Sean
Spirits
Spirits, or liquors, are produced through a distillation process carried out on ingredients that have already been fermented. This can be anything from grains, grapes, other fruits, or even vegetables (e.g. potatoes, in the case of vodka). Distillation takes the fermented product and purifies it. The alcoholic portion is isolated by selectively boiling it into a gas. This separates it from most of the other contents. Then the alcohol is condensed back into a more purified liquid form.
Spirits can be put into two categories based on their color: lights (clear) and darks. They can also be classified into three tiers: top-shelf, middle-shelf, and value (bottom-shelf). This naming convention is derived from the three tier shelving system that most bars use for organizing their spirits. The bottles are stored on three shelves. As you move up the shelves, from the bottom, middle, to the top, the bottles increase in quality and how expensive they are. This is why specific brands and makes of liquor are often referred to in this way.
Spirits are generally 80 proof, but can often be found as high as 120 proof, or 40% to 60% alcohol.
Six Primary Spirits
Clear
Gin – Gin is distilled from fermented grain and derives its flavor from botanicals — spices, herbs, and other flavoring agents like fruit. While different types of gins contain different botanicals, they all have one in common: juniper berries, which are included in the fermentation process.
Rum – Rum is distilled from sugar after either molasses or raw sugar cane is fermented. It can be distilled as white rum, gold rum, or dark rum, with each possessing a toasted and sweet flavor profile. Spices are often added to make spiced rum. Bacardi is a popular brand of rum. Captain Morgan is the most famous example of a spiced rum.
Tequila – Tequila is distilled from a succulent known as agave. Its flavor profile features tangy sharpness as well as a warm sweetness. Patron is the most popular top-shelf tequila.
Vodka – Vodka is traditionally distilled from potatoes but can be produced by grain distillation as well. Classic vodka has a very neutral flavor. Flavored vodkas are also popular. Smirnoff, Grey Goose, and Ketel One are popular examples of vodka.
Dark spirits
Brandy – Brandy is distilled from fermented fruits. In the case of grapes, Cognac is a popular brandy. It usually tastes of very alcoholic, toasted wine.
Whisky – Whisky is distilled from malted barley and other grains. Depending on the primary grain that is used (e.g., corn, rye, malted barley), different whiskeys are produced. The many varieties include rye, bourbon (made from corn), scotch (created in Scotland), and others. Jack Daniel’s, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, and Johnnie Walker Scotch are popular brands of whisky. Johnnie Walker is an interesting scotch in that there are many labeled varieties with the same brand name of Johnnie Walker. From least to most expensive, the labels include: Red, Black, Double Black, Green, Gold, Platinum, and Blue. Southern Comfort is a special whisky that is flavored with fruit and spice.
