach higher proofs. Many are aged in wood to develop color and complex flavor compounds, while others are sold clear.

Common categories include vodka (a neutral spirit with little added flavor), gin (flavored with botanicals, especially juniper), rum (made from sugarcane byproducts), tequila and mezcal (made from agave), whiskey (made from fermented grains), brandy (distilled wine), and pisco or cachaça (distilled from fruit or sugarcane). Liqueurs are spirits with added sugar and flavors, produced by infusing or redistilling spirits with ingredients.

Production involves fermenting a source of fermentable sugars to ethanol, then distilling the liquid to separate alcohol from water and impurities. Pot stills preserve more flavor compounds; column stills enable higher purity and volume. Some distillates are aged in wooden casks, typically oak, which can impart color, vanilla, tannins, and other flavors; others are bottled as clear, unaged products known as white or silver spirits.

Regulation and labeling of spirits vary by country but generally specify allowed ingredients, geographical indications, production methods, and minimum or typical ABV ranges. Spirits play a prominent role in many culinary and cultural traditions and represent a significant segment of the global beverage industry.