Generally, spirits refer to purified or extracted alcohol. It starts with distilling. Heating a fermented liquid is the process of distilling. The liquid disperses and goes from a liquid state to a gas state. It is then squeezed back into a liquid form.
Fermenting natural materials to produce alcohol can result in spirits. For example, increasing alcohol content and decreasing the liquid substance transforms wine into spirits. This results in a drastically different flavour profile. Take a look at our vast collection of wines and spirits to experience it for yourself.
HEALTH BENEFITS
The health benefits of drinking alcohol can’t be underrated. Mainly because of the evidence that it can greatly improve your health.
However, not all alcoholic beverages can provide healthful gains. Between wines and spirits, wines provide more health benefits. Read more about the health benefits of wines over spirits on our blog.
ALCOHOL CONTENT
Alcohol content is a key matric for spirits since spirits are distilled forms of any organic substance including wines with the abundance of alcohol content. Most countries that manufacture spirits use a particular means of measurement. The common way is to use the “Gay-Lussac system” or measuring the spirits according to “alcohol by volume” or ABV.
For example, a particular spirit that is classified as 60% ABV means that it has 60% alcohol. In the United States, spirits or any alcoholic beverage are classified in accordance with their alcohol content by using “proof of scale.” The “proof” of an alcoholic beverage, particularly spirits, is double their ABVs. For instance, if a spirit has a 30% ABV, it is classified as 60% proof.
CLASSIFICATIONS
The fermenting material is a key factor when classifying spirits. To know more about the classification, here is a list that can help you out:
Brandy
This is a type of spirit that is made from “fermented” grape sap. The alcohol contents of brandy are generated from a meticulous distillation process of grape juices, mostly from wines.
If you’re craving something a little sweeter than whisky, we recommend trying a Brandy from our cellar.
Gin, Vodka, etc.
Distilling grain based beers makes Gin and Vodka. We recommend trying a Sipsmtih from our personal collection if you’re looking for a gin to pair with a light meal.
“Fortified wines”
These are special kinds of spirits made from a combination of “fermented wine” and extracted spirits, which are, more often than not brandy.
These are just a few of the many classifications of spirits. They may differ from the kinds of materials that they have originated from but they are all extracted and distilled to produce alcohol.
For all your wine & spirit needs the Eclectic Connoisseur has formed a partnership with California Wine Club, International Wine Accessories, Purewine, Reserve Bar, and The Whiskey Exchange. For a more comprehensive assessment of their storefront, products and services please visit our review section of our web-site. Please share your next dessert inspiration with our Facebook community of food and drink lovers @ the Eclectic Connoisseur!
