When it comes to alcohol, we all have our preferences. Some like a cold beer, while some prefer to drink a fine glass of wine, some like an old scotch and some like to shoot straight up tequila shots. There are different types of alcohol available catering to people’s tastes. Alcohol is majorly divided into two types distilled and undistilled alcohol.
In this blog, we will understand the difference between the two types and find out which type your favorite alcohol falls under. So, if you are an alcohol enthusiast and want to explore your options then read on to know more.
Undistilled alcohol, often called unprocessed alcohol, has not undergone the distillation process to increase its alcohol content. It is typically produced through fermentation, where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide in the presence of water.
Unlike the process of distillation, where alcohol is separated and concentrated through heating and cooling, undistilled alcohol remains in its fermented state without further processing to increase its alcohol content.
Undistilled alcohol generally has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, or gin. The ABV of undistilled alcoholic beverages typically ranges from around 4% to 15%, depending on the specific type of beverage and the fermentation process used.
Beer holds the title of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage globally, ranking third after water and tea in overall drink popularity. It is believed to be one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in history. Whether it's a lager or an ale, a typical beer generally contains alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 4% to 6%, although deviations exist with some beers having higher or lower alcohol concentrations. Light beers, for instance, typically feature ABVs in the 2% to 4% range, while malt liquors tend to have a higher alcohol content, falling between 6% and 8%.
Wine, a widely enjoyed and ancient alcoholic drink, typically contains an alcohol by volume (ABV) of less than 14%. Champagne, the renowned sparkling wine, generally has an alcohol concentration ranging from 10% to 12%. Certain wines are categorised as "fortified" due to the addition of distilled alcohol. Examples of fortified wines include Port, Madeira, Marsala, Vermouth, and Sherry, and they usually boast an ABV of around 20%.
It is fermented apple juice containing about 5% ABV.
A well-known Japanese drink made from fermented rice, has an alcohol concentration of about 16% ABV.
Distilled alcohol, also known as spirits or hard liquor, is an alcoholic beverage produced through distillation. During distillation, impurities and unwanted components are removed, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol and a smoother, more refined taste. The alcohol content of distilled spirits is typically higher than that of beer or wine.
Gin is a distilled spirit usually crafted from a grain base like wheat or barley. The production involves fermentation and subsequent distillation. Legal classification as gin requires the predominant flavor to come from juniper berries; without this, the beverage cannot be designated as gin. Gins typically have alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages ranging from 35% to 55%.
Brandy is the product of distilling wine, and its alcohol content typically falls within the range of 35% to 60%. Cognac, a renowned type of brandy, is known to have 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Whiskey is a distilled spirit produced from fermented grains. Its alcohol by volume (ABV) varies between 40% and 50%.
Rum is a distilled beverage derived from fermented sugarcane or molasses, commonly possessing an alcohol content of 40% ABV. There is a category known as "overproof" rum, signifying a minimum alcohol concentration of 57.5% ABV. Many overproof rums surpass this threshold, often reaching 75.5% ABV, equivalent to 151 proofs.
Vodka, a spirit typically produced from fermented grains and potatoes, has a common alcohol content of 40% ABV in India.
So now that you know different types of alcohol and how they are made hope this will help you to make an informed decision about which one to consume. Remember, the higher the alcohol content more harmful it can be to your body, so moderation is the key. If you are someone just starting out with drinking alcohol, start with a light beer or wine as they may not give you a hangover. Whatever your choice of drink is, be safe and responsible.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of alcohol?
There are various types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits (such as vodka, whiskey, rum), liqueurs, and fortified wines (like port and sherry), each with distinct characteristics and production methods.
2. What are the 4 types of alcoholics?
The four types of alcoholics, as classified by researchers, are young antisocial, young adult, functional, and chronic severe. These categories are based on patterns of alcohol use and associated behaviors.
3. How do you make different types of alcohol?
Different types of alcohol are made through fermentation or distillation processes. Beer is brewed from grains, wine from fermented fruit, and spirits from distilled fermented liquids like grains or fruits.
4. How many main types of alcohol are there?
There are three main types of alcohol: beer, wine, and spirits. These categories encompass a wide range of alcoholic beverages, each with its own distinct characteristics and production methods.